Changing muzzle brakes

[jamie404]

Is changing a muzzle brake something I can do on my own or should I got a gunsmith and pay them $80-$100 to do it?

If I can do it on my own, what tools should I have?

[divingin]

Depends on what gun you're dealing with, and how your brake is attached. And what tools you have at our disposal.

You'll likely need (at bare minimum) a barrel vise, a tool to wrench on the brake (crescent wrench may work if there are flats, something else if there aren't), and possibly a propane torch to disable any threadlocker that might have been used.

Depending on how it's on it may require a lot more than mentioned above.

[foxtrotuniformlima]

Is the existing one pinned and welded?

Removal and replacement is pretty straightforward. Lots of youtube videos on it.

[jamie404]

Is the existing one pinned and welded?

Removal and replacement is pretty straightforward. Lots of youtube videos on it.

I don't believe that it is pinned and welded as the barrel itself is over 16" long.

[godofgamblers]

Is this on an AR15? If it is, I would do it myself. Ar15 upper vise (or barrel vise), just a regular wrench, and a crush washer so you don't have to deal with timing.

[jamie404]

Is this on an AR15? If it is, I would do it myself. Ar15 upper vise (or barrel vise), just a regular wrench, and a crush washer so you don't have to deal with timing.

an AR15 and a MDR.

[Paperchasin]

Where are you located??

[jamie404]

Where are you located??

bay area

[ar15barrels]

Is changing a muzzle brake something I can do on my own or should I got a gunsmith and pay them $80-$100 to do it?

If I can do it on my own, what tools should I have?

If you already have a bench vise, you need an upper block and a wrench.
If you are only doing one, it's usually cheaper to have someone do it.
If you plan to be doing a bunch more upper assembly work, then get the tools.

If it's just threaded on, it should not be anywhere near $80 to $100 unless you are also including the cost of the new brake.
I charge $20 to swap muzzle devices that just thread on.

Now if it's perm attached, then it's more work and more expensive accordingly.
I charge $40 to cut off a perm attached muzzle device and $50 to perm attach a steel muzzle device or $80 to perm attach an aluminum or titanium muzzle device.

[Fjold]

You can mail the upper anywhere, it's not a gun.

[jamie404]

You can mail the upper anywhere, it's not a gun.

After shipping it will probably be about the same. At that point I'd pay a little more to have done the same day.

[Paperchasin]

bay area

If you were in SoCal I'd do it for ya. Good luck with it!

[jamie404]

If you were in SoCal I'd do it for ya. Good luck with it!

The rates my LGSs charge are insane. It almost makes more sense to go to a smaller town and hour away.

[Paperchasin]

OP- Do you have a vice? Or something mounted down that you can use a clamp? Might I also ask the specifics of your plans? i.e. what are you removing and what are you installing? Feel free to PM me the info. Just trying to help.

[jamie404]

OP- Do you have a vice? Or something mounted down that you can use a clamp? Might I also ask the specifics of your plans? i.e. what are you removing and what are you installing? Feel free to PM me the info. Just trying to help.

I have a some chinesium tools. I probably also have a chinesium crescent wrench. I have a featureless AR15. I want to take off the factory brake and replace it with a surefire or strike industries brake. The new brake will be able to accept the strike industries oppressor or the surefire warden.