02-25-2020, 05:10 AM
I've installed A LOT of muzzle brakes/comps for my own rifles and for many others whom I've built rifles for from ground zero. I purchased an 11" 6.5 Grendel Criterion barrel (NFA) from a well known vendor that bores their own barrels but apparently outsources the nitride finish. I clocked a Precision Armaments EFAB brake as usual at 10:30 or 11:00 using peel washers, and then gave a final wrenching all while using a Geissele Reaction Rod.
I recently noticed that the gas block was canted when looking down the muzzle. Very peculiar indeed. I then attempted to remove the EFAB and found that the barrel was rotating away from the barrel extension while using the Geissele Reaction Rod! A first ever for me. I undid the entire upper including removing the barrel nut (ALG Defense in this case). I was literally able to unscrew by hand the barrel extension from the barrel. I carefully clamped the barrel in a vise to eventually remove the EFAB.
I contacted the well-known vendor that sold the Criterion barrel. I was told that without doubt I over-torqued the EFAB and that it's a mistake to use a Geissele Reaction Rod. The vendor machines their own upper vise block by the way. I maintain that there's no way that I over-torqued the EFAB during install to the extent that it caused said separation. I didn't argue and sent the barrel back for barrel extension re-installation along with matching a properly head-spaced proprietary 6.5 Grendel bolt.
I just can't imagine that I applied so much torque value for the brake installation with a Geissele Reaction Rod that caused said separation! What say you as to the likely true cause of the separation?
Thanks, Hans.
I recently noticed that the gas block was canted when looking down the muzzle. Very peculiar indeed. I then attempted to remove the EFAB and found that the barrel was rotating away from the barrel extension while using the Geissele Reaction Rod! A first ever for me. I undid the entire upper including removing the barrel nut (ALG Defense in this case). I was literally able to unscrew by hand the barrel extension from the barrel. I carefully clamped the barrel in a vise to eventually remove the EFAB.
I contacted the well-known vendor that sold the Criterion barrel. I was told that without doubt I over-torqued the EFAB and that it's a mistake to use a Geissele Reaction Rod. The vendor machines their own upper vise block by the way. I maintain that there's no way that I over-torqued the EFAB during install to the extent that it caused said separation. I didn't argue and sent the barrel back for barrel extension re-installation along with matching a properly head-spaced proprietary 6.5 Grendel bolt.
I just can't imagine that I applied so much torque value for the brake installation with a Geissele Reaction Rod that caused said separation! What say you as to the likely true cause of the separation?
Thanks, Hans.