O.T. AR-15 rifle question

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Apparently either I can't recall my login name for ar15.com or else I haven't logged in for so long they don't recall me.

I have a post-ban AR-15, I want to put a flash suppressor on there. Anyone here know the best, most cost effective method? replace the bbl or just send the upper off and have some one thread it for me?
 
I'm assuming the laws pertaining to domestic firearms are no longer restrictive.

What flash suppressor? Depending upon the type, a gunsmith would be the route I'd take.


munk
 
Yes,

The AWB has expired, I had planned to do this last year, but funds were tight. I'm thinking that the best course is to send the upper to Bushmaster and have them do the work, they'l ldo it for the cost of the parts, a complete assembly (gas tube, handguards, FSB, FS) is $235 IIRC, and $209 for the bare barrel. The only local gunsmith that I trusted is no longer in business. I for the expenditure I'd rather send it off.
 
Dave Rishar said:
Do you have the tools for removing/replacing a BBL?

No I don't. Frankly as little rifle shooting as I get to do, it isn't worth it for me to invest in the receiver fixturing, the barrel vice etc.

For Bushmaster's offering, it seems like the best deal. I've been out of the gunny circles since my daughter was born (nearly 3 years) just checking to see if there is an option I'm missing.
 
Cheapest method: remove bbl and have it threaded by anyone in town with an engine lathe. If they're a professional machinist they ought to do a fine job. Cost is an hour on the lathe, a flash suppressor, and your time in removing and reinstalling the barrel. (Armorer's wrench, bench vise, and a hammer and punches will be required, and a receiver block is highly recommended. If you don't already have these, it's not the cheapest method.)

Not as cheap method: remove bbl and ship it to Bushmaster. Reinstall new barrel. If it's a Bushmaster upper and bolt it ought to headspace properly but you really need headspacing gauges to do this properly. (Again, if you don't already have the tools to replace a barrel and gauges, it's not that cheap.)

Slightly less cheap (but easiest) method: ship the whole upper to Bushmaster with the instructions to replace the bbl with a threaded one. You're out shipping and the cost of a new bbl, and if the old bbl already had a few thousand rounds on it...well, you were going to have to do it eventually anyway, right? I'd think this would be the way to go. Give Bushmaster a ring to see what the total damage would be.

Very expensive method: Buy a new completed upper.

U.S. government expensive method: Buy a new AR. ;)
 
Alternative...

if you aren't TOO rural, ask around or call around locally, and then have the local pro do what Dave suggests with the threading, etc.

Might be a gun club which has members who tinker.

Good luck.
 
Wilson Combat has a muzzle brake for post-ban barrels that looks just about like the current mil-spec flash hider. Wilson will silver solder the brake on your barrel. They did my post-ban Colt HBAR several years before the ban was lifted. I think it cost me about $100 to have done ($79.95 plus shipping). You ship your complete post-ban upper to them (less bolt carrier, bolt and charging handle). Mine was about two weeks turn around time (they claim within 3 weeks).

Check into this alternative. Mine was very well done and would save you the cost of a new pre-ban type barrel unless that is what you want. This really looks just like the mil-spec flash hider when installed.

Jeff

edit to include update and link:

http://www.wilsoncombat.com/r_muzz_brake.asp
 
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