Removing SA58 Muzzle Brake

[3rdpursuit]

Hello guys. I've been lurking around this site for some time but through my searches I can't seem to find an answer to my question. I have one of the SA58 carbines with the short ported brakes and would like to replace it, probably with a Belgian combo flashhider. I assume these things are soldered on....anyone with any experience removing one? Any suggestions? :confused: Thanks!!

[bykerhd]

Do you live in a state with a permanent Assault Weapon Ban ?
If so leave it alone.
If not.....

If there is a silvery looking ring around the rear of the brake ? It is soldered on.
And, that is where the solder is.

You need MAPP gas or acetylene to melt the solder.
Propane isn't going to work out well.
Strip the handguards, gas system & sight parts off, pull the top cover, bolt & carrier & separate the upper & lower.
Clamp the barrel at the sight block in a padded vise with the muzzle up slightly.(Heat rises)
Wood blocks can be used in the vise.
Have a place set up to set the 1100 degree + muzzle device when you get it off.
Fire precautions taken, ambulance nearby, last will up to date, et.:uhoh:

Heat the thing up, remember solder is at the rear.

Unscrew it, LEFT HAND THREAD !!!! That means righty-t loosey, lefty - tighty. Opposite of about everything you know. :biggrin: Vise Grips work quite well if you are not going to salvage the part. Remember to wear gloves as the Vise Grips will get hot rapidly also.

Clean up where the solder was, while it's still hot. Wire brushes, by hand, seem to be the usual instrument. There is some debate on stainless, brass, etc. around here.

You're done. Clean it up & reassemble. Screw on the muzzle device of your choice.
It may permanently darken the finish around where you heat things up. :wink:

[bykerhd]

I should have mentioned. DON't clamp on the Vise Grips until you have heated things up. It'll take a very long time to heat things up with all that extra metal clamped on & it isn't good for the pliers either.

Having a helper(spare set of hands, someone to call 911, etc.) is a really good idea.

[3rdpursuit]

Thanks much bykerhd!!!! :bow: I live in TN where considerations of a ban are still no problem...yet:rolleyes: This rifle does have the silver thingy around the rear of the brake, and I have had a little experience with the Century monstrosities before when it comes to this, just wasn't sure about a DSA. I do also still have a MAPP torch, vise, etc. from these previous experiences, so hopefully I'm ready as soon as I can work myself up to do it.:biggrin: Thanks again!!!!

[W.E.G.]

It helps sometimes to use TWO torches if you are just using the nozzle-on-a-bottle and pliers WECSOG technique.

Orient the barrel muzzle-up, and heat from the bottom.

[3rdpursuit]

Thanks guys!! It's a real pleasure being a member of a forum where people help out and stick together!! I'll definitely be hanging around here for awhile looking for more great advice/techniques:shades:

[StoneyCreekMrMauser]

Whereabouts in TN?

[3rdpursuit]

Sweetwater, small town about 40 miles south of Knoxville.:rolleyes: