Basic Info on Threading Barrels for a Suppressor

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Justin

Justin

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So, I'm finally taking the plunge into the world of NFA items. I've taken the first baby step of ordering a Tactical Solutions .22 suppressor.

I've got a couple of guns I'm looking to use this can with that don't currently have threaded barrels, including a Ruger Mk II, a 10/22, and a CZ 452 in .17 HM2, and possibly a spare barrel for a Walther GSP.

How difficult is it to get a barrel threaded?
Generally speaking, what will it cost?
Is this the sort of thing that any competent gunsmith can do?
Should I ask them to fabricate a screw-on thread protector as well?
 
Mechanically it's not hard. We do it on a CNC lathe. From a consumer perspective the "hard" part is finding someone you trust to do the work right.

$80-120 depending on if we have to take it apart and if you want a thread cap.

With the right tools yes-- the key word here is "competent", but it becomes somewhat tautological.

Thread protectors are not critical, but they are nice if you are going to shoot the guns a lot without the suppressor on.

For my bolt rifles, I don't have/use them.
 
Thanks, Zak. As always, you get right to the heart of the matter.

As for finding a competent gunsmith, speaking as a mechanical layman, I suppose that would be defined as someone who's able to execute the job such that attaching/removing the suppressor is easily done, the addition of the threads doesn't adversely impact the accuracy of the gun, and that the final product doesn't unduly mar or aesthetically damage the gun.

Prior experience doing similar work would, of course, be a plus.
 
Ask them how they do it. If it involves the words: center on bore, CNC, single-point, ring gauge, class 3A, thread relief, then you're probably good to go.

The threads themselves have to be concentric with the bore, and the shoulder behind them has to be exactly at a right angle to the bore. The threads do not hold the suppressor straight, the shoulder does that. If the threads are not concentric or the shoulder is not square (ie bore is normal to plane of shoulder), you're going to have problems.

The biggest thing we see as a problem are threads that are cut to no spec, or are very tight. This often leads to a situation where the person has got the suppressor stuck on, or stuck halfway off, and can't turn it. Typically the threads have galled and the solution is to cut off the barrel, rethread it properly, and then repair the suppressor threads.
 
I just wanted to add that if the person doing it is a Class 3 dealer, it might be a good idea to leave the suppressor with him. When I got a barrel threaded, the smith asked me what can I was going to use. I thought it strange he wanted to know more than "10-28". He said the threads on mine (a Prodigy) were slightly different than other 10-28 threads, even within the AAC lineup. He tried to explain it/ show me, but I didn't see it- but I'm no machinist.
 
Magoo said:
I just wanted to add that if the person doing it is a Class 3 dealer, it might be a good idea to leave the suppressor with him. When I got a barrel threaded, the smith asked me what can I was going to use. I thought it strange he wanted to know more than "10-28". He said the threads on mine (a Prodigy) were slightly different than other 10-28 threads, even within the AAC lineup. He tried to explain it/ show me, but I didn't see it- but I'm no machinist.
Click to expand...
It's actually 1/2 x 28, not "10"
 
I'd suggest checking with the Silencer Manufacture before having your barrel threaded.

Some 1/2x28tpi cans need .400 length, some need .625

Depends on your suppressor, and the caliber.

There are a few guys on GBroker I've used for threading .22LR's $50 shipped.

For anything else I use http://www.AquilaFirearms.com, they do work for Gemtech, AAC, and a few others. Pretty descent prices, FAST turnaround, and Excellent quality!

For those guns hard to thread... Tornado Technologies is the place to go...
 
It is a simple task once you have the barrel indicated in the lathe. Any competent smith or machinist can handle it. You don't have to have a CNC or anything other than a good lathe.
 
Justin, I would suggest my friend Bruce (I'm not going to post his last name because I don't have his permission). He's based in Pueblo West and specializes in 1000 yard benchrest guns. He's an absolute perfectionist when it comes to his machine work. AND, he started building suppressors with a partner a few years ago and then decided the legal stuff was too much hassle and quit.

I've fired a Mark II with one of his cans on it (inside my shop, no less. Shhh.). It was a work of art.

PM me if you want a phone number.
 
Funny Justin, I took the exact same baby step and purchased the exact same suppressor model on the same day. :) Hoping to score one of the new Ruger 22/45's w/ threaded barrel and then buy a barrel for one of the 10/22's.

I'm not going to take the advice of a friend who suggested I simply thread my existing 10/22 barrel myself with a Tap and Die set though....he's a more experienced shooter than me, but I'm betting I could never get the holes to line up :)

Here's hoping the paperwork goes through....I did it through a Trust, but the instructions from my Class III dealer who was filling out the paperwork was a little different than the ATF's instructions. The dealer insisted I still stick on the 2X2 pictures since I'm the trustee for my own trust...and wanted me to attach a Schedule A NFA items listing to the Trust paperwork....which I didn't do the latter because I don't have any NFA items....yet!:what:
 
Just saw that my $200 check to ATF cleared the bank. Anybody know if that means that approval has already gone through the ATF office?
 
Just saw that my $200 check to ATF cleared the bank. Anybody know if that means that approval has already gone through the ATF office?
Click to expand...
They are quick to cash the check. They cashed mine the day after they received my packet. Then the wait starts. I wonder if they would be quicker if they were not allowed to cash it until the stamp has been issued.
 
Here's a time line on my last 2 suppressors, just to give you an idea of the turn around time.

NFA Item: Suppressor Ops Inc 16th
Form Type: Form 4
Transferee Type: LLC
Form 4 Sent: 11/10/10
Delivered: Sent without tracking.
Check Cashed: 11/16/10
Pending Date: 12/8/10
Approved Date: 1/10/11
Form 4 Received:1/13/11
Picked up from Dealer: 1/13/11
Examiner Name: Al Lamberger

NFA Item: Gemtech Alpine .22LR Suppressor
Form Type: Form 4
Transferee Type: LLC
Form 4 Sent: 11/11/10
Delivered: Sent without tracking.
Check Cashed: 11/16/10
Pending Date: 12/7/10
Approved Date: 1/10/11
Form 4 Received: 1/13/11
Picked up from Dealer:1/13/11
Examiner Name: Al Lamberger
 
I was about to post the SAME question. Funny that. I'll probably just contact Zak about cutting my Mark 2, rather than buying a pac-lite upper.
 
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