Loose Muzzle Brake

[Cump]

Out of the box, the muzzle brake on my new CAI Centurion Classic was loose. When I tighten it down until it contacts the sight post, the brake doesn't align. When I back it out an eighth of a turn to line it up, there's some wiggle.

This is my first rifle with a muzzle device. Is this normal? Should I just apply loctite (I have my doubts) or take some other action? My other thought is to incrementally file/sand down the base of the break until I can complete the turn ...

 

[freepunk]

You can purchase a shim set that will help line things up if you are able to completely remove the brake. I used one on my PMI brake on a recent AR. Worked good.

 

[Cump]

Thanks. That's an idea.

One complication: There's a detent that locks the muzzle brake in place.

 

[Davek1977]

Can't you push the detent in and go ahead and unscrew the muzzle brake? Thats why its there.....

 

[hentown]

Never handled this AK variant. Would an AR-style crush washer work?

 

[Cump]

I could tighten it down, depressing the detent, if I used a washer or shim. If I tighten it down all the way without, the brake doesn't align.

I've read online that this isn't out of the norm with other ak variants, but I'm not particularly comfortable with potential movement with each shot.

 

[Cump]

I think I might find a silicone washer, which might allow the detent to engage while reducing slop.

 

[ThePenguinKnight]

My saiga AK has a loose ak74-style muzzle brake, sounds similar to yours. It bothered me at first, but it does not affect accuracy or point of impact, and I don't notice it anymore.

The point of the detent is to allow indexing of the brake without having to perfectly machine the threads on every rifle. A little slop is an accepted part of the design.

An alternative to crush washers is to shave some material, bit by bit, from the rear of the muzzle device till it locks up snugly in the correctly indexed position. I thought of doing this with my Saiga, but I suspect it will eventually loosen up again. Maybe it won't, idk. I stopped thinking about it =P

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

I'm pretty sure it's normal for an AKM. My vector is the same way. The detent keeps it from turning and since it doesn't contact the bore it doesn't affect anything. What are you worried about? Does it have enough slop to make noise or something when shooting?