Bought a break it came with a crush washer, but it was a half a turn off when completely threaded. Putting significant pressure on the turning and finally got it where I wanted it but it looks like the barrel may have turned with the device? I did not clamp the barrel in a vice. Is there something I should check out now? Or did I strip my barrel? Any help appreciated have done this on Ak's with no issue but I hope I didn't screw anything up. The only reason I noticed was the barrel is stamped stag 5.56 on the side now it appears to be facing up towards the a2 front sight.
Muzzle break install on stag ar 15
- Thread starter tonytor58
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MtnCreek
Member
The barrel extension has a little pin that aligns with the upper receiver. That should prevent the barrel from moving.
Is the front sight attached to the barrel? If so, is it still plumb?
wally
Member
Too late now but you always need to clamp the barrel before putting wrenches to muzzle devices.
I see two possibilities if its moved as much as you suggest, neither are good. You could have sheared off the indexing lug on the barrel extension, in which case I suspect the bolt head won't enter the extension now because the lugs are likely misaligned. Or you've rotated the barrel inside the extension, you may get way with this if it didn't mess up the headspace.
Also if the barrel rotated the gas block and tube will go along with it and you've probably bent or kinked the gas tube.
I think its time for professional help.
Now I'm confused. If you've rotated the barrel the A2 sight post/gas block should have rotated along with it.
It turned less than a quarter turn, pretty sure the stag 556 stamped on the barrel was on the side of the rifle and is now inline with the front sight. So some thing shifted, the only thing I could see is the barrel sliding in the front sight but the sight and barrel are still tight where they are.
Theohazard
Member
I can't think of any way that's possible. The A2 front sight is pinned in place; if your barrel rotated then the front sight would rotate with it. And your gas tube would be crooked also.tonytor58 said:
If your A2 front sight is still straight, then your barrel is too. And most manufacturers stamp the lettering on the top of the barrel, not the side. So I'm pretty sure you never actually rotated your barrel and you're just forgetting where the lettering was.
wally
Member
This makes more sense. Remove the hand-guards and look at the gas tube, if its straight along the barrel there is your answer. If not, you've got some repairs ahead.
Theohazard
Member
You're getting way ahead of yourself: If your front sight is still straight, that means your gas tube is still straight. And that means there's no possible way I can think of that you somehow twisted your barrel.tonytor58 said:
Like I said, most barrel makers stamp the writing on the top of the barrel like this:
Given the fact that the writing is on the top of your barrel and that your front sight is straight, I'm certain that you didn't twist your barrel; you probably just forgot where the writing was.
Checked it out this morning, gas tube looks fine! I also understand how it could not turn without destroying that gas tube! The front post is still straight as well, must have just over looked where the stamping was and got nervous. Will definitely have a vice the next time I mess with the muzzle. Thanks for all the info and support.
Steel Horse Rider
Member
You think that you may have caused a break in alignment when installing your brake?
Ibmikey
Member
Tony, Go to PSA website, buy a rifle kit and good quality tools, read about assembly and build one from the ground up. Not only will this be a fun project but you will learn the relationship of parts to one another....firing the first shot will be so satisfying and afford you bragging rights.
Haha IB, I do know the feeling of kind of building a rifle I built a saiga 7.62 and the first shot felt great! It is on my bucket list I already have a pas lower and lower parts kit to install but it's going to take time which I have, and funds which I don't! Steel I thought I might have but upon checking it looks as if nothing has slipped or moved.
45crittergitter
Member
That would be "brake," not "break." 
carbine85
Member
Give the guy a brake
wally
Member
Maybe if you plan on doing it a often, but a decent vice, V-blocks (often come with the vice), and a scrap of thick leather comes in handy around the house and garage for a lot more than just gun work.
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