Smith muzzle brake for Mini-14

duster68

I was thinking about getting one of these muzzle brakes for my mini-14. This particular brake is secured with set screws. A few questions. Since I'll be using screws, does this mean I have to drill into the barrel of the gun? How many screws? Do I have to have a gunsmith install it? How secure and stable is it and does it signicantly improve the performance of the gun?

competentone

duster,I have a Smith Enterprises muzzle brake on my Mini 30; it reduces felt recoil and barrel lift significantly--recoil for the 7.62x39 round is more significant than for the .223, but I guess it would make some difference if you installed one on the MIni 14.On my Mini 14, I have a less efficient slip-on brake; it's a lot easier to install than the set-screw Smith brake--I don't have it on for recoil reduction as much as for protection to protect the tip of my barrel.The set-screws do "cut" into the barrel (one could drill or file a recess for extra security); the Smith brake for my Mini 30 was a very tight fit--had to use moderate tapping to slide it on; I used Loctite--just the Blue, but the more permanent Red Loctite would be better (I use small marks to verify that neither the set-screws or brake itself shifts position).It is a do-it-yourself installation, if you're comfortable with mechanical things; but if you're not 100% sure of your technical abilities, I would suggest having a gunsmith install it--those bullets are leaving your barrel at super-sonic speed; you wouldn't want them hitting a muzzle brake which was slipping off your barrel.

duster68

Thanks for the reply and information. I'll give it a try myself. How many screws are used to lock it down? I'm assuming that if you use locktite, the brake becomes a permanent attachment to the gun. True? I've considered the flash suppressor 'cause it looks so cool, but I'm not sure of the legality here in CA. Anyway, I think a brake is more functional.

competentone

From memory: I believe it is four screws.Loctite red, would make it pretty permanent--I believe it has to be heated to around 500 degrees F. to soften the red Loctite.Loctite blue, can be removed with regular tools.

luger01

Duster,There are four screws. Yes, you need to mill/drill out four recesses for the set screws to go into. Just tightening them down will result in the brake eventually being shot off the rifle. (This happened to me). Just super tight and blue locktite will eventually give way and the brake will work off until a bullet contacts it and it flys downrange. Darn embarassing and potentially dangerous.Mill out recesses where the screws contact the barrel. Make sure they are deep enough so the screws seat into the recesses. Put locktite on the set screw threads, crank them down tight and let dry.