I am such a Stupid!!!

[TestnDoc]

Guys,

I just bought a new Wilson Combat 556 from a dealer in New York state. I was removing the flash hider that came with the gun, but it was a lot more difficult to get off than any other hider/brake I have taken off before. Finally got it off, but the threads are stripped apparently. I was planning to install a Wilson Combat brake/adapter for use with my Whisper suppressor. Can stripped threads be rethreaded or is the barrel shot?? This is a major bummer. Thanks.

 

[dlxcupid]

Lets see some pictures. It was probably tack welded on, what length barrel? If it is longer than 16", you can have a smith chop the barrel off, recrown and turn some new threads on there. Shouldnt cost too much, $150+/- ? If it is shorter than 16", you might be in possesion of a illegal short barreled rifle which you probably didnt pay a tax stamp for. If thats the case, dont get caught with the complete rifle. Take it apart now and keep it that way until you get it fixed. More details of your stick please.

 

[TestnDoc]

This is what it looks like after I tried to get the original flash hider back on the gun.....

Before I mauled my gun:

 

[Truck10]

Almost looks like it has a set screw on the flash hider?? if it is a set screw, was it tight on the threads when you removed the flash hider?? if it was, thats probably where the damage came from and why it was so difficult to remove.

 

[savages]

Need a closer picture of the threaded area. Looks like you cross threaded the flash hider trying to put it back on.

 

[dlxcupid]

And theres the pin. To me it looks like a 18" barrel. I would take it to a smith and have them cut the barrel and rethread and recrown. Measure from the front of the upper to the end of the barrel(not flash hider). As long as the barrel itself is 16" after the smith is done, you're ok. If its not, its supposed to be permanently attached to the barrel to a minimum total length of 16"

 

[TestnDoc]

Almost looks like it has a set screw on the flash hider?? if it is a set screw, was it tight on the threads when you removed the flash hider?? if it was, thats probably where the damage came from and why it was so difficult to remove.

I didn't realize that was a set screw!! I'm sure that is what did the damage. None of the other brakes/flash hiders I have had had a set screw. Can the threads be redone? It's a 16" barrel. Thanks

 

[TestnDoc]

Closer view

 

[Truck10]

I didn't realize that was a set screw!! I'm sure that is what did the damage. None of the other brakes/flash hiders I have had had a set screw. Can the threads be redone? It's a 16" barrel. Thanks

Doubtful, the muzzle would have to be cut and re-threaded. I would think you would have an overall length issue if its only 16" now, but maybe not. Worst case would be a permanently attached brake to bring the barrel length to 16" again.

 

[BigJimFish]

Is this a chrome lined barrel? I hear that trimming chrome lined barrels is really not a good idea. I remember some threads when the SCAR first came out where guys were converting them to SBR's and the chrome lining at the end of the trimmed barrel was chipping and ruining the accuracy.

Boy, you have done it haven't you. Here are my thoughts. I would have a gunsmith re-cut the threads right over top the old buggered ones. It also won't be easy because he must get the new thread started exactly where the old one started and not offset by more than a few degrees. This won't make the threads right but I bet that they will be good enough to thread something on. Once you thread on whatever you need the smith can weld it in place. I wouldn't say that its a great solution, and requiring a smith it won't be cheap, but it is probably the best your going to get.

Alternately, you could get a thread die and try it yourself to save cash but that will probably just keep things headed down the same problematic road they are on now since your suppressor mount must be dead nuts concentric with the bore or you could have a baffle strike.

 

[Exo]

Is this a chrome lined barrel? I hear that trimming chrome lined barrels is really not a good idea. I remember some threads when the SCAR first came out where guys were converting them to SBR's and the chrome lining at the end of the trimmed barrel was chipping and ruining the accuracy.

Boy, you have done it haven't you. Here are my thoughts. I would have a gunsmith re-cut the threads right over top the old buggered ones. It also won't be easy because he must get the new thread started exactly where the old one started and not offset by more than a few degrees. This won't make the threads right but I bet that they will be good enough to thread something on. Once you thread on whatever you need the smith can weld it in place. I wouldn't say that its a great solution, and requiring a smith it won't be cheap, but it is probably the best your going to get.

Alternately, you could get a thread die and try it yourself to save cash but that will probably just keep things headed down the same problematic road they are on now since your suppressor mount must be dead nuts concentric with the bore or you could have a baffle strike.

I agree...I would take it to a smith ... a good smith ... and have him give you his thoughts. THAT SUCKS!!!

 

[TestnDoc]

It's a stainless steel barrel. Took it to the best gunsmith around, and he said he couldn't repair the stripped threads. Looks like it has to go back to Wilson, and that might take awhile, since they are backed up big time. What a stupid I am!!!

 

[StoopidSlow]

Just have him cut and pin it I don't know why you would send it back.

 

[Crosshairs6]

You can have the threaded area sleeved and re-cut. Then have the new flash hider pinned. Actually it is not that difficult a fix. Good luck.

 

[seanh]

I'd take it to a smith, have it cut and threaded then find a long flash hider to make up the needed length...no reason to send it to Wilson, unless they could get it done quickly.

 

[TestnDoc]

Thanks guys. Shipping it back to Wilson, and they said will take maybe a week or so to repair. Thats alot faster than I had figured!!

 

[seanh]

A week? Yea, Wilson it is...

 

[Shoottothrill]

Ya that wasn't the smartest thing to do, but hey we've all done stuff like that when were excited about a new toy. Pat yourself on the back for being smart enough to buy a Wilson in the first place. She will be back in your loving arms before you know it.

 

[TestnDoc]

Ya that wasn't the smartest thing to do, but hey we've all done stuff like that when were excited about a new toy. Pat yourself on the back for being smart enough to buy a Wilson in the first place. She will be back in your loving arms before you know it.

Amen to that. Leave the doctoring to doctors, and gunsmithing to gunsmiths! Lesson learned.

 

[johnsmith1775]

New York can't have threaded AR barrels (except for LE/Mil). Any rifle sold there will be pinned and welded. If Wilson wouldn't have taken care of it I would have sent it to ADCO firearms and have them cut the barrel back then re-thread it.

 

[digitalshooter]

What about having Wilson install the brake adapter while it's there?

Since it's going back might as well have them do it for you. That way you know it's done right.

 

[Name Enough]

Can't say I haven't buggered a new rifle out of enthusiasm for my new toy. I think its great that Wilson will get it back to you so quick. Great company with some great stuff. I have one of their 1911 CQBs and I really like it.

 

[nexusfire]

It looks like a pinned flash hider.

Sent from my Z10 using Tapatalk 2

 

[DernHumpus]

Go get a die and try to clean them up. They don't look that bad to me...

You're not going to hurt anything more than it already is...

 

[oldgrayone]

I see a round hole with a hex head set screw in the picture and you are not sure why your threads are fucked up. Have you considered selling your bench vice and pipe wrench and not working on you fire arms any longer?

 

[surfr716]

I see a round hole with a hex head set screw in the picture and you are not sure why your threads are fucked up. Have you considered selling your bench vice and pipe wrench and not working on you fire arms any longer?

Why bother kicking a guy while hes down? He made a mistake, knows damn well he made a mistake and was looking for a way to remedy it. Joking around is one thing but being a douche is quite another... I like this site because for the most part people are helpful and give good information, unfortunately theres also some world class assholes as well. Guess which camp you seem to belong in?

 

[oldgrayone]

Why bother kicking a guy while hes down? He made a mistake, knows damn well he made a mistake and was looking for a way to remedy it. Joking around is one thing but being a douche is quite another... I like this site because for the most part people are helpful and give good information, unfortunately theres also some world class assholes as well. Guess which camp you seem to belong in?

Golly Gee surfr sorry I didn't say please and thank you in my post. I am old school and everyone won't get a pat on the back and a trophy at the end of the day. Now for you sir, why are you calling me bad names? I think you need a time out to think about your anger issues. Please go to your room and thank you for doing so. The forum rules say you should not attack members so while you are in you room you can have Internet privilege so you can read the rules but stay off of the other long range precision sites.
Thank you for your support
OGO

 

[elkbow]

looks like the flash hider was pinned on, don't remember will ever pinning on flash hiders for barrels 16" or longer unless it is a 14.7", but looks a little too long for that

if you are sending back to WC, have them cut it down to 14.7" and pin on the suppressor mount

 

[TestnDoc]

Wilson is going to try to fix my blunder, without having to cut or recrown the barrel. I am going to have them pin the brake, since I already have the suppressor that the brake is designed for. Thanks for all of the good advice. God Bless.

 

[surfr716]

Golly Gee surfr sorry I didn't say please and thank you in my post. I am old school and everyone won't get a pat on the back and a trophy at the end of the day. Now for you sir, why are you calling me bad names? I think you need a time out to think about your anger issues. Please go to your room and thank you for doing so. The forum rules say you should not attack members so while you are in you room you can have Internet privilege so you can read the rules but stay off of the other long range precision sites.
Thank you for your support
OGO

My post has nothing to do with pleases or thank yous or any other civil niceties, its also got nothing to do with getting a trophy for participation. That said I could give a damn what "school" you reckon you come from or what you think my temper is and for what its worth I don't much care what your opinion is of me in any form. Clearly you feel you know a bit more than the OP with regards to basic gunsmithing so instead telling him he should sell his tools why don't you explain how to use them better? Pretty sure at some point youve needed advice on fixing something that was slightly beyond your mechanical abilities and getting a bit of schooling sure beats the hell out of having a stranger take the piss out of you. Everyone starts somewhere and making mistakes is usually part of the learning expirience, bet he doesn't make that same oopps twice. Oh and I didn't necessarily call you anything, merely infered you might be a world class asshole, this is a situation where only the guilty need feel slighted... just saying

 

[oldgrayone]

My post has nothing to do with pleases or thank yous or any other civil niceties, its also got nothing to do with getting a trophy for participation. That said I could give a damn what "school" you reckon you come from or what you think my temper is and for what its worth I don't much care what your opinion is of me in any form. Clearly you feel you know a bit more than the OP with regards to basic gunsmithing so instead telling him he should sell his tools why don't you explain how to use them better? Pretty sure at some point youve needed advice on fixing something that was slightly beyond your mechanical abilities and getting a bit of schooling sure beats the hell out of having a stranger take the piss out of you. Everyone starts somewhere and making mistakes is usually part of the learning expirience, bet he doesn't make that same oopps twice. Oh and I didn't necessarily call you anything, merely infered you might be a world class asshole, this is a situation where only the guilty need feel slighted... just saying

So I am off your Christmas card list now?

 

[shane45]

Your lucky the pin job was a bad one. If it had been to a proper depth it would have done more damage than just dethreading your barrel. It would have carved a trench in your barrel pushing that material out over the muzzle. In my humble opinion your best option, if it is an 18" barrel, is to cut and rethread. If its a 16, then cut, rethread and perm attach a brake to make length.