Suppressors Thread Adapters: yes or no?

[Downzero]

I've heard a lot of horror stories about thread adapters.

I am thinking of getting a .30 cal can, and I would like the possibility of using it on an AR. One of my ARs already has 1/2" threading, but future ARs could theoretically be any size I want.

I really would like the option to use readily-available muzzle brakes or the suppressor, which for .223 and similar means 1/2" threading (probably 1/2-28). The .30 cal can would probably be 5/8-24.

What do you guys think about thread adapters? Over the years, I've seen horror stories about them, which has me a bit worried. It'd seem that if shooting .223 through a .30 can, if the thread adapter were not perfectly concentric to the bore, that there would be accuracy problems long before a baffle strike (which is a good thing, as an indicator to stop using it!).

Is it a really bad idea to use a thread adapter? It seems that there are good arguments on both sides, and the use of it might be temporary if I get a 5.56 can down the road.

 

[HPLLC]

Re: Thread Adapters: yes or no?

If you have a properly designed thread adaptor, and install it with a wrench and considerable torque, it should be fine for light to moderate use.

AKA not full auto use.

Technically near perfect mating should be possible if the adaptor is well designed and properly manufactured. Given a .224 bullet has a lot of clearance in a .30 caliber bore (~.340-.375), you should be fine using a thread adaptor to mate a 30 cal can to a 5.56 rifle.

If you want more insurance from issues, you could install the adaptor to the 5.56 firearm barrel with the wrench and then use the 5/8x24 30 cal like a thread mount (just check tightening occasionally).

<span style="font-weight: bold">As with every new settup, pulling the bolt and looking through the bore for aligment will go a long way toward safe and trouble free use of the device. </span>

Bad design features I've seen are adaptors that integrate flats on the surface that meets the suppressor or barrel. That surface should be round in order to align the suppressor. Flats (AKA 3/4" on a 5/8" threaded junction could potentially result in less support on those sides leading to potentially poor alignment of the suppressor.