Gunsmithing Thread and Thread Protector Question

[Genin]

Hey Gents,
I was wondering how I could determine what size thread protector I would need to get for my rifle. It currently wears an Ops Inc muzzle break but I have gone to a few recent shooting matches at a local range and people have bitched about being next to me

. I am looking for a thread cap to use for the matches. I was one of the people who got this rifle from the whole HD ordeal and am not sure of the exact specs of the rifle, barrel etc. I have no clue if it's the 1/2-28 or 1/2-20 or what diameter the barrel is exactly. They said they used a lothar walther bull barrel for the build, but am not sure of the exact diameter. Do I just measure with a flexible tape or what? How do I know the thread measurements? Sorry if these are stupid questions.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Thread and Thread Protector Question

Do yourself a favor and just take it to a machinist or rifle smith. A tape measure will PROBABLY just get you into trouble.

You need either a micrometer or dial calipers to measure the OD and a thread pitch guage to check the threads. That's a minimum of around $50 to check that. But someone with the tools can do it in less than 5 minutes. I would offer to pay a little something just to maybe make a friend with resources. $5 or 10 would be a decent offer for checking it.

If I weren't going to use the brake, I would just take it off for a while. Then screw it back on hand tight after the match. A thread protector / cap would be nice. But IF YOU'RE CAREFUL you can get by without it. Just don't let anything hard hit the threads. And keep the brake on it when you aren't in a match.

 

[Genin]

Re: Thread and Thread Protector Question

Thanks Victor. I will see if a local shop will do it for like $5. That's better than screwing up a measurement and then ordering the wrong thing, lol.

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: Thread and Thread Protector Question

when i am in doubt, i just go thru my nut collection, fine or coarse threads i have a collection. i match my nut to the threads then head to the hardware store to use their thread guide or just try that nut on bolts til i find the thread pitch. or you could buy a pitch guide. but you dont have to take the rifle into the hardware store that way

 

[specopsbrooklyn]

Re: Thread and Thread Protector Question

what cal is the rifle most theaded barrels arent course or fine thread so you cant check them with nuts from a hardware store the are called specials most 22cal are 1/2 28 and 30 cals 9/16 24 or 5/8 24 i hope this helps