TIG is the only way to go!! -- Have had 3 done with no problems. -- My guy takes a small thin blade grinder, (like a moto tool) and makes 4 very small slots about 1/8" deep x 1/8" wide x 1/8" long at the junction of the BBL, washer and brake. -- He then puts a ring of heatsink putty, (looks like silly putty) around the BBL & brake approx. 1/2" back from the joint. -- He uses a very small tungsten and tiny 70,000 psi filler rod and fills the small slot flush to the BBL. -- When he is done you can lay your bare hand on the welds, (very low heat input). -- No grinding needed and the point of impact is not changed. -- One thing I have noticed is that on one upper I put a brake on, It will now handle Malayasian ammo where before with the flash hider It would not take the bolt all the way back, about 1/2 the time. -- Must have raised the BBL pressure just a tad.-- Good Luck on your project. -- ALLONS11