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Posted: 9/13/2009 11:27:17 AM EST
[Last Edit: 9/14/2009 11:27:59 AM EST by Hizzie]
I recently picked up a Bulgarian Type, Four Piece Muzzle Brake from APEX.  I wanted something that would provide flash suppression and increase functional reliability of my 7.62 Draco pistol.  APEX readily admits that this item is a copy but states that is meant for use on firearms, not airsoft.  Their description: Exact copy of the Bulgarian four piece flash hider. This is the best, most affective muzzle brake ever made for the AK type rifle. It is threaded for the 24x1.5 threads. It can be used on the 7.62x39 rifles with the use of a thread adapter which we sell.  

I needed an adapter so I picked up theirs.  Their description: Thread adapter for 24mm to 1/14  Excellent quality thread adapter for the AK47. These allow the use of AK74 type muzzle devices to be used on your AK47.

4-Peice FH     $65
Adapter         $10
Shipping        $8.50
    Total         $83.50

Damn, that was expensive.  No way could I have dropped $105 on the FH alone.  Real deal Bulgarian or otherwise.

APEX sent USPS Priority.  It was well packaged.  Both the 4-Peice and adapter were sealed in their own plastic bags.

The 4-Piece
SPECS
OAL     3-1/4"
Dia.      1-3/8"
#           8.0oz

The very first thing I noticed was the weight.  I don't remember who mentioned it but they pointed out the weight and affect on balance that the 4-Piece had.  I thought "It's just a FH, how much could it weigh?"  Yeah a half pound of chunky goodness.  The thread adapter adds another 0.5oz.  Not insignificant.  The FH was covered in a half dried, yellow oily goo.  It is blued with a distinct brownish tint.  The machine work isn't bad and you won't really notice any issues until you disassemble and start cleaning.  I gave it a good scrub with CLP and a stiff nylon brush to remove all goo.  After I wiped it down and cleaned off all of the CLP I noticed that the t-shirt rag I was using was shredded.  The internal and external threads are both sharp and have lots of burrs.  Next I looked at the plunger notches.  Looking at the rear of the FH the notches are at 6:30 and 11:30 with the wrench flats at 3:00 and 9:00.  Somebody was machining while drunk.  The internal cone appears to be chromed although is has a roughly machined texture.  It was very obviously made someplace where they speak something-ese.  It is solid and screws together well with no play.


The Thread Adapter

I didn't measure the specs other than wieght since they don't really matter with the FH attached.  As I previously stated it weighs a hefty .5oz.  The finish is blued.  Better that the FH but not great.  It has 4 plunger notches located at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock.  The threads were a little sharp but the burrs were no where near as bad as on the FH.  I threaded the adapter onto my Draco and encountered the first problem.  The plunger notches were not deep enough.  That is that they weren't close enough the the bore to properly engage the front sight plunger.  Time for some dremel-fu.  Unfortunately I needed a bit that I didn't already own.  $17 later I have the right tool for the job.  Now she locks up just fine.  I still need to lengthen the notch but atleast it is functional.  I suspect that this adapter was made in the same place at the FH.  Threading the FH on the adapter I needed to depress the plunger to allow it to screw all the way down.  The front sight plunger engages the FH's notch and secures both in place.  There is very little wiggle and the FH/Adapter combo is tight.


Other Observations

The FH adds weight out front that steadies the Draco.  It is at the very limit of my comfort level with that much weight.  The color is off compared the the dark parkerizing of the Draco.  OAL of the Draco with muzzle nut is only 20-1/2".  With the FH it is 23".  That means the 4-Piece adds 2-1/2" and 8-1/2oz the pistol .  I gotta say that I love the look.  Very intimidating.  I will finish my dremel-fu of the plunger detent.  I plan on painting the FH to better match the Draco.  Of course I also intend to dehorn and then paint the Draco too.  Just not right now.

I'll get some pics tonight or tomorrow and get them posted.  Hopefully I'll be able to get to the range for some comparison between with/without FH this week.

I hope this review was entertaining and helpful.

Hizzie
Link Posted: 9/13/2009 11:58:25 AM EST
Hizzie,
That was great.  I was the one who mentioned the weight of the FH.  I could really feel the difference, but never thought to put it on a scale.  Just holding the Bulgarian copy and the original bell you can tell the difference.

When you get to the range let us know what you think about flame throwing.  I noticed way  more sparks from the Bulgarian copy than the original bell.
Link Posted: 9/14/2009 11:18:33 AM EST
[Last Edit: 9/16/2009 3:50:06 PM EST by Hizzie]
Thanks.

bikeman543, do you think that the rougher machined cone is the suspect behind the sparks?  Maybe a little polishing would kill that.

Anyway, here are some pics:



























Link Posted: 9/14/2009 11:25:50 AM EST
On my Draco:











I can't wait for some range time.

BTW-You guys may have noticed that I'm not a professional photographer.  Not even a hobbyist.  Please be kind.
Link Posted: 9/16/2009 2:38:05 PM EST
[Last Edit: 9/16/2009 2:39:27 PM EST by dntama]
Nice review. BTW the pin notches are supposed to be at 1pm and 7pm as the plunger pin on the Bulgarian if offset and not at 12 o'clock.

Did Apex have any idea whre these were made ? China perhaps ?
Link Posted: 9/16/2009 3:19:03 PM EST
Originally Posted By dntama:
Nice review. BTW the pin notches are supposed to be at 1pm and 7pm as the plunger pin on the Bulgarian if offset and not at 12 o'clock.

Did Apex have any idea whre these were made ? China perhaps ?


Thanks.  

Yeah, the notches are just off no matter where they were supposed to be.  They line up well enough to look proper on the Draco.

Honestly I never asked APEX where the FH came from.  I'll give them an email and report back.

Link Posted: 9/17/2009 12:05:50 PM EST
Well, I emailed APEX and was answered by Jeff.  Here is his response:  

Hizzie,

Thanks for your purchase.

We bought them from a reseller here in the US . I do not know where they were made and they do not have the country of manufacture marked on them so I am at a loss. I assumed they were US till they would offer me no information on there manufacture so I stopped calling them US made.

Jeff


My 1st guess would be China and 2nd would be Tiawan.  I'm satisfied so far, but range time will be the deciding factor.
Link Posted: 9/28/2009 12:07:51 PM EST
Wow, 270 views and only 2 comments about the review.
Link Posted: 9/30/2009 1:36:47 AM EST
Hizzie,
I guess you have not got to the range, yet?  I thought about polishing the cone, but I think this FH holds more carbon after shooting than the bell does, maybe due to the size.  After a few shots and carbon build up the next rounds burns off that carbon build up.  This is what the builder told me.  I still want to get out and shoot both on the same trip to get a good comparison.
Link Posted: 9/30/2009 11:25:19 AM EST
Originally Posted By bikeman543:
Hizzie,
I guess you have not got to the range, yet?  


Nope.  I don't want to go alone.  Kinda hard to judge muzzle blast and flash when you are the one pulling the trigger.
Link Posted: 10/1/2009 3:45:50 AM EST
LOL, yeah it kinda is.  I'll be shooting mine Saturday after my buddy and I finish teaching a CHL course.  We usually get finished about 6pm, so the sun should be getting low enough for us to see the difference.  I'll let you know.
Link Posted: 10/3/2009 5:54:48 PM EST
[Last Edit: 10/3/2009 5:55:34 PM EST by bikeman543]
Got it done.  Finished the CHL class and it was really getting dark.  Shot the Apex FH and saw some sparks and some flash.  Nothing to really write home about.

Shot the bell and had freaking fireballs coming out the end of the rifle!  It was blinding, but awesome.  

But, in reality, I don't want a fire breather.  The purpose of a FH is to make less of a signature and not blind you when you shoot the thing.  

We settled the noice and recoil question.  We found no difference in noise and recoil between the two.  At least nothing noticeable.

So, looks like I will be sticking with the Apex FH.

If you try this comparison remember to wear gloves cause the FH will be super hot.

Really wanted to get pics, but none of our cameras could catch it.
Link Posted: 10/4/2009 10:58:05 AM EST
bikeman543,

Nice.  I was gonna try to "Sports" setting on my camera meant for sporting events.  Just hold down the button and keeps taking shots until you let go.  Hopefully one of the pics would be decent.
Link Posted: 10/4/2009 5:24:18 PM EST
Well, I just got transferred from my position where I had access to a nice digital camera that had a "sports" setting.  Since I don't have access to that anymore we were all stuck with camera phones.  We need to get one for our CHL business for promotional stuff, anyway, so maybe we will give it another try.
Link Posted: 10/9/2009 12:25:12 PM EST
Well, I hooked up with my range partner and finally got some shooting done. First I tried the typical slant brake on the Draco pistol. Very large and noticable fireball, even to shooter, and lots of blast. I kinda felt bad for the poor SOB's on either side of us. I brought my mechanix gloves to help with the heat and removed the slant brake without burning anything. Threaded on the Bulgarian 4-Peice and had at it. Where did the flash go?!?!?!? Unbelievable, the flash was gone. Every so often a blast of flame would shoot out but most shots all you could see was the jet of unburned powder with little to no sparks. Muzzle blast was also reduced from the shooter's perspective. This thing was a great investment.

As for the Draco it ran just like an AK should. No malfunctions of any sort through the 140 rds of Wolf BB. She was even sighted in from the factory. Now my next project: Adding a rear sling mount to the Draco.
Link Posted: 10/9/2009 3:14:31 PM EST
Hey hey hey, need a full picture of that gun up there! Not just the muzzle.
Link Posted: 10/10/2009 10:10:53 AM EST
Originally Posted By MAKAK47:
Hey hey hey, need a full picture of that gun up there! Not just the muzzle.


A family photo.



Link Posted: 10/11/2009 4:07:17 PM EST
Hizzie,
Okay, so the threaded adapter goes on the barrel and locks in with the detent pin, right?  Then your FH threads onto the adapter, but no detent pin, right?  That is why we were talking about lock-tite.  

Well, I just got an SKS paratrooper and was thinking of putting one of these FH on it.  Took mine off the Krink and just set on the paratrooper and thought it looked tough.  Anyway, there are no threads on the paratrooper, so I'm thinking quick trip to the gunsmith for threading, then get the adapter, like yours and get another FH.  Thing is there will be NO detent pin, so I'm curious if the thing will stay on.  I was thinking of lock-tite, then just take the FH apart when cleaning and not removing the outer body of the FH from the barrel, so as not to break the lock-tite bond.  

What do you think?
Link Posted: 10/11/2009 5:31:44 PM EST
Originally Posted By Hizzie:
Originally Posted By MAKAK47:
Hey hey hey, need a full picture of that gun up there! Not just the muzzle.


A family photo.


http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/strangler366/DSCN0582.jpg


Thanks!
Link Posted: 10/11/2009 6:46:12 PM EST



Originally Posted By bikeman543:


Hizzie,

Okay, so the threaded adapter goes on the barrel and locks in with the detent pin, right?  Then your FH threads onto the adapter, but no detent pin, right?  That is why we were talking about lock-tite.  



Well, I just got an SKS paratrooper and was thinking of putting one of these FH on it.  Took mine off the Krink and just set on the paratrooper and thought it looked tough.  Anyway, there are no threads on the paratrooper, so I'm thinking quick trip to the gunsmith for threading, then get the adapter, like yours and get another FH.  Thing is there will be NO detent pin, so I'm curious if the thing will stay on.  I was thinking of lock-tite, then just take the FH apart when cleaning and not removing the outer body of the FH from the barrel, so as not to break the lock-tite bond.  



What do you think?


on all the 14X1 LH thread rifles I have done this on, the detent sticks up just enough to catch it.



 
Link Posted: 10/12/2009 11:35:45 AM EST
So the lock-tite works?  Cause there is NO detent pin on the paratrooper, at all.
Link Posted: 10/12/2009 2:27:26 PM EST
Not really.  I tried to loc-tite the FH to the adapter but it would not work.  My detent pin sticks up enough after hogging out the adapter that it DOES engage the FH and is very secure.  It requires a small screwdriver and a bit of patience to get it in and get the plunger depressed and screw off the FH.  Actually it is really a pain in the ass to remove, but well worth it.  

I was shocked that I didn't experience the sparks you talked about.
Link Posted: 10/12/2009 6:57:22 PM EST
Nice looking Draco Hizzie. Think Im gonna get the same brake when mine comes in. Have you thought about puting a utg or some kind of rail system on it?
Link Posted: 10/13/2009 10:52:36 AM EST
Originally Posted By TFARRISATX:
Nice looking Draco Hizzie. Think Im gonna get the same brake when mine comes in. Have you thought about puting a utg or some kind of rail system on it?


Thanks.

If you get the 4-Piece and adapter from APEX be prepared for a little dremel-fu.  I think it was worth the effort though.

I thought about the Midwest Industries rail system, but I need to mount a light on my full size Rommy first.
Link Posted: 10/13/2009 8:00:18 PM EST
Nice. Can you post a link for the thread adapter from the APEX website? I cant find it...
Link Posted: 10/14/2009 2:59:37 AM EST
Link Posted: 10/14/2009 3:14:10 PM EST
Originally Posted By TFARRISATX:
Nice. Can you post a link for the thread adapter from the APEX website? I cant find it...


I can't find it anymore either.  It was on page 2 of the AK stuff.

AK builder has both.  AK Builder

Combathunting has both.  Combathunting

AA-OK.com has them too but they have sold airsoft stuff to other members before so I would avoid them.
Link Posted: 10/14/2009 5:19:52 PM EST
[Last Edit: 10/14/2009 5:20:17 PM EST by bikeman543]
They have them here

http://www.sksman.com/acces/brakes1.php

Can someone direct me to directions to make links?
Link Posted: 10/15/2009 1:30:24 PM EST
[Last Edit: 10/15/2009 1:32:56 PM EST by Hizzie]
Originally Posted By bikeman543:
They have them here

http://www.sksman.com/acces/brakes1.php

Can someone direct me to directions to make links?


The sksman.com adapter looks like it might be more convienent to take off/on but looks like it sticks out kinda far.

bikeman543-
When you are creating the post look below the text window at the row of dark icons.  You will see a "globe and chainlink" icon near the right side.  Click on it and follow directions.  Cake.
Link Posted: 10/15/2009 6:06:50 PM EST
got mine from krebs, and it works great.



KCI UNI-MOUNT
MUZZLE BRAKE ADAPTER


                 
CATALOG
NUMBER 38




http://www.krebscustom.com/PartsPages/KalashnikovParts.shtml
Link Posted: 10/15/2009 10:13:23 PM EST
ordered mine from combathunting
Link Posted: 10/16/2009 5:40:55 AM EST
[Last Edit: 10/16/2009 5:46:06 AM EST by bikeman543]
http://www.centerfiresystems.com/

Sorry about the post, it means nothing.  Just trying to figure out how to link and now I can't seem to delete my post.  Thanks for the help Hizzie
Link Posted: 10/16/2009 6:12:31 AM EST
Nice review.

Exact copy of the Bulgarian four piece flash hider. This is the best, most affective muzzle brake ever made for the AK type rifle. It is threaded for the 24x1.5 threads. It can be used on the 7.62x39 rifles with the use of a thread adapter which we sell.


Part of their description is wrong because it is not a brake.
Link Posted: 10/17/2009 11:30:20 AM EST
Originally Posted By Skillshot:
Nice review.

Exact copy of the Bulgarian four piece flash hider. This is the best, most affective muzzle brake ever made for the AK type rifle. It is threaded for the 24x1.5 threads. It can be used on the 7.62x39 rifles with the use of a thread adapter which we sell.


Part of their description is wrong because it is not a brake.



Well, if you want to get technical, affective is the wrong word for that sentence.  Should be effective.  

But who really cares?
Link Posted: 10/22/2009 5:22:41 PM EST
[Last Edit: 10/26/2009 6:49:58 PM EST by Shrike37]
Originally Posted By Skillshot:
Nice review.

Exact copy of the Bulgarian four piece flash hider. This is the best, most affective muzzle brake ever made for the AK type rifle. It is threaded for the 24x1.5 threads. It can be used on the 7.62x39 rifles with the use of a thread adapter which we sell.


Part of their description is wrong because it is not a brake.


It is not an exact copy because I'm pretty sure the entire funnel and also the interior of the tube is not chromed lined.  The Bulgy is chrome lined in both those locations.  Here are some pictures of my Bulgarian 4 piece.  Compared to the traditional Krink booster, this 4 piece reduces the flash about half to 2/3 of the way (shooting Ukranian military spec 7N6).





Link Posted: 10/23/2009 11:08:17 AM EST
Originally Posted By Shrike37:

It is not an exact copy because I'm pretty sure the entire funnel and also the interior of the tube is not chromed lined.  The Bulgy is chrome lined in both those locations.  Here are some pictures of my Bulgarian 4 piece.  Compared to the traditional Krink booster, this 4 piece reduces the flash about half to 2/3 of the way (shooting Ukranian military spec 7N6).

 


$65 Vs $105  

Nice pics BTW.
Link Posted: 2/19/2010 9:59:55 AM EST
Back from the dead.

I changed out my Bulgy 4-Piece for a Primary Weapons Systems FSC47.  The FSC has at least 90% of the bulgy's flash suppressing capabilities and makes the gun very controllable.  No increase in muzzle blast observed and I was on an indoor range next to the wall.
Link Posted: 5/19/2010 8:06:45 AM EST
bump 'cause I haven't made up my mind yet.
Link Posted: 5/25/2010 4:33:38 PM EST
[Last Edit: 5/25/2010 4:35:21 PM EST by scottMO]
Originally Posted By Hizzie:
Back from the dead.

I changed out my Bulgy 4-Piece for a Primary Weapons Systems FSC47.  The FSC has at least 90% of the bulgy's flash suppressing capabilities and makes the gun very controllable.  No increase in muzzle blast observed and I was on an indoor range next to the wall.


I put a 4piece on my Draco.  Like the way it shoots, but not overly pleased w/the size of it (looks tons better on a AKS-74U).  Just bought a FSC47 brake (mainly because of Hizzie) and am loving the size/looks of it.  Hoping to get outside this weekend to give it a try..

scottMO

From this:


to this:
Link Posted: 8/22/2011 5:51:25 AM EST
Originally Posted By Shrike37:
*snip*

It is not an exact copy because I'm pretty sure the entire funnel and also the interior of the tube is not chromed lined.  The Bulgy is chrome lined in both those locations.  

*snip*


that's a good point.

i've noticed most of the US-made ones are nickel plated as opposed to chrome. considering you use hard chrome in firearms to reduce corrosion and wear, but you only use nickel as a corrosion inhibitor, i would think the life of the booster would be compromised to some extent.

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