Are the set screw held compensators any good???

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Are the set screw held compensators any good???

Posted: 4/6/2001 3:45:31 AM EDT

I just bought a Colt Match Target AR that has a compensator on it that looks as if it were pressed on and then four set screws are tightened into the barrel... I do not care for this method however If I take it off it is going to take off a great deal of the finish. My question is will a compensator on the end of the barrel hold properly?
[heavy]

Posted: 4/6/2001 4:04:54 AM EDT

[#1]

Not sure, but curious myself.

Posted: 4/6/2001 4:10:54 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
I had the set screws loosen up constantly.They need to be secured regularly.Other than that no problem.

View Quote

Ever try any loctite? I would think it might help.

Posted: 4/6/2001 4:11:38 AM EDT

[#3]

Locktite the set screws. I have one on my Oly M4 type, and it's been flawless.

[frag]

Posted: 4/6/2001 4:14:09 AM EDT

[#4]

It depends on how it was "installed". Who makes the comp? Smith comps instruction sheet states you must "dimple" the barrel for maximum hold. When a drill is started into material deep enough so just the point penetrates, that is referred to as a dimple. I would advise having this done if it isn't and you want to keep the brake.
As far as the effectiveness, I have had a couple Smith brakes and I liked them. They definitely make the weapon louder. [:D] Milldude

Posted: 4/6/2001 4:16:04 AM EDT

[#5]

OOPS! Forgot that as well. Use a little Loctite on the set screws (I use #242).[:D] Milldude

Posted: 4/6/2001 4:18:12 AM EDT

[#6]

I had one on a mini-30. To be installed properly you need to drill countersink holes into the gun barrel. I didn't do that and it blew off after about 10 rounds. I couldn't tell much difference with it on or off. The 7.62x39mm doesn't have enough recoil to make it worthwhile, and I would expect the .223 doesn't either.

Posted: 4/6/2001 4:20:08 AM EDT

[#7]

I do not know who made the break. I purchased the weapon used. The guy needed the money and other than him not knowing his head from his butt about the proper cleaning of the gun, it has had "very" few rounds shot thru it.
[flag]

Posted: 4/6/2001 4:22:26 AM EDT

[#8]

I installed a brake on my AK, a pin on type, and I have to say, the difference was phenomenal. (I locktited that one too)

[heavy]

Posted: 4/6/2001 5:26:59 AM EDT

[#9]

yes,
as said if your going to keep the unit on the barrel remove the set screws,and apply locktite then re-torgue the screws back in place.

i saw a compensator at a local shop in a basket of broken parts,it looked like it got loose and walked up the barrel enough to get in the path of a bullet,not pretty.:)

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Are the set screw held compensators any good???

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