Brownells M16A1 20" Retro Barrel Advisory!

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Brownells M16A1 20" Retro Barrel Advisory! (Page 1 of 4)

Posted: 12/13/2017 8:08:23 PM EDT

For those who haven't seen, I recently discovered and worked with Brownells regarding their retro line of barrels (specifically the 20" A1 1/12") having a "relief cut" in the threading. The relief cut is meant to accommodate modern suppressors yet does not accommodate an era correct split washer...or any other washer for that matter. Brownells was not aware of and gave no permission for Ballistic Advantage to make such changes. Due to the recess after the muzzle device threading, the washer would eventually slip into said recess when tightened down. The washer may even pop off the flange due to lack of shoulder support. This thread serves as a notification for anyone who has purchased ANY barrel off Brownells retro line. I will post pictures later to give anyone an idea but the recess will be very obvious. Applying a washer and muzzle device is possible yet unnecessarily difficult to do. Again, Brownells is now aware of this issue and did not specify such changes. Retro on....

Posted: 12/13/2017 8:55:06 PM EDT

[#1]

I was surprised to see the other thread disappear....

Posted: 12/13/2017 9:44:01 PM EDT

[#2]

You should post pictures as an instant indicator for what to look for.

Posted: 12/13/2017 9:45:38 PM EDT

[#3]

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Quoted:
I was surprised to see the other thread disappear....

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Yeah wtf happened to that one, I just came on to post in it again. Brownells is OOS on the correct barrel so now I get to freaking wait until February, maybe, according to customer service to get the correct retro barrel. This is why we can’t have nice things because people decide to screw up a good thing. Thanks @BallisticAdvantage for fucking up my barrel and now I don’t have one.

Posted: 12/13/2017 9:47:04 PM EDT

[#4]

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Quoted:
You should post pictures as an instant indicator for what to look for.

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Attached File

This undercut will not allow you to install a split or crush washer like every other barrel normally accepts, behind a flash hider/muzzle device.

Posted: 12/13/2017 10:50:07 PM EDT

[#5]

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https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/253119/D91AE3AA-0299-4F20-A057-18C739F355D2-390406.JPG

This undercut will not allow you to install a split or crush washer like every other barrel normally accepts, behind a flash hider/muzzle device.

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This.

And yeah, no clue where the other thread went. But I wanted to keep this I formation going and current.

Posted: 12/13/2017 10:53:10 PM EDT

[#6]

As you guys can see, the washer does not fit without proper support. Therefore it slides around and in some pictures, the edge of the washer can be seen overlapping the barrel flange. This is using a GI spec/era correct lock washer. It may be hard to see but I assure you, the washer is on the verge of popping off should it be tightened down by a muzzle device.

And as stated, Brownells is aware of the issue. If you have a barrel with similar thread work, please contact them with pictures attached and this thread noted. They are well aware by now and should be prepared to get things resolved. After going through some various phone calls and emails, I was able to work things out. I did receive two improper barrels at first but alas the third barrel was good to go. @brownells, those two barrels are enroute back!

Posted: 12/13/2017 11:03:59 PM EDT

[#7]

As it should look....

FSB for the hell of it...

Posted: 12/13/2017 11:10:10 PM EDT

[#8]

Maybe time to call brownells and ask for a deal on some blem 20" barrels for a not-so-correct build

Posted: 12/13/2017 11:16:05 PM EDT

[#9]

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Quoted:
Maybe time to call brownells and ask for a deal on some blem 20" barrels for a not-so-correct build

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I mean if they sell them for like $175...I'd say that's a deal lol.

Posted: 12/13/2017 11:18:48 PM EDT

[#10]

awwwee sheeit looks like I got one on my 14.7. I wanted J Thomas to weld my muzzie dev on but I don't think it'll look right without the correct washer. Fuck me.

Posted: 12/13/2017 11:24:22 PM EDT

[#11]

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Quoted:
awwwee sheeit looks like I got one on my 14.7. I wanted J Thomas to weld my muzzie dev on but I don't think it'll look right without the correct washer. Fuck me.

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If you’re sending it to JT anyway, he can probably make it work...

Posted: 12/13/2017 11:52:42 PM EDT

[#12]

Seems like Brownells, or another enterprising person, could locate a washer from McMaster Carr or Fastenal, that would look the part.

Posted: 12/14/2017 12:27:47 AM EDT

[#13]

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Quoted:

If you’re sending it to JT anyway, he can probably make it work...

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John Thomas, can you make one of these barrels look the part with a pinned and welded FH?

Posted: 12/14/2017 12:32:15 AM EDT

[#14]

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Quoted:
If you’re sending it to JT anyway, he can probably make it work...

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Quoted:

Quoted:
awwwee sheeit looks like I got one on my 14.7. I wanted J Thomas to weld my muzzie dev on but I don't think it'll look right without the correct washer. Fuck me.

If you’re sending it to JT anyway, he can probably make it work...

This, that guys got magic in his fingers. Contact him and ask.

Posted: 12/14/2017 12:40:32 AM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
I was surprised to see the other thread disappear....

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Pretty strange.... am I right admin's!

You can find the cashed page here if anyone wants to read it.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/Brownells-M16A1-20-Retro-Barrel-Issue/123-721073/?page=1

Posted: 12/14/2017 5:42:50 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
awwwee sheeit looks like I got one on my 14.7. I wanted J Thomas to weld my muzzie dev on but I don't think it'll look right without the correct washer. Fuck me.

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I was getting ready to pull the trigger myself on a 14.7" until I read this thread. Now the shorter barrels too? Let us know outcome. Thx.

Posted: 12/14/2017 6:25:43 AM EDT

[#17]

Is there a reason you couldn’t hold the washer in place and thread the flash hider down?

Posted: 12/14/2017 9:18:30 AM EDT

[#18]

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Is there a reason you couldn’t hold the washer in place and thread the flash hider down?

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I was able to but as I tightened the washer down, the washer grabbed the muzzle device and would fall off center (non-concentric). It would then be under so much pressure that pushing it back in place would either be too difficult or......the washer had popped off the flange prior to.

Posted: 12/14/2017 10:12:56 AM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
I was able to but as I tightened the washer down, the washer grabbed the muzzle device and would fall off center (non-concentric). It would then be under so much pressure that pushing it back in place would either be too difficult or......the washer had popped off the flange prior to.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Is there a reason you couldn’t hold the washer in place and thread the flash hider down?

I was able to but as I tightened the washer down, the washer grabbed the muzzle device and would fall off center (non-concentric). It would then be under so much pressure that pushing it back in place would either be too difficult or......the washer had popped off the flange prior to.

That makes sense, I can see how these threads would be an improvement for modern rifles, but for this application they don’t seem to be a good idea.

I can’t imagine anyone would have foreseen this issue seeing as split washers have been out of use for decades. Even if they tested one, it likely would have been a reproduction, and different than originals.

Posted: 12/14/2017 11:22:57 AM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
I was surprised to see the other thread disappear....

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Bet it was because of the poster that was defending the suppressor cut. Started to read like GD.

Posted: 12/14/2017 1:08:25 PM EDT

[#21]

Off the rails and off the forum with the previous thread.

Pissing contests generally end the same here.

Posted: 12/14/2017 5:10:43 PM EDT

[#22]

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Quoted:
Off the rails and off the forum with the previous thread.

Pissing contests generally end the same here.

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Which is why I ONLY hang out in Retro World!

SO much less drama in here! EVERY other forum on the web is sheet. (Except T_D)

Posted: 12/14/2017 5:21:14 PM EDT

[#23]

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Quoted:
Off the rails and off the forum with the previous thread.

Pissing contests generally end the same here.

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Actually that one, I didn't really see as being all that bad, strong difference in opinions does not always equate a pissing match.

But at this time, it is a moot point, the OP has received the correct barrel for what he is trying to accomplish, so all is good with him now.

Posted: 12/14/2017 5:23:27 PM EDT

[#24]

I think it's interesting that thread is gone, typically I just see them get locked.

Posted: 12/14/2017 5:26:36 PM EDT

[#25]

The Brownells drawings for the threads disappeared with that too. Was wondering if a flattened solid copper wire would have fit in the slot. Wouldn't have to be 100% of the circumference, leave the gap on the other side of the split in the lock washer.

Posted: 12/14/2017 5:48:39 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
The Brownells drawings for the threads disappeared with that too. Was wondering if a flattened solid copper wire would have fit in the slot. Wouldn't have to be 100% of the circumference, leave the gap on the other side of the split in the lock washer.

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A high-temp O-ring might also work.

Posted: 12/14/2017 6:29:55 PM EDT

[#27]

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Quoted:

A high-temp O-ring might also work.

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Funny.

I pondered this a few days ago.

3 small TiG spot welds spaced 120 degrees apart in the groove was my "fix " to align the split washer. Im sure it would work.

Posted: 12/14/2017 6:34:39 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:

Funny.

I pondered this a few days ago.

3 small TiG spot welds spaced 120 degrees apart in the groove was my "fix " to align the split washer. Im sure it would work.

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Hey Tig, if you were to do some thing like that, would the finish need to be cleaned off in those area? I don't do a lot of welding and it is normally stick on plain steel plate, so I don't really know.

Posted: 12/14/2017 7:13:22 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:

Hey Tig, if you were to do some thing like that, would the finish need to be cleaned off in those area? I don't do a lot of welding and it is normally stick on plain steel plate, so I don't really know.

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The Park/phosphate throws a little fit at first, but yeah, easily done.

I throw a little torch heat at it with the TiG to break through the finish (no filler) and hit the area with a small hand wire brush. Add filler and done.

The finish on BCM A2X hiders is the worst. Fumes and flares like a bitch.

Eta: lots of great touch up kits out there. I use this with great results.

Posted: 12/14/2017 8:45:34 PM EDT

[#30]

I think it might be easier to contact Brownells guys! Haha.

Posted: 12/14/2017 8:47:54 PM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
The Brownells drawings for the threads disappeared with that too. Was wondering if a flattened solid copper wire would have fit in the slot. Wouldn't have to be 100% of the circumference, leave the gap on the other side of the split in the lock washer.

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Yeah I can't remember who posted those drawings either. Maybe @brownells could post the correct retro barrel drawings?

Posted: 12/14/2017 9:33:31 PM EDT

[#32]

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Quoted:
I think it might be easier to contact Brownells guys! Haha.

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It wasn't easy for you.

Glad you finally got it squared away.

Posted: 12/14/2017 9:45:42 PM EDT

[#33]

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John Thomas, can you make one of these barrels look the part with a pinned and welded FH?

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Yes.

Posted: 12/14/2017 10:24:34 PM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:

Yes.

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I think the 14.7 I sent to you had the recess, its hard to tell now that the FH has been pinned

Posted: 12/15/2017 12:14:56 AM EDT

[#35]

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Quoted:

Yeah I can't remember who posted those drawings either. Maybe @brownells could post the correct retro barrel drawings?

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edit - Oops, I didn't realize you were looking for the correct thread specs.

Posted: 12/15/2017 8:54:28 AM EDT

[#36]

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Quoted:

edit - Oops, I didn't realize you were looking for the correct thread specs.

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I'm looking to see if they can post the specs they sumbitted to BA versus the Silencerco sheet that was posted.

Posted: 12/15/2017 10:39:12 AM EDT

[#37]

I purchased my barrel pack in september. I used a crush washer behind my a1 flash hider and had no issues with it.

Posted: 12/15/2017 10:52:45 AM EDT

[#38]

I posted in the EE but I figured I might try my luck here in the regular forums as well...

I’m looking for a Nodak Spud receiver set anodized in the correct grey or a complete rifle... I would be super stoked if it has already been engraved with the retro Colt markings and even more excited if you have a complete rifle with 1/7 barrel. Thanks!

Posted: 12/15/2017 11:13:02 AM EDT

[#39]

This is only hand tightened, but it looks like mine isn’t going to have that problem. The washer I purchased is from Fulton Armory and apprears to be designed differently than the ones pictured in posts above.

Attached File

Posted: 12/15/2017 11:22:54 AM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
I purchased my barrel pack in september. I used a crush washer behind my a1 flash hider and had no issues with it.

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Did you have the recess as pictured above? I'm guessing you got the original batch barrel.

Posted: 12/15/2017 11:24:16 AM EDT

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:
This is only hand tightened, but it looks like mine isn’t going to have that problem. The washer I purchased is from Fulton Armory and apprears to be designed differently than the ones pictured in posts above. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/241013/750A6ADA-BB19-48C8-9505-36C51862FEFC-391645.JPG

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Do you have a relief cut/recess after your barrel threads?

Edit: The Fulton washer is slightly thicker and might have a tighter inside diameter compared to stock GI.

Posted: 12/15/2017 12:03:40 PM EDT

[#42]

Quote History

Quoted:

Do you have a relief cut/recess after your barrel threads?

Edit: The Fulton washer is slightly thicker and might have a tighter inside diameter compared to stock GI.

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My barrel does have the relief cut. And yes, it appears the Fulton washer is thicker.

Posted: 12/15/2017 12:39:24 PM EDT

[#43]

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Quoted:

If you’re sending it to JT anyway, he can probably make it work...

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you are correct JT could do it, but why can you not return the barrel to brownells?

Posted: 12/15/2017 1:35:16 PM EDT

[#44]

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Quoted:

My barrel does have the relief cut. And yes, it appears the Fulton washer is thicker.

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The Fulton washer is to thick to drop into the recess

Posted: 12/15/2017 1:37:23 PM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
I posted in the EE but I figured I might try my luck here in the regular forums as well...

I’m looking for a Nodak Spud receiver set anodized in the correct grey or a complete rifle... I would be super stoked if it has already been engraved with the retro Colt markings and even more excited if you have a complete rifle with 1/7 barrel. Thanks!

View Quote

Not my ad or know who it is but there's an engraved one on GB for $2,750 bin price

Posted: 12/15/2017 3:05:19 PM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
Not my ad or know who it is but there's an engraved one on GB for $2,750 bin price

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I posted in the EE but I figured I might try my luck here in the regular forums as well...

I’m looking for a Nodak Spud receiver set anodized in the correct grey or a complete rifle... I would be super stoked if it has already been engraved with the retro Colt markings and even more excited if you have a complete rifle with 1/7 barrel. Thanks!

Not my ad or know who it is but there's an engraved one on GB for $2,750 bin price

Is that a typo?

Posted: 12/15/2017 3:56:24 PM EDT

[#47]

Quote History

Quoted:
Not my ad or know who it is but there's an engraved one on GB for $2,750 bin price

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I posted in the EE but I figured I might try my luck here in the regular forums as well...

I’m looking for a Nodak Spud receiver set anodized in the correct grey or a complete rifle... I would be super stoked if it has already been engraved with the retro Colt markings and even more excited if you have a complete rifle with 1/7 barrel. Thanks!

Not my ad or know who it is but there's an engraved one on GB for $2,750 bin price

My thoughts exactly... A little steep if you ask me.

Posted: 12/15/2017 8:26:25 PM EDT

[#48]

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Quoted:

The Fulton washer is to thick to drop into the recess

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Seems like any easy fix then it would seem.

Posted: 12/15/2017 9:00:39 PM EDT

[#49]

Quote History

Quoted:
Seems like any easy fix then it would seem.

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Quoted:

Quoted:

The Fulton washer is to thick to drop into the recess

Seems like any easy fix then it would seem.

It wouldn’t be correct, if you aren’t going correct you may as well use a crush washer.

Posted: 12/15/2017 9:29:37 PM EDT

[#50]

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Quoted:

It wouldn’t be correct, if you aren’t going correct you may as well use a crush washer.

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The barrel itself isn’t “correct” to begin with, it’s a repro. I don’t see a problem with using a repro washer with a repro barrel.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Brownells M16A1 20" Retro Barrel Advisory! (Page 1 of 4)

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