Quoted:
I think this issue only occurs with the earlier models of this rifle with the tack welded break. The later threaded versions made after the ban appear to not have this problem from what I've read.
I don't know of many that were made during the ban except the ones built by Global Trades on FEG and a few other receivers. Those early ones had threaded barrels from the parts kits and the slant brake was welded on. No way one of those early ban period muzzle brakes would go flying down range with threads and a weld.
The current ones were built in Bulgaria by ISD and were imported into the US by a few different companies but originally GT. Some took the time to unban them correctly, others took shortcuts and put out some lousy rifles.
Lancaster had them for awhile, Global Trades was the original developer and importer that set up the production in Bulgaria. TGI also brought them in within the last couple of years, they were selling them in 2002 but whether Global Trades built, Global Trades imported or TGI imported, who knows.
It all depends on what the distributor contracts with the importer as to configuration of the rifles ordered. Some go cheap with welded on slant brakes that go flying down range.
Read up on some of the history of the first Global Trades rifles.
http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?t=68365