7 mag muzzle brake questions/concerns

**PatrickBruce** · 11-28-2023, 10:37 AM

Hi, I have a 1991 savage 110 L in 7 rem mag, I measured the barrel length at 26 inches with the muzzle brake attached. Here's my main question, did savage install brakes at the factory in 1991? If so, is there a way to get the bugger off? It is showing some wear on the holes closest to the end of the barrel. Almost like pitting. I'm concerned that if I try to twist it off it'll break. I'd like to replace it without having to buy a new barrel....

I'll try to post some pictures of it later today...

Thanks,
Patrick

**Dave Hoback** · 11-28-2023, 10:42 AM

It could be silver soldered. But my guess is it’s simply frozen. A barrel vice would make things easier. What style brake is it? Does it have flats for a wrench, or simply holes?

**Bleeb** · 11-28-2023, 11:24 AM

It also may be Loctited on, in which case some heat from a heat gun or even a blow drier will help. Try that too.

One of the oldest machinist's tricks to break threads free is a sharp impact with a hammer and punch to shatter a bond. Works great on lugs, studs, bolts and such, but one has to be careful employing that procedure on a gun barrel. Iffen you plan to dispose of the muzzle brake, then I wouldn't hesitate to give it a tapity-tap on the muzzle end with a small hammer. It's already dead - so don't try to kill it. It's the sharpness of the blow, not overwhelming force, which breaks any bonds.

**PatrickBruce** · 11-28-2023, 11:48 AM

Thank you for the advice :) I'm kinda scared to apply heat (fear of ruining the barrel....), I might give the tapity-tap method a try. Then I'll be able to measure threads as well.

**Bleeb** · 11-28-2023, 12:08 PM

Don't be scared. Try the heat method first. The heat generated from a heat gun or hair dryer pales in comaprison to that of firing cartridges. You are only heating the muzzle brake to warm/hot-to-the-touch. That's all it takes. The barrel will not get any warmer than from that of firing.

That's a radial brake. Do you have a vise with soft jaws? If not use a leather belt or something to hold the barrel in the vise. If not, use your best Kung Fu grip. Find a philips screwdriver that fits all the way through the side (ports) holes. Heat the barrel and use the screwdriver leverage to loosen it. If you still can't, hit the screwdriver handle with a hammer.

**PatrickBruce** · 11-28-2023, 12:14 PM

Ok. I have a heat gun and access to a vise. Should I use the middle holes or the ones closest to the threaded end of the brake? Assuming lefty loosey, righty tighty? I hope it isn't reverse threaded.....