i wouldnt really call it a gap, i dont think that even paper would slide between the break and the barrel, but like i said mine was so gummed up with crud i had to remove the whole break and then get it moving, maybe try that.just remember that while looking down the barrel turn the break counter clockwise( and of course that the gun is unloaded ), but thats just my thoughts....wish i could be more help, but i just took my break off for the first time 3 nights ago.....

also ,do any off you guys know what the thread size, and /or the threads per inch are....tried to count it myself but it just dont seem right.....im such a noob ???