AK muzzle break installation question

[Dan]

I am changing from the slant cut flash suppressor that came on my AK to more of a muzzle brake to help control muzzle rise. My question is after removing the old flash suppressor and installing the muzzle brake I have noticed that I can not tighten it all the way down on the barrel to the stop point because the retaining pin will not line up.

SO do I:
1) horse it on until the pin lines up, if possible?
2) thread it on as far as possible so that the pin lines up although its not bottomed out, perhaps some red locktite?
3) run a die down the barrel further to cut more threads so I can lock it down and have the pin line up, if the front site tower doesnt get in the way?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Cris]

Is there any crush washer on there?

[Dan]

Is there any crush washer on there?


Nope no crush washer. Perhaps I should pick up a few copper crush washers and that could solve the issue.

On a separate note I went out to Markham Park today and fired it for the first time. I have to say, I LOVE the AK. What a fun great rifle to shoot. Even with iron sights at 50 yards I was in the 8 and 9 ring. I couldnt be happier. Low recoil, fires just about any ammo, and is a fun rifle, how cool. Now I am going to get a good sight or scope for it to go on the quad rail I put on it. Great rifle. I cant wait to fire it again. Now I need more ammo.

[Cris]

You may want to bring that AK into the shop to get Rich's opinion on your options of getting that brake set up properly. I am not to familiar with the AK's, yet.

[Dan]

I did some reading on the brake. It appears to be very common that you can not tighten it all the way down. Some just leave it while some mill a few thousandths off the back of the brake and some use a crush washer. I fired it already without being overly tight and it was fine. The locator pin keeps it from loosening any. I am going to get a few copper/aluminum/brass crush washers to fix the issue.

[Cris]

I have noticed a few of them right out of the box doing that and never really looked into it. Thanks for the info.