can the muzzle brake be removed with a wrench and maybe a torch. Or do you have to cut them off, and have barrel rethreaded?

Should just unscrew with a wrench.
I think its really a flash suppressor thou.

Here is a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj4p7WyXe8Y

It is a flash suppressor nothing more, and it is threaded to 1/2x28 threads although I think I have read in some postings that some states have to be pinned on but not knowing what state you live in I cant tell you if your in one of those states, My new muzzle brake will be here this week. ZT6 got his already.

__________________
Grover Oathkeeper

eyes... you should think about getting a muzzle brake for your gun... it would totally add even more of a sniper look to your gun


muzzlebrakesrus.com

I really like Jason's work. Thanks again for the contact Oneye.
Hope the picture posts

Attached Images

DSC_0186.jpg (81.7 KB, 811 views)

ZT6....Looks so good!! Jason does great work.
Mr. Bane...Got a Custom one coming very similar to the one ZT6 has but not exactly the same. It will be here thursday.
DSC00654 (1024x685).jpg
This is just one style, the man making them is very reasonably priced and will make one anyway a person would want, out of whatever material, with what ever finish.

__________________
Grover Oathkeeper

I'm thinking about going with a suppressor on this gun.

Suprressor's are nice, to have one where I live I think you have to jump through hoops so I dont know anyone with one (that I know of anyway) I like brakes but I shoot for distance accurately. To each his own.

__________________
Grover Oathkeeper

does he have a link?

Nope but he has an email, he makes them to order and communicates well. I found him while I was looking for a muzzle brake and was not happy with what I was finding. Hi name is Jason Jones and you can email him at .. [email protected]

Tell him that I referred you or you heard about him here in the forum. I promise he is fair and real good and quick. You can also ask ZeroTolerance6 what he thinks.
Grover

__________________
Grover Oathkeeper

The Sports that are sold here in NY just have a plain barrel, no flash suppressor or brake, no threaded barrel. I have read that a muzzel brake makes the gun louder to shoot to the shooter and also to anyone next to the shooter, like at a range. Can anyone verify this ?

As Oneye said, Jason is an honest business man that I would easily refer anyone to. He was always up front about what he thought would work, what would be best for the customer and stands behind his work. His communication is excellent and prices are very fair.
Best of luck with whatever you decide.
ZT6

I can verify that the bird cage flash suppressor does make it louder to the person next to you. Some muzzle brakes also do it. More often than not any of the muzzle devices will make your rifle louder to those around you. Thats been my experience. The plus side is they can help control muzzle flip and felt recoil plus help keep you sighted for a quick follow up shot.

__________________
Grover Oathkeeper

I'm a new AR owner and don't really have a clue what I am doing so bear with me.. Is there different sizes of muzzle breaks and if so what do I need for an M&P15 sport? Also any suggestions on what to get? Do they reduce noise or just recoil? Thanks

There are two important numbers in regard to muzzle devices. First is threading. Most common for smaller bullet diameters is 1/2x28, which is what the M&P and just about all AR15s have. Second is hole diameter, the size of the hole the bullet will pass through. Being slightly larger than bullet diameter is what you want.

I think flash hiders are non-directional, so I would call the M&P device a muzzle brake as the holes are only on the top half.

As for why people change them, mostly just for looks. None of them reduce noise. They may redirect it but most will redirect it sideways which is a stupid, obnoxious, inconsiderate option to go with if you shoot at a range with other people. Your paper target isn't the Viet Cong, you don't need to hide your position.

You don't need a different muzzle device. Unless it's a suppressor.

Except for suppressors, no muzzle device reduces noise. Flash suppressors reduce the muzzle flash in low light conditions. Some have the bottom unopen to reduce or eliminate dirt being kicked up from the muzzle blast.

Muzzle brakes redirect the muzzle blast to reduce recoil and/or muzzle rise. Again, most have a solid bottom to minimize dirt disturbance. Most direct gasses off to the sides and rear ward for the braking action. Some direct the gasses rear ward and upward to reduce recoil and muzzle rise. Others have holes on the sides and the top to do the same thing. Some also have a slant on their muzzle to reduce muzzle rise. And there are also linear muzzle brakes that direct the gasses forward but I'm not exactly sure how they work in reducing recoil.

Not all muzzle devices are equal. Some do an excellent job for what they are designed to do. Others are more for looks than anything else.

To muddy the waters even more, some flash suppressors have muzzle brake qualities to them (like the M&P10 flash suppressor) and some muzzle brakes have some flash suppression qualities.

In the end, what you pick is a personal decision based on what you want from it.

For me, the one that comes on the Big Smith is perfectly fine. The A2 flash suppressor on my .308 Winchester bolt rifle was replaced with a YHM Phantom Slant brake for recoil and muzzle rise reduction. To me, an AR-15 really doesn't need a brake but a similarly bolt rifle that doesn't bleed off any gasses to run the action might. Again, it's a personal decision.