Model 41-Muzzle Break

[Jeler54]

Good morning from Iowa
I have a pre-70's Model 41 with a 7" barrel and am trying to figure out how to remove the tip of the barrel and install
the muzzle break.
I've removed the screw and attempted to pull the tip off but
it doesn't want to budge. Is this something only a gunsmith should attempt?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome to the forum.

The false muzzle should slide off, it may have fouling or dried oil under it. I'd soak it with penetrating oil, let it sit for a day and then put on a pair of leather gloves and try twisting and pulling. Make sure the screw is out!

 

[Jeler54]

Chad, thanks. I'll give it a good soaking. Any penetrating oil you'd suggest using?
Jeff

 

[s&wchad]

Kroil is good.

 

[Jeler54]

I let the muzzle soak now for over 24 hours, dried it off and it still does not want to budge. It appears the previous owner may have used a pair of pliers on it at one time. And yes the screw was removed.
Any other tips that may help? I'm afraid I'd damage it if I put it in a vise.
Thanks
Jeff

 

[DustyJacket]

Mine was made in the 1970s, and the muzzle cap came right off - not a tight fit at all.

Probably got some leading/fouling between the barrel and the cap.

I cannot remember, but maybe the cap rotates after you pull the screw out. I know the muzzle break does.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

As noted - should be fairly easy to take off - UNLESS someone used locktite or some other sealer - might try a solvent or two. Not much of any way to get a crud buildup on FM. Verify it is an aluminum piece - not steel and hand made.

 

[Jeler54]

It is an aluminum FM. I'm pretty positive in does spin off once the screw is loose. Guess my next try is a solvent of some fashion that will not harm the metal. Thanks again

 

[jbouwens]

It took a while to get mine off. I have a 41 from the same time period and it was leaded up pretty good. I put the tip in a small wood-lined vise and twisted the gun back and forth until it let loose. I swear this procedure took 5 years of my life but it worked for me. Good luck.

 

[Jeler54]

JB, Sorry to hear about loosing 5 years, but I do feel your frustration.
Going on about loosing 3 years here. Worst case scenario is having to replace the FM if it becomes damaged during removal. Thanks

 

[Jeler54]

I did finally get the muzzle off. I ended up letting it soak for a few days. After my many attempts with a few minor dings I finally placed the barrel overnight in the freezer , then placed it in the vise as you suggested.
Many pulls and tugs later it came loose.
Did you have any trouble installing the muzzle break after the false muzzle was removed. Mine will slide on about 1/8" and that is it. It appears some light sanding with emery cloth on the barrel is in order.
Does anyone else have any suggestions.
Thanks
Jeff

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Have to believe there was something on the bbl stub. The older 7 3/8" bbls were more tightly quality controlled and with handling/owning over 100 7 3/8" bbls have never run across your situation. With the FM being that tight and the brake showing the same size problem, the stub diameter is the indicated problem. Might check to verify for roundness??

PS it is a BRAKE - not a break.

 

[DustyJacket]

Look closely - there may be lead caked both inside the brake and on the outside of the barrel stub. That will need to be scraped off.

I had to clean out the 'vents' on the brake more than once.