• Checking which Barrel Thread for Moderators

    A common problem is finding out what thread size you need for your sound moderator. You can measure this at home with simple equipment, or if you have access, you can use vernier calipers to achieve a more accurate reading.


    Metric Threads

    Measure the diameter of the barrel thread. This will usually be 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm or 18mm. Which translates as 14mm Diameter = M14. Diameter labelled as “A”.

    Next measure threads, peak to peak, labelled as “X” and if it’s 1mm or 1.5mm then you have a Metric Thread.

    Then you use the diameter “A” of the thread to get your size.
    E.G. Diameter (A) = 18mm, and Thread Width (X) = 1mm, gives you a thread of M18x1.


    Imperial Threads

    Measure the diameter of the barrel thread, labelled as “A”. This will be 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″ or 3/4″.
    Next measure how many thread peaks there are in an inch. Take your measurement valley to valley. As most threads are shorter than an inch, you can measure how many in 1/2″ and multiply by 2, or how many in 1/4″ and multiply by 4.

    If your diameter is 1/2″ and there are 5 peaks in 1/4 an inch, there are 20 in an inch. Your size would be 1/2″ x 20.
    If your diameter is 5/8″ and there are 14 peaks in 1/2 an inch, there are 28 in an inch. Your thread size would be 3/4″ x 28.


    Spigot or No Spigot?

    Your rifle may have been screw cut with a spigot. This is to add stability and give a greater area in contact between the thread nut and the barrel. The spigot can been seen if your barrel has a smooth unthreaded section between the end of the normal barrel and the thread.

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