Getting a muzzle brake installed

I have a gun I am looking to get a muzzle brake installed on. My local gunsmith wants to charge $300 to install the brake and ceracote the barreled action. The gun is brand new, so can I just get a brake installed without refinished the barreled action? He does not want to install just the brake without refinishing the barreled action.

Yes, you absolutely can get it installed without cerakote. All cerakote is for is a tougher finish and aesthetics, A muzzle brake has nothing to do with it. If he doesn't want to install just the brake without cerakoting, then I guess he doesn't want your business. You are the customer, not him. Not saying cerakoting is a bad idea, but if the customer doesn't want it, and it isn't required to maintain the integrity of the rifle, then don't do it.

As far as pricing, that seems on the high end, but still reasonable, if you provide the brake. If that includes the brake, that isn't bad. For one color cerakote of barreled action prices seem to range from $125-$225, averaging around $175ish. Brake installations run $50-$150. So that would make price of brake installation and cerakoting from $175-$375. Brakes run from $50-$250 depending on what you go with, so that would raise the price to $225-$625.

Your "gunsmith" must be afraid he will mark the barrel to where it'll need to be refinished when he threads the barrel. That said, what 'gun'? What barrel length? Lots of variables, and little info given.

shortgrass said:

Your "gunsmith" must be afraid he will mark the barrel to where it'll need to be refinished when he threads the barrel. That said, what 'gun'? What barrel length? Lots of variables, and little info given.

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Browning X-bolt Micro Midas 20" barrel

Robinhood493 said:

Browning X-bolt Micro Midas 20" barrel

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There might be part of the cost he quoted. The headstock on most lathes (used for gunsmithing) is longer then 20". Thus, the barrel would need to be removed from the action. Removing a factory installed barrel may leave some marks in the finish. Some barrels remove fairly easily, some are a real bi&#h, even when the proper tools are employed. Then, with the barrel removed for threading between centers, the steady rest would need to be used to prevent chatter,,,,, maybe...….. A 'doughnut' can be turned and then affixed to the barrel for the steady to ride on, but there's another possible source for marking the finish.

The price of a muzzle brake install will/can vary greatly because of the rifle barrel length, contour, the equipment required to do the work, the type of brake And the cost of the brake if furnished by the smith.

There is realy only one way to install a brake (The right way) and the smith has to determine what way is best. There are many variables that Have to be considered, as Shortgrass has said, and a good smith will decide the best method based on the requirements of the rifle.

If you feel the price is high, ask the smith to explain how he will do it and what is involved. If it seems cheep, Be "sure" and ask how he will do it. This is normally where someone takes a die nut and threads the barrel because it is the easiest and cheapest way and then drills a larger hole in the brake to prevent bullet strikes.

A properly installed muzzle brake is normally an asset, a poorly installed brake is a determent.

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