Thread converter safety question

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JOver87
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Thread converter safety question

Post by JOver87 »

Has anyone had any positive or negative experience using barrel thread converter adapters? I am considering purchasing a new Ruger 10/22 but unfortunately the barrel threads are 1/2 x 20. However, the rifle comes with a thread adapter to convert to the proper 1/2 x 28 threads and for the price, it is almost impossible to turn down. I will be using my Gemtech GM-22 can with the Gemtech 22 QD system.

My hesitation lies in the fact I will be using an adapter on an adapter on an adapter and fear that even the slightest misalignment will result in a dreaded baffle strike. Being a 10/22, I know it is insanely easy to disassemble to look down the barrel and roughly see if the alignment is straight but that is only a rough estimation and not one I am willing to risk my hard earned and long awaited investment on. I’ve only ever used my cans directly on whatever hosts I have and have never needed a thread converter before. Am I being overly paranoid or is this a legitimate concern?

I appreciate any and all constructive responses!
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doubloon
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Re: Thread converter safety question

Post by doubloon »

I'm not following "an adapter on an adapter on an adapter".

You say you have a 1/2 x 20 barrel with a single 1/2 x 28 adapter. I see one adapter and I'm not sure where the other two come into play.

Stacking tolerances is a valid concern and it all comes down to the machine work on the adapter.

You can mount everything to the barrel and eyeball it before you shoot it or use a squib rod or a thickish cleaning rod to help eyeball it.

The S&W M&P 22 pistol requires an adapter to mount a 1/2x28 suppressor and many people have had success with such arrangements.
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JOver87
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Re: Thread converter safety question

Post by JOver87 »

Thank you Doubloon for your response. What you properly described as “stacking tolerance” is what I was trying to describe but failed to accurately identify due to it being midnight (and tired) at the time of posting my question. In my mind, suppressor (kinda a barrel adapter as it adapts to the barrel) on a QD system (adapter for the can) on a thread converter = adapter x3. Yes, it was a stretch but it obviously got my point across.

So eyeballing it or using a sturdy cleaning rod would be sufficient to assess alignment? I’m assuming (or at least hoping) Ruger would not provide a thread adapter if it did not meet certain mfg requirements especially considering it is explicitly marketed to use for barrel accessories. I’m just hesitant to wager my beloved GM-22 or my time/money invested in acquiring the can based on that assumption. I have only ever threaded my cans directly to the barrel so Ive never had to consider the issue/risk of stacking tolerance before.
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doubloon
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Re: Thread converter safety question

Post by doubloon »

You could always have a gunsmith look at it.

The GM-22 is aluminum so I might be nervous myself about baffle strikes where the Spectres I have will shed 22 until it sounds like a baby rattle and probably still be OK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDtd2jNIwAU MUSAFAR!
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