Smyth Busters: Can I Thread a Muzzle By Hand?
This video from Brownells' Smyth Busters series debunks the myth that muzzle threads can be reliably cut by hand without specialized equipment like a lathe. Gunsmiths Steve Ostrem and Caleb Savant explain that achieving accurate alignment with the bore is critical, especially for suppressor use, and often impossible with hand-tool kits due to barrel concentricity issues. They highlight AK barrels as a rare exception where hand-threading is feasible due to their design. For all other firearms, they strongly recommend professional gunsmithing or machining for proper results, suggesting that funds for ineffective hand-threading kits are better allocated to professional services.







