AAC Blackout mounts for Grendel

Mr. Alexander:

I see in the new ('08) Alexander Arms catalog that you have AAC Blackout flash suppressor/silencer mounts in 9/16-24RH thread (Product code "GREAACB"). Would it be possible to acquire some 18 tooth Blackout mounts in 3/4-28RH thread to match up with your GDMR, Hunter, Overwatch, Entry, (etc.) uppers?

I tried to order one from AAC directly, but they don't currently make them in that thread. They make their mounts themselves now as I understand it, so they can make them however they want (and have made small runs of various "non-standard" thread patterns), but they definitely won't make one as a one-off for just one buyer. If you were to order some though, they may. I'm sure I'm probably not the only customer who'd want one. :) I only need one right now, but I'd gladly order two to help justify a small run.

Otherwise, the easy answer would seem to be opening up one of their 5/8-24RH mounts (I bought two just for that), but when I contacted Tornado Tech to get it done (they specialize in silencer related threading and exotic stuff like that), they said: That would be a very difficult task indeed based on the hardness of those flash hiders and not something we'd be prepared to do.
3/4" x 28 threads have a minor diameter (the bottom of the thread) of 0.706". This would allow the threads to be cut off and 5/8x24 thread to be placed in the same spot without shortening the barrel. Tornado Tech takes on all kind of work and they (Mike Stannard) rarely ever shy away from difficult stuff, so if they wouldn't do one, then it must be a real bear to do right. I think the AAC Blackout mounts may be constructed from material of the same hardness as Woodpecker lips! :D

I'd rather not have my barrel rethreaded if possible, but without the right mount I'm running out of options. People (myself included) who have 3/4-28RH threaded barrels that shoot exceptionally well (I love mine!!!) would probably rather not remove their bedded gas blocks and rail systems and also probably have the finish messed up on their barrels as well while getting them rethreaded.

I was going to have board member "Warped" make me a threaded adaptor, but (after reading and thinking on it a while) that would require extending the barrel length even further and also possibly magnifying my chances of a baffle strike (by compounding any possible misalignment-- stacked tolerances). It would also void AAC's warranty.

I'm really glad you are listing the Blackouts for your Tactical models in your '08 catalog. I already have two 9/16-24RH mounts on my other two Grendels, now I just need to get my GDMR hooked up somehow.:)
Thanks in advance for any help or replies you may be able to give! :)
Variable

Probably not something that you will see from AAC for some time but that is not to rule it out.

On material the surface of the Blackout is Melonited or whatever new fangled name they have for salt bath nitriding these days. Once you cut through the surface the alloy is still quite tough but carbide will cope.

The issue that always crops up with any such work is not will the vendor step up but is the market robust enough to support the work they will put in. The 9/16-24 thread size will consume and continue to consume enough units that they will be happy to run the next batch.

While we are the subject of the Blackout the new SOCOM Grendel will use a permanently attached Blackout on a heavy profile 14.5" barrel, While the SOCOM Beowulf will need comp and flash hider so is yet to be confirmed but again it will be intergrated into the barrel. We are cutting a new alloy to double the yield strength for both calibers and are working on the details to line these while retaining the accuracy we get from Satern. Throw in a unique cooling feature and these barrels should be something to behold and . Full rail system to spec and a fully worked up zero lube operating system will finish the package. I am really getting excited about how these designs are progressing and we should have production units by SHOT. Probably not going to be cheap.

Bill Alexander

While we are the subject of the Blackout the new SOCOM Grendel will use a permanently attached Blackout on a heavy profile 14.5" barrel...
SOCOM Grendel? Photos?

Once you cut through the surface the alloy is still quite tough but carbide will cope.Any takers on opening up and concentrically rethreading an AAC "Blackout" suppressor mount from 5/8-24RH to 3/4-28RH? Warped?:)

While we are the subject of the Blackout the new SOCOM Grendel will use a permanently attached Blackout on a heavy profile 14.5" barrel, While the SOCOM Beowulf will need comp and flash hider so is yet to be confirmed but again it will be intergrated into the barrel. We are cutting a new alloy to double the yield strength for both calibers and are working on the details to line these while retaining the accuracy we get from Satern. Throw in a unique cooling feature and these barrels should be something to behold and . Full rail system to spec and a fully worked up zero lube operating system will finish the package. I am really getting excited about how these designs are progressing and we should have production units by SHOT. Probably not going to be cheap.

Bill Alexander
Very intriguing! I was leaning really hard towards ordering an Ultralight carbine. I even called and asked Melissa about them before they were catalogued yet (and I still may order one), but since you mentioned a possibly forthcoming (high accuracy potential) chome lined sibling, I've been dragging my feet to see what else is in the works.:D

I'm all ears-- waiting eagerly on all of the details!:D

Blackout mount= Big +1

New alloy=?

High accuracy chrome= Big +1

Unique cooling feature=?????????? Fins? Spectre sub-gun type air pump?:D Water cooled???;):)

Full rail system= Larue? Knight URX? Daniel Defense? Hopefully somethig not too fat in the hand?:)

Zero lube operating system= Plating? Similar to the new Colt stuff?

I wasn't originally looking for a 14.5" heavy profile carbine, but you definitely have my interest piqued!

Thank you for the reply Sir, and please keep us posted on the SOCOM Grendels! (You may have some potential early adopters here on site):)

While we are the subject of the Blackout the new SOCOM Grendel. . . . Probably not going to be cheap.

Now this will be a weapon! Probably have to trade a couple of my kids to Bill for one. . . . :D

John

Small update on AAC Blackout mounts for rifles with a 3/4-28RH thread:

After conferring with AAC and Tornado Tech and measuring myself, it turns out there isn't enough meat in a regular (9/16-24RH or 5/8-24RH threaded) Blackout mount to open one up to the 3/4-28RH thread that AA uses on some of their barrels. My 19.5" upper is on it's way now to Tornado Tech for a rethread. Tornado Tech says they can rethread my barrel without removing my bedded gasblock, rail etc., so I'll see how it goes.

Anyone planning on mounting a suppressor might want to inquire as to the possibilty of getting it threaded 5/8-24RH (regular .308 thread) to begin with on the GDMR, etc. barrels. It'd save you some trouble up front.

I see in the new ('08) Alexander Arms catalog that you have AAC Blackout flash suppressor...
It's interesting that AR flash suppressor design -- which originally was an open, 3-prong configuration -- seems to have come full circle.

Does this mean that the reasons for switching to the "birdcage" type were invalid?