• Threading on Gun Barrels: Refers to external grooves on the barrel, which are crucial for choosing compatible muzzle devices. Thread size is determined by measuring the diameter, pitch, and tightening direction of the threads using a pitch gauge.

  • Thread Size Determination: Consists of the diameter and the pitch of the screw threads, e.g., 1/2x28 for most .22 caliber firearms. Accurate measurements ensure compatibility with suppressors, with options for fixed or interchangeable threads. Incompatibility might be resolved using a barrel thread adapter.

  • Understanding Thread Pitch: The distance between screw threads, indicating coarseness or fineness. Measured in Threads Per Inch (TPI) for standard sizes or in millimeters for metric sizes. Right-hand (RH) threads are common in American firearms, tightening clockwise, while left-hand (LH) threads, tightening counterclockwise, are typical in European models.

  • Common Threaded Barrel Sizes: The most frequent sizes include 1/2x28 TPI, 5/8x24 TPI, and .578x28 TPI, corresponding with specific calibers. Uniformity in these sizes facilitates standardization across different firearms and calibers.

  • General Threading Questions: Barrels are typically threaded using a CNC lathe for precision. Threaded barrels are beneficial for attaching suppressors or other muzzle devices, enhancing your shooting experience without affecting accuracy. Threaded barrels are also available for pistols, sometimes requiring a booster assembly for proper functioning with suppressors. 

What is a Threaded Barrel?

A threaded barrel has external threads at the end of the muzzle, which allows you to utilize various attachments such as a suppressor or other muzzle devices. If your host firearm doesn’t have a threaded barrel, you’ll likely need to purchase a threaded barrel, or many Powered by Silencer Shop dealers offer gunsmithing services to professionally barrel thread your rifle barrel. If your gun already has a threaded barrel, just determine the thread size, which we will talk about in detail below, then your host firearm will be ready to rock. 

Overview of Threaded Barrels

What is Threading On A Gun Barrel?

The threading on a gun barrel refers to the external grooves that are cut on the outside of your barrel's muzzle. Gun barrel threads come in a wide variety of sizes. Once you’ve identified the dimensions of your barrel thread, you’ll be better able to choose a compatible muzzle device for your firearm. How do you know the size of a threaded barrel? Use a thread pitch gauge or measure the diameter of the threads, the pitch of the threads, and the direction the device tightens to the barrel.

Credit: @internationalbarrels

How do you determine thread size?

Thread size of a threaded barrel for a gun is determined by two numbers: 1) the diameter and 2) the pitch of the screw threads. The first number is the diameter, and the second is the thread pitch (or thread size/coarseness). For example, the 1/2x28 muzzle threads for most .22 caliber firearms, including .22 LR and .223/5.56, where “½” is the diameter of the threaded section in inches (half inch) and “x28” is the number of threads per inch of threaded section length. Having exact measurements of your threaded gun barrel is important to ensure the compatibility of your firearm and suppressor. Note: even when the same company manufactures the firearm and suppressor, it's possible the two will not be compatible if the measurements are not identical. Additionally, the caliber in which you shoot can be a contributing factor to what your thread size will be. Some suppressors have threads cut directly into them, meaning the suppressor thread pitch is fixed and cannot be changed (example: CGS Helios DT). Other suppressors have removable and interchangeable mounts (such as SilencerCo Omega 300 or YHM Turbo T3), allowing you to easily swap for a mount compatible with those specific barrel threads. If your threaded barrel and suppressor are not compatible, there is a possible solution whereby you can make them work together: a barrel thread adapter could be used as a bridge between the barrel and suppressor.

What is Thread Pitch?

Thread pitch is the distance between screw threads, and this distance determines the size of the threads (also known as the coarseness or fineness of the threads). You’ll know the thread pitch for your firearm by measuring and counting how many threads are in a given length of threaded section. In standard/Imperial screw sizes, we count the number of Threads Per Inch or TPI. For example, a thread size ending in “x28” has 28 threads per inch of threaded section. A higher TPI number means finer threads, as more of them are packed into that same inch of threaded section. The measurement of your firearm may be designated in metric size, for example, M13.5x1 LH. If you see “M”, preceding the thread size, that letter denotes Metric. With metric fasteners, the thread pitch is expressed as the distance, in millimeters, between threads (i.e. from peak to peak). For example, a metric thread size ending in “x1.5” means 1.5mm of space from thread to thread. The smaller the number, the finer the threads.

Right Hand (RH) vs. Left Hand (LH) Threads

Determining the Right Hand (RH) or Left Hand (LH) is important because this designates the direction in which the threads turn. RH is the most common thread direction for American firearms and you’ll turn clockwise to tighten (AKA “righty-tighty”). Left-hand threaded barrels turn counterclockwise to tighten and are prevalent in European manufacturing (which is also likely to use metric measurements). For example, a SIG Sauer MCX-Spear features 5/8x24 RH threads, and a Kalashnikov AK-47 uses M14x1 LH muzzle threads.

Photo credit: @Surefire_llc

What is The Most Common Threaded Barrel?

The most common threaded barrels are 1/2x28 TPI, 5/8x24 TPI, and .578x28 TPI. Popular suppressor manufacturers (such as Dead Air, Griffin Armament, and SilencerCo) also use the threaded sizes below. The uniformity was created to standardize barrel thread sizes with barrel calibers:

 

  • 1/2x28 TPI: everything up through .224 caliber (.17 HMR, .22 LR, .223/5.56, .22-250, 5.7x28, etc.) plus 9x19mm (your standard 9mm pistol ammo) and .350 Legend
  • 5/8x24 TPI: everything over .224 caliber through .30 caliber (.243 cal, 6mm, .264 cal, 6.5mm, 6.8mm, .28 cal, 7mm, 7.62mm and .30 cal including .308 Win, 300 BLK, .300 Win Mag, etc.) plus 375 Raptor. Sometimes .450 Bushmaster, .458 SOCOM, and others will employ 5/8x24” threads.
  • M13.5x1 LH: some German/European 9mm pistols such as GLOCK and Sig Sauer
  • M14x1 LH: most AK-47s. An exception is modern, U.S.-made barrels that often use the more U.S.-standard 7.62mm 5/8x24 threads.
  • .578x28 TPI: most .45 ACP handguns. Also many .40 S&W and 10mm Auto
  • 9/16x24 TPI: common for .40 S&W and 10mm Auto as well as some large bore rifles
  • 11/16x24 TPI and 3/4x24 TPI: used in many big bore applications, from .338 Lapua Mag up through .458 SOCOM and more. For anything over .30 caliber / 7.62mm, make sure to check with the barrel manufacturer or otherwise verify your barrel thread size.

Common Barrel Threading Questions

How are Gun Barrels Threaded?

Gun barrels are commonly threaded by using a CNC lathe. A lathe is able to provide greater precision as opposed to threading by hand. While hand threading can be done, modern techniques and machinery have improved concentricity and consistency for threading barrels. 

Where to Get Your Barrel Threaded 

If your rifle does not have a threaded barrel, a qualified gunsmith should offer a barrel threading service, in the correct thread pitch for you. Many Powered by Silencer Shop dealers offer in-house gunsmithing services, such as barrel threading, muzzle device installation, suppressor alignment checking, and even pin and welding services for shorter-barreled firearms. Reach out to your local Silencer Shop dealer to get started with upgrading your favorite firearms. 

Is It Worth Getting a Threaded Barrel?

A threaded barrel is an amazing upgrade, especially when you're looking to put a suppressor or other muzzle device on your firearm. Threaded barrels allow you to customize your firearm(s) with accessories, allowing you to shoot suppressed, which enhances recoil mitigation and sound dampening, especially positive for gun competitions, hunting, or tactical drills. 

Will Threading a Barrel Affect Accuracy?

Your accuracy will be on par or improved while shooting a firearm with a threaded barrel because you will be able to shoot suppressed, and you’ll have more accurate follow-up shots due to reduced recoil.

Can You Thread a Barrel on a Pistol?

Yes, you can buy threaded pistol barrels. Note that a booster assembly may be required if you plan to attach a suppressor to your pistol. A booster assembly allows pistols with tilting barrels to be shot suppressed and still cycle properly.

Photo credit: @SilencerCo

Threaded Barrel FAQs

What does having a threaded barrel do?

A threaded barrel allows you to add attachments to your firearm to improve your shooting experience such as muzzle brakes, flash hiders, and silencers. 

Do you need a threaded barrel for a silencer?

Yes, modern silencers require concentric threadeds for proper installation. 

Does a threaded barrel affect accuracy?

Threaded barrels do not affect accuracy, but certain attachments like muzzle brakes and suppressors can inc

Conclusion

There are a multitude of benefits of having a threaded barrel, the primary reason being to be able to shoot suppressed. When choosing which threaded barrel is right for you, verify the thread pitch of the barrel and the device you’re going to mount. After determining compatibility, you can focus on the brand(s) that you trust, using manufacturer-provided details from the top-selling NFA brands such as SilencerCo, Sig Sauer, Griffin Armament, Daniel Defense, and more.