[KurtC]

It this a M1 Garand ???

Looks like the front end of a Socom.

 

[KurtC]

Do we think SAI would be aware, whether or not they’d care?

Of course they are aware of it. It's part of the design. The gap is there because these are production parts for a service grade CQB rifle. The only way to eliminate the gap would be to individually machine either every brake or every muzzle.

The muzzle devices on longer barrels have a direct fit because of the adjustable castle nut. You don't have that flexibility with the Socom, since the brake is one piece with the gas lock.

 

[KurtC]

But what about a wet hand-sanding on a mirror every gas lock for a perfect fit! Surely labor is free!

If someone were to hand build the perfect M14, they would cut the barrel shoulder while test fitting the gas system, to ensure the gas tightens exactly at 6 o'clock. With a Socom, you would start with a long barrel and cut it for a flush fit inside the brake.

The problem is that we don't know how such flush fitting parts will affect accuracy once they heat up and try to expand. The M14 was designed with less stringent tolerances, to make heat expansion a non issue.