Barrel cutting and rethreading

[BUGUDY]

I have a Yugo SKS that I would likt to cut to 16"
The muz dia. .543
barrel after step dia. .554
Question is can I cut at the .554 area of barrel, and still be able to rethread to the original thread without a lathe?
Thanks

Edit: The thread is M14x1 RH, I have a very good muzzle break on now, which is why I need to keep mthe original thread.

 

[jmorris]

what is the original thread? Without a lathe might be a problem if you ever plan to use a suppressor.

 

[moosehunt]

With a lathe, your objective is pretty simple, but without, while nothing is impossible, it's going to be very difficult, to put it mildly! Also, I caution you about cutting to 16". That is the legal minimum, and technically, if you are .001 below that, you are illegal. That is basically what happened to Randy Weaver. I suggest 16.5" in order to avoid the rath of over zealous BATF agents and less than intelligent cops. Good luck.

 

[BUGUDY]

Very difficult in what respect? The can't handle the additional .011 inches?

 

[moosehunt]

Well, for starters, you need to turn it down to the proper size to thread--concentric with the bore--pretty tricky without a lathe. Then you have to thread it--with a die? I don't think so! Your threads won't be complete, so at best, you'd have to get a finishing die (not common), and probably 2. Like I said, nothing is impossible, but what a hassel this would be.

 

[exospex]

To achieve proper thread form the Major diameter (outside diameter) of the thread really needs to be turned to the proper size before threading. The proper major diameter for a M14 x 1.0 is 14.000/13.820mm (.5512/.5441"). It needs to be done with a lathe to be done properly.

 

[BUGUDY]

Thanks much for the good imfo. I dont think I want to know what the turning would cost me.