Odd thread protector on .223 Chino.

I just put on layaway a .223 Norinco MAK 90 in very good shape with one 15rd mag @ $600.00 after tax :(.

Rifle seem to be unfired, yet what got me to get it is the fact that it has a threaded barrel with this odd thread protector screwed on it. I can see the flash suppressor or muzzle break lock pin held back by the thread protector flush in to the front sight base.

The thread protector is much thicker than the barrel and it is cut to match the barrel, unlike what you would see on a NHM 90 that is about 3" long, it is also blued and matches the rifles bluing, there are no spot welds or sings of silver solder.

The rifle has the cleaning rod installed, yet not enough of the bayonet attachment is left to hang a bayonet. rifle was imported by some one in Pomona Cal.

My question is has any one here seen or had/have one of this and how hard was it to remove the thread protector?

My intentions are to bring it in to 922r compliance so it will look more like a regular AK

If there is no spot welds or solder I would think it would just unscrew it should be the standard ak 14X1 left hand threads. Unless they cut the threads off and pressed the muzzle nut on.

If there is no spot welds or solder I would think it would just unscrew it should be the standard ak 14X1 left hand threads. Unless they cut the threads off and pressed the muzzle nut on.


Hope that is not the case, not because of removing the muzzle nut, but hoping for the threads still being there.

OK got the rifle out of layaway today and come to find out the rifle comes from California. So I guess it has a California friendly barrel muzzle thread permanently attached nut of sorts, yet there are no hex on it. It is round and smooth blued to match the barrel.

It would be nice if any one here has had any experience removing one of this from a Norinco .223 AK, I would hate to mess the rifle up.

well this is how it was on my Norinco NHM-91 AK to remove.

cut two spot welds with a wiz wheel, you will see a pin that sticks out from front site that won't move that has to come out. alright on the side of front sight there are two pins, you have to drive out the front pin so you can remove the pin that sticks out of the front sight where the threaded cap is and then remove the muzzle cap. remember these are left hand thread, install U.S. made muzzle device and enjoy.
on factory military AK that front pin is spring loaded and will push in to release muzzle comp so check for that just in case.

WOOOHOOO!!!!!!!! :laugh_sma

It came off, I used a piece of timing belt wrapped on the nut and some slip joint pliers then turned it clockwise and out it came easier then kaka. COOL! :).

Thanks for all the help. :cool_smal