change flash hider from FAL to L1A1 on my Century rifle

[1903Collector]

OK, I want to change the flash hider from FAL to L1A1 on my Century rifle.
I bought the rifle used years ago and have no idea if it is a parts gun or what. Im very happy with it. It needed a new spring to cycle properly (probably why the owner sold it), but I much prefer the L1A1 flash hider.

Ive got a 3 prong flash hider (I dont know the significance between a 3 or 5 prong FH), key, spacer and pin...so now what? Is the FAL style flash hider a left handed thread? How do I determine L or R hand thread? Is it just a matter of using a barrel clamp and grinding a box wrench to fit into the flats and twisting it off?

If this is a left handed threaded barrel and the L1A1 flash hider a right handed thread, do I try to turn the barrel thread (cut cross threads), or ??? I thought I read that there may be left handed thread L1A1 flash hiders available?

HELP!!!! Ive been waiting to do tjhis for YEARS!Attachment 121783Attachment 121783

Information

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[browningautorifle]

The FAL should be a metric thread first off...and the slotted flash hider an Imperial. That is if it's UK made, if it's an Indian it's different. The Indian guns were a mix of Metric, Imperial and other. That way they didn't pay royalties. For the slotted FH you need the spacer, a locating washer and pin. I don't see the little washer, just the pin... There are several sizes and you have to have a tight fit so not just any spacer will do. They're hard too... The FH on your metric will be TIGHT...

[1903Collector]

The FAL should be a metric thread first off...and the slotted flash hider an Imperial. That is if it's UK made, if it's an Indian it's different. The Indian guns were a mix of Metric, Imperial and other. That way they didn't pay royalties. For the slotted FH you need the spacer, a locating washer and pin. I don't see the little washer, just the pin... There are several sizes and you have to have a tight fit so not just any spacer will do. They're hard too... The FH on your metric will be TIGHT...they screw on "rightie tighty lefty loosie" like the rest.

Jim, always good to hear your advice. The key is already placed into the rather dirty slot of the FH. Ive collected a 0.125 dia roll pin as well so I can use either. If I have to cut the slot in the barrel myself Ill adjust to the key.

So wait, which is LH thread? The long thin 3 prong L1A1 FL or the muzzle brake looking FAL FH? As to the barrel mfr, I just dont know where there barrel was made. I suppose I could remove the handguards and look for markings, but I dont recall seeing any when I changed from plastic the the present woof furniture.
The current FH is the FAL type, right? So it must be LH thread? I just dont want to clamp the barrel down and then turn the FH the wrong way. I read in FALRIFLE forum that there re a couple guys there who make and sell LH thread L1A1 FHs. I just joined that forum, so I dont have thread posting rights yet.

[browningautorifle]

The barrel is a metric...unless it's made in USA. I think it's a Belgian part so it's metric. Here's a thread about this to read... So if it's backwards then the other won't fit anyway. Remove Belgian Short Flash Hider? - AR15.COM[COLOR="black"]

Here's another thread we did years ago. https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=55216

One more for you... FAL - what am I doing wrong? | The High Road

[free1954]

my CENTURY l1a1 had the flash hider pressed on, destroying the threads. good luck with yours.

[1903Collector]

my CENTURY l1a1 had the flash hider pressed on, destroying the threads. good luck with yours.

OH NO!!!! Thanks for the tip. Not sure WHAT to think now!

[1903Collector]

The barrel is a metric...unless it's made in USA. I think it's a Belgian part so it's metric. Here's a thread about this to read... So if it's backwards then the other won't fit anyway. Remove Belgian Short Flash Hider? - AR15.COM[COLOR="black"]

Here's another thread we did years ago. https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=55216

One more for you... FAL - what am I doing wrong? | The High Road

Thanks, Id seen the middle one earlier, but the other two help paint a fully picture of what I may be facing. Net result from reading all the related threads and responses above...maybe I just grow to like the metric FH! :-)
AND, I can use this issue to justify buying an L1A1!! I LIKE IT! Still, the engineer in my wants to solve this problem...what to do, what to do???!!!!!!

[browningautorifle]

what to do, what to d

Honestly? I had an Ishapore and wanted it to look CDN but because of issues, it still looked Ishy. You can't make it do what it won't. Even if one tries to change a barrel to make it an inch version you need to chase threads with tap and die to make things match up. Have a half dozen different FN models, it opens the door wider to a selection of fine shooters and show pieces.

[1903Collector]

Honestly? I had an Ishapore and wanted it to look CDN but because of issues, it still looked Ishy. You can't make it do what it won't. Even if one tries to change a barrel to make it an inch version you need to chase threads with tap and die to make things match up. Have a half dozen different FN models, it opens the door wider to a selection of fine shooters and show pieces.

Im convinced. Ill leave it be and get an L1A1 at some point! :-)

[browningautorifle]

Ill leave it be

So, how about a picture heavy photo thread on this one? Maybe a range report...