Any reason NOT to use a crush washer with a A1 3 prong?

[RBruce]

The three prong flash hider I bought came with a crush washer. I've read that they were originally installed with a split washer. One forum entry cautioned against using a crush washer. Any thoughts on this? --TIA

Information

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[Bill Hollinger]

No reason why you can't. It won't be "correct" but will work just fine. The three prong does not require timing so wherever it ends up is fine.

[RCS]

Attachment 54430

Split washer on Colt SP1 from 1964

[RBruce]

Is the split washer basically a standard 1/2" lock washer that is blued? I have a commercial one that just fits over the threads of the barrel, but is nearly the diameter of the widest part of the 3 prong. The one in the photo above looks quite a bit smaller in diameter than the 3 prong.

[RCS]

That is a factory installed split washer on the Colt SP1 in the photo, you can see the split from the other side, I am sure there are variations as to the diameter of the split washer over the years.

[Bill Hollinger]

Is the split washer basically a standard 1/2" lock washer that is blued? I have a commercial one that just fits over the threads of the barrel, but is nearly the diameter of the widest part of the 3 prong. The one in the photo above looks quite a bit smaller in diameter than the 3 prong.

No, it is not. It is a special split lock washer. It measures smaller than a standard one and shorter than a counter bore type for an Allen head. I know of a tall (thick) commercial version for an Allen head and the thin (Colt) version for the flash hider. Both are about .750 to .800 in diameter and one is .120 thick and the other about .080 (+-) thick.

Edit: Not blued but Parkerized.