I have a permanently attached fake flash hider/muzzle break on an AR but it's just too loud. I would love to be able to replace it with something else. Could a gunsmith be able to remove it and replace it without damaging my rifle or costing a pretty penny?

Yes, it's possible. I highly recommend Adco for the work.

 

www.adcofirearms.com

and what are your thoughts on a "quieter" brake?  i started a thread about linear compenators last week that didnt get much traction...

On a rifle (>16") length barrel in .223, a muzzle brake is totally unnecessary.

Have Adco remove the offending brake and replace it with the proper diameter Schuster thread protector, and voila, a crowned muzzle.

Your buddies on the firing line with you might even pay to have it done!

and what are your thoughts on a "quieter" brake?  i started a thread about linear compenators last week that didnt get much traction...

 

 

It exists but rare...  It's called a fake flash hider. Guess it's not really a muzzle break though.  There was one guy who used to do make and install them. He had his own shop and website but sadly he died a few years in a motorcycle accident. His shop was in Florida. I have one on another AR and it sounds no louder than an AR with a real flash hider.

This is what I use: http://www.egwguns.com/ar-compensators/ar-comp-post-ban-gen-ii-carbine-w/peel-washer/

Adco can definitely do it, but any local gunsmith can probably do it for cheap. I've never done it myself, but did some research a few months ago when I was thinking of replacing one of my muzzle devices. If I had to do it, I'd probably try to do it myself.

if you look real close you may be able to see a spot where the brake was drilled, pinned and welded.  You may be able to drill out the weld, remove pin and unscrew it.

I would recommend a Levang Linear Compensator. Its not too loud.

Not the best video, but fast forward to around the 7 min mark.