So my after searching high and low I found a mid-length 14.5” DD pinned barrel assembly on EuroOptic. It arrived a couple days ago and I finally opened the box last night to put the barrel nut on before sending it off the get the muzzle device pinned… The damned gas block is loose! It isn’t much, but there’s definitely some play, and the pin is in solid.

I’ve contacted DD, so now I’m just waiting on the reply. It was the last part I was waiting on to start my build so this is frustrating. It’s like being a kid again… Knowing you’re getting that toy you’ve wanted all year long, but having to wait for Christmas morning to hold it in your hands.

Are you sure its seated all the way?  All the DD barrels I have gotten have been shipped with the pin not completely seated since they know its going to ultimately need to be taken apart to complete the build.

If you're sending it to someone like retro arms works, my bet is he could hit it with a reamer and get it perfectly settled in for you.

I am… I didn’t think much of it being loose at first and I took it to put the barrel nut on before shipping it off. After I fully seated the pin and there was still play it when I became concerned.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/Industry/Daniel-Defense/382/

Good call…

It’s probably not seated all the way. Does the gas block itself fit tightly to the barrel (loose is ok, just not able to wiggle).

Maybe the pin is out of spec?

If so, let me know. I have a few DD and Noveske taper pins, as well as coiled spring pins I can mail you. I don’t bother with the solid pins anymore, I just use roll pins. Good enough IMO.

Did you fully seat it it with a punch?  If not, that's all you should need to do.  If that doesn't do the job, we'll replace the barrel assembly for you.

So between everyone I’ve talked to and the responses I’ve gotten on threads I ended up second guessing myself. So I went home popped the pin back out and tried several more times. Something is definitely out of spec. The gas block slides on and off the barrel with ease… Almost no friction at all.

Please advise next steps.

shoot me an email with your name, address, email address, and phone number.  I'll initiate the warranty claim so we can get you a replacement. [email protected]