AR Sponsor
Posted: 1/10/2014 7:12:03 PM EDT
|
Alrighty, so I just finished another lower. I ordered a Rainier Select stainless barrel today, 16" mid length. This will be the first time I install my own gas block and I'd like someone to push me in the right direction. How important is it to bet a gas block that requires dimpling the barrel for set screws? I want a low profile block because I plan to install a free float the extends beyond it, any suggestions? With that said, are the free floats that use a factory barrel nut any less superior to those that have a proprietary nut? One last thing, Do I need a different buffer since this barrel has a mid length gas system?
To appease the masses, here is a picture! 
|
| Mid length gas systems run well with H buffers. I have an H2 and it works too. As for your gas block problem, the best solution is a pinned one, which is expensive and you may want to not do that. The next best option is a clamp on block, which is more stable than the set screw block you mention and can still be low profile. Set screws are the most unstable platform of all the possible ones. At the very least you should use hi temp threadlocker and really torque it into place. People do recommend paying a smith to dimple the barrel to set the screws deeper, but you could also pay to get the same block pinned provided the metal is machinable. I'd avoid a set screw block for a duty type of rifle that MUST work. Finally, proprietary barrel nuts tend to be more secure, but this comes at a premium. I've used Troy TRX on GI barrel nuts to good results as well. The better way to look at it is: buy a rail from a reputable maker: see Troy, MI, noveske, DD, Geiselle, KAC to name a few and they should work well with w/e mounting solution. |
|
Your rainier barrel should come with a single dimple for one of the two potential set screws. Its a good barrel for sure.
Stainless. YES. Call rainier and just add this to your cart...plus add a low profile gas block like the BCM one in stock ($44 for BCM or the Fortis comes with some extras for $55? @ Rainier). You can pin that sucker for $29 bucks (not expensive -----^) while they still have it in hand and never have an issue ever. Email them fast because they ship and package up fast. If not...the 2 set screws will work perfect. Your in good hands. |
|
Well shucks, I'm pretty sure they shipped it ready. Ordered yesterday at around 5 est. I had no idea they offered that. I almost ordered a gas block too but I decided to hold off so I can get a better understanding. And I also have no idea what hand guard I want to use, hence what barrel nut.
This won't be a duty rifle per say. However I do understand pinning is the most secure way. But thanks for the replies. |
AR Sponsor