I have a 16" pencil barrel with a carbine gas port.  I'd prefer a mid-gas port, and I see that Adco will relocate the gas port for $35.

I realize the contour of barrel in the new port location has to be compatible with the gas block, i.e. 0.625" diameter.  But other than that it sounds like a reasonable concept.


Anyone ever done this?  Any down side?  Certainly a lot cheaper than a new barrel.

Not if you sell the one you have. That's the route I would take.

Why do you feel the need to change the gas system length?

Sure, why not ? Adco will do a good job. As long as the barrel doesn't have to be contoured 35 bucks is more than reasonable and actually an excellent price.

Add the cost of contouring and it may not be as much of a price savings to make it worth your while.

It might be cheaper, but when you start having problems with it, which I bet you will, you'll have a modded barrel that sucks and doesn't work that you spent money on trying to save money, and then you'll have to buy a new barrel, so there are those added costs as well.


Or you could sell your barrel, buy a new barrel, and KNOW FOR CERTAIN that the barrel you have will work.



You can do whatever you like, it's your rifle, but your plans aren't exactly the best plans.

What problems are you referring to ? Gas Port location or a shoddy modification?

It's going to cost more than $35.  They'll have to make a sleeve for the new gas port location since its under .625.  If it was 5 years ago, if say go for it.  Today, pencil barrels are a dime a dozen.  Sell your barrel and pick up a faxxon.

just buy an adjustable gas block.

This is assuming the reason you want to make the change is because of over gassing.

The goal is to make it softer shooting.  So yes, I agree adjusting the gas is a good idea.  But there's a better way than an adjustable gas block.....  coming soon!

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_2_493/259011_Lightweight_Patent_Pending_gas_adjustable_carrier.html

"Lightweight carrier, stripped with key, weight is 6.15oz Fully gas adjustable through the port door! No need for an adjustable gas block, or taking the gun apart to make an adjustment. "

I would much rather sell the old barrel and buy exactly what you want.

Well, it's not that easy because I'm in a restricted state.  What I have is a non-threaded pencil barrel.  I haven't seen anyone making them anymore.  Yes, I can buy anything I want in a threaded barrel, but then I'm required to pin and weld a muzzle device on it (even if the barrel itself is 16" or longer).  Not looking forward to being locked down to one rail system by that.  

There's also the issue of what muzzle device is legal here. Only brakes are allowed, flash hiders are illegal.  But there's really no such thing as a brake that doesn't also function as flash hider to some degree.  So you can never be 100% sure whether your setup is considered legal.  It's just a huge pain to get into threaded barrels in this state.  The only alternative to a muzzle device would be a thread protector pinned and welded. It's just so stupid.

Hence my desire to find a way to improve things using my existing barrel.

Don't forget to add in the cost of shipping both ways.

I think that is a great idea, gas regulation is a key component, and you can do it at the port or at the carrier, they both have merits(pros/cons, advantages/disadvantages), I wouldn't call one better(overall) than the other. but obviously there is no need for them both to be used on the same gun, or is there?

I'm a big fan of the LMT E carrier which vents more gas, your product seems to further expand on that by making it adjustable.

18" midlength cut and crowned at 16" would be the best way to get what you want, likely not the cheapest though.