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Page AR-15 » Troubleshooting
AR Sponsor: bravocompany
Posted: 5/11/2020 12:16:17 PM EDT
Howdy - can anyone provide insight to if / when a gas block is making contact with a free float rail?  I had an issue with it in the past so I changed the gas block to a lower profile one.

I am still using the MI G3 Mlok with an inside diameter of 1.3."  It is slim and I am wondering if the gas block is making contact (again).  Some of my groups seems off...  I realize it could be just me, too.

I have two - 5 shot groups.  One is in black and one in red.

Thanks!

TC

Link Posted: 5/11/2020 4:42:43 PM EDT
[#1]
Link Posted: 5/12/2020 5:42:47 PM EDT
[#2]
How much clearance does your gas block have?
All the slow motion videos I have watched show the barrel whipping slightly after the bullet exits the barrel. I'm sure movement happens before the bullet exits the barrel but it's nearly imperceptible. Unless your gas block is almost touching the rail (maybe 1/32'' clearance) I doubt it is touching while the bullet is in the barrel and affecting precision.
Depending on the barrels length and thickness a barrel can sometimes whip a lot (more than most people realize) and a gas block without enough clearance could easily hit the rail. Again, this would happen after the bullet has already headed down range, unless maybe you use a 30'' barrel . If someone was shooting as fast as they could pull the trigger or in full auto, the whip could effect follow up shots. I assume you were shooting slowly since you're making 5 shot groups?
Link Posted: 5/13/2020 9:20:36 AM EDT
[#3]
Yes, shooting slowly.  We had winds up to 20mph, too.

Thanks for the input!
Link Posted: 5/13/2020 2:16:34 PM EDT
[#4]
A traditional free floated barrel on a bolt gun should have a business card of space at least between the barrel and stock.  I'd assume the same.  Hard part will be getting one in there to feel for resistance.
Link Posted: 5/13/2020 9:47:16 PM EDT
[#5]
Link Posted: 5/17/2020 5:25:39 PM EDT
[#6]
Have you looked for contact marks on ether the handguard and/or the gas block?
Link Posted: 5/23/2020 4:32:16 AM EDT
[#7]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
A traditional free floated barrel on a bolt gun should have a business card of space at least between the barrel and stock.  I'd assume the same.  Hard part will be getting one in there to feel for resistance.
View Quote

AR's need more. The thinner barrels, gas forces, and action cycling all play a part in increasing barrel whip over a bolt gun.



That said, I would like to ask the OP what their optic set up is. Ideally the barrel should be consistent at rest, but the barrel slapping around against the handguard isn't good either way. I'd expect bigger problems with that level of deviation.
Page AR-15 » Troubleshooting
AR Sponsor: bravocompany
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