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6/6/2012 7:19:33 AM EDT
Any of you guys use set screw style gas blocks without having them pinned or barrel dimpled?

I had my barrel dimpled for one, but is it necessary for a range gun?

Has anyone ever have a gas block that wasnt pinned or dimpled fail?
6/7/2012 1:48:37 AM EDT
[#1]
Would be pleanty secure for a range gun, I would loctite it though. And if the handguard extends past the gas block then that's another plus. Nothing can knock it loose if its covered up.
6/7/2012 3:19:47 AM EDT
[#2]
Its fine. Especially if its covered by the handguard. I do use loctite on the screws though.
6/7/2012 3:21:14 AM EDT
[#3]
The jig to dimple your own barrel is like $40.  Pretty cheap insurance if you ask me.
6/7/2012 4:19:00 AM EDT
[#4]
Are you supposed to use loctite or is it just recommended to do so?

I always use loctite myself for the set screws but I purchased a DD gas block recently and it didn't have any loctite so I'm wondering if it would still work. I'll probably pick some up anyways..
6/7/2012 4:22:37 AM EDT
[#5]
I had a set screw gas block where the screws just would not stay tight. Kept coming loose. Gas blocks get too hot for loctite to work reliably, and the dimple is to keep the block from sliding back and forth,  does nothing to keep the screws tight. First choice would be pinned, then a clamp style,  then set screws.

I'd get the screws tight, then give the holes a little stake with a punch.
6/7/2012 4:27:08 AM EDT
[#6]
Another option would be to stake the screws once the gas block is installed and tightened.

I do loc-tite mine but haven't felt the need to stake the screws yet.
6/7/2012 6:41:08 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Are you supposed to use loctite or is it just recommended to do so?

I always use loctite myself for the set screws but I purchased a DD gas block recently and it didn't have any loctite so I'm wondering if it would still work. I'll probably pick some up anyways..



Gas blocks get to hot for loctite to work.  You need to use Rocksett, check it out at flexbar.com.
6/7/2012 7:21:08 AM EDT
[#8]
A friend had a set screwed gas block come loose. He apparently wasn't alone as now the manufacturer pins them.
6/7/2012 7:28:59 AM EDT
[#9]
I have had several AR's with gas blocks that I attached with set screws. I have never had one come loose or had any problems with any of them. Blue (or purple) loctite is cheap insurance but you don't need it. If you want to use something for insurance and don't have loctite try a drop of clear nail polish on the threads during assembly. That is an old trick for scope screws that still works....<><....:)
6/7/2012 9:57:51 AM EDT
[#10]
Mine is now dimpled. It did keep moving after about 300 to 500 rounds. Now it shouldn't. Red Loctited too.
6/7/2012 11:46:38 AM EDT
[#11]
A little JB weld might do the trick too
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