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Posted: 6/12/2017 11:09:24 AM EDT
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I'm almost done collecting components for a lightweight carbine build. The plan is to use a lightweight BCG, a yellow Sprinco recoil spring, and a lightweight buffer (going to pull the weights from a standard carbine buffer to save a few bucks). So I need to use an adjustable gas block to tune the gas system and not break stuff.
I've never messed around with an adjustable gas block before. And I've heard that the cheaper blocks that don't have detents for the settings can have the set screw lock into place with carbon build up. Should I worry about this? Or should I just let the thing become fixed into place with use and just keep shooting it? I'm not shooting suppressed, so I can't see much need for messing around with it once I get it dialed in. I'm probably not going to shoot anything other than generic 55gr or 62gr FMJ out of it. So if this "set and forget" mentality is indeed correct... should I still look at a spendy part with spring loaded detents? Or would a simple $30 block work out fine? Basically, I'm looking for input from those who have gone there before. I'd like to know what works, what doesn't, what's reliable, and what's not worth the money. Thanks in advance! |
| In my opinion, which is worth as much as I'm charging you for it, unless you are shooting 300 blackout or precision loads for 556 an adjustable gas block is not really worth it. However since you are going LW on your build you might want to do it because ports are drilled for mili spec and not for super light setups. Superlative has great adjustable blocks. I have used them on a blackout build and really like their blocks. Good guys to fix it if you have an issue too. |
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I would always suggest using an adjustable gas block with a lightweight buffer system. I think it is a must. Bolt bounce is the biggest issue with lightweight buffer systems. Another way to reduce bolt bounce is to use a good quality buffer spring.
My 3 gun AR has a JP low mass bolt carrier, 2oz buffer, Tubb flat wire constant force buffer spring and a syrac adjustable gas block. I had bolt bounce until I installed the tubb spring. Since it has run perfectly. When setting up an adjustable gas block, I start with it closed and open it until I get reliable cycling and bolt lock back with the weakest ammo, usually a wolf steel cased load (I never shoot steel any other time). I set and forget. However, a couple times a year, I put a drop of gun oil on the set screw and move it back and forth a turn or two. Keep count so you don’t lose your proper gas setting. This is usually enough to keep it from locking up. This has worked for me for years without issue on my 3 gun ARs. For all other ARs I use M16 carriers, H2 buffers and milspec springs. |
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I used a SLR titanium adjustable GB and a JP low mass bcg on a lightweight build.
Very easy to adjust. Get a couple empty mags, load one round in each mag and adjust until the bolt locks back. There are some good videos on youtube on how to properly tune your rifle. |
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