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Posted: 2/29/2016 7:28:32 PM EDT
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Hi all,
I'm hoping someone can help me out with explaining the need for an adjustable gas block? I'm not a competition shooter and am putting together a 10.5/11.5" SBR that will run mostly unsupresssed for a while. I really like the A2 FSP and, until recently, I found that they make an adjustable A2 style gas block and I'm wondering if it's a necessary addition for an SBR that may run suppressed one of these days? I don't have much of an interest in a FF rail, so I'm not real sure I need a low-pro gas block...or maybe I do?! Thanks! |
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An adjustable gas block ensures that enough, or just-enough, gas is available to cycle to bolt and carrier group.
The idea is to drop off all of that extra gas to either: lower the recoil impulse of the rifle or decrease the amount of gas being blown back into the shooter during suppressed fire. Aside, but related: you can use an adjustable gas block to completely shut off the gas to make the rifle a little quieter i.e. it won't cycle the bolt. On a short barreled rifle this isn't a dramatic benefit as they are louder than full-sized rifle barrels. |
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Quoted:
An adjustable gas block ensures that enough, or just-enough, gas is available to cycle to bolt and carrier group. The idea is to drop off all of that extra gas to either: lower the recoil impulse of the rifle or decrease the amount of gas being blown back into the shooter during suppressed fire. Aside, but related: you can use an adjustable gas block to completely shut off the gas to make the rifle a little quieter i.e. it won't cycle the bolt. On a short barreled rifle this isn't a dramatic benefit as they are louder than full-sized rifle barrels. Thanks, tweeter...are they necessary or is adjusting the buffer and spring good enough for non-military/LE purposes? |
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Quoted:
Thanks, tweeter...are they necessary or is adjusting the buffer and spring good enough for non-military/LE purposes? Quoted:
Quoted:
An adjustable gas block ensures that enough, or just-enough, gas is available to cycle to bolt and carrier group. The idea is to drop off all of that extra gas to either: lower the recoil impulse of the rifle or decrease the amount of gas being blown back into the shooter during suppressed fire. Aside, but related: you can use an adjustable gas block to completely shut off the gas to make the rifle a little quieter i.e. it won't cycle the bolt. On a short barreled rifle this isn't a dramatic benefit as they are louder than full-sized rifle barrels. Thanks, tweeter...are they necessary or is adjusting the buffer and spring good enough for non-military/LE purposes? It depends on what you find more useful or comfortable with your shooting style. Tinker around with them and see what's good for you. Adjustable gas blocks and buffer weights and springs are relatively cheap accessories when you're supporting a suppressor. Your question isn't one easily answered, it also depends on which model or type of suppressor you decide on buying and using. For reliability, I'd go with a heavier buffer and spring set and an adjustable gas block, but that's me. I don't appreciate out-gasses in my face, especially with lube on first rounds fired. I also need the bolt and carrier group to function reliably. But like you said, that's typically a military or law enforcement mentality, but it also translates very well to other areas, like competitions or hunting, or really anywhere reliable function is needed or desired. Since this is relatively new to you, I'd suggest a gas block. Something simple like a Parallax Tactical, see how it suits you... then move on to other offerings after you've better determined your desired features like locking screws or buttons or levers. |
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Quoted:
It depends on what you find more useful or comfortable with your shooting style. Tinker around with them and see what's good for you. Adjustable gas blocks and buffer weights and springs are relatively cheap accessories when you're supporting a suppressor. Your question isn't one easily answered, it also depends on which model or type of suppressor you decide on buying and using. For reliability, I'd go with a heavier buffer and spring set and an adjustable gas block, but that's me. I don't appreciate out-gasses in my face, especially with lube on first rounds fired. I also need the bolt and carrier group to function reliably. But like you said, that's typically a military or law enforcement mentality, but it also translates very well to other areas, like competitions or hunting, or really anywhere reliable function is needed or desired. Since this is relatively new to you, I'd suggest a gas block. Something simple like a Parallax Tactical, see how it suits you... then move on to other offerings after you've better determined your desired features like locking screws or buttons or levers. Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
An adjustable gas block ensures that enough, or just-enough, gas is available to cycle to bolt and carrier group. The idea is to drop off all of that extra gas to either: lower the recoil impulse of the rifle or decrease the amount of gas being blown back into the shooter during suppressed fire. Aside, but related: you can use an adjustable gas block to completely shut off the gas to make the rifle a little quieter i.e. it won't cycle the bolt. On a short barreled rifle this isn't a dramatic benefit as they are louder than full-sized rifle barrels. Thanks, tweeter...are they necessary or is adjusting the buffer and spring good enough for non-military/LE purposes? It depends on what you find more useful or comfortable with your shooting style. Tinker around with them and see what's good for you. Adjustable gas blocks and buffer weights and springs are relatively cheap accessories when you're supporting a suppressor. Your question isn't one easily answered, it also depends on which model or type of suppressor you decide on buying and using. For reliability, I'd go with a heavier buffer and spring set and an adjustable gas block, but that's me. I don't appreciate out-gasses in my face, especially with lube on first rounds fired. I also need the bolt and carrier group to function reliably. But like you said, that's typically a military or law enforcement mentality, but it also translates very well to other areas, like competitions or hunting, or really anywhere reliable function is needed or desired. Since this is relatively new to you, I'd suggest a gas block. Something simple like a Parallax Tactical, see how it suits you... then move on to other offerings after you've better determined your desired features like locking screws or buttons or levers. Sweet, thanks! A suppressor will definitely be down the road a while, so it will be running suppressor-less for a while. I'm thinking I'll hold off on the adjustable gas block until I get a suppressor, and just mess around with the buffer and spring for now. Probably a really stupid question, but can I get a low-pro gas block without going with a FF rail system? Have you seen/heard anything about these JP A2 adjustable gas blocks? JPGS-2FS Adjustable Gas Blocks It's not that I don't like the look of the low-pro gas blocks and rail system, but I'm not the biggest fan of the look of the flip up front sites...not quite sure why. I still prefer the A2 FSB look. I'd absolutely love to get the KAC QDC Flash Suppressor with QDSS-NT4 or QDC CQB Suppressor. |
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Quoted:
Sweet, thanks! A suppressor will definitely be down the road a while, so it will be running suppressor-less for a while. I'm thinking I'll hold off on the adjustable gas block until I get a suppressor, and just mess around with the buffer and spring for now. Probably a really stupid question, but can I get a low-pro gas block without going with a FF rail system? Have you seen/heard anything about these JP A2 adjustable gas blocks? JPGS-2FS Adjustable Gas Blocks It's not that I don't like the look of the low-pro gas blocks and rail system, but I'm not the biggest fan of the look of the flip up front sites...not quite sure why. I still prefer the A2 FSB look. I'd absolutely love to get the KAC QDC Flash Suppressor with QDSS-NT4 or QDC CQB Suppressor. Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
An adjustable gas block ensures that enough, or just-enough, gas is available to cycle to bolt and carrier group. The idea is to drop off all of that extra gas to either: lower the recoil impulse of the rifle or decrease the amount of gas being blown back into the shooter during suppressed fire. Aside, but related: you can use an adjustable gas block to completely shut off the gas to make the rifle a little quieter i.e. it won't cycle the bolt. On a short barreled rifle this isn't a dramatic benefit as they are louder than full-sized rifle barrels. Thanks, tweeter...are they necessary or is adjusting the buffer and spring good enough for non-military/LE purposes? It depends on what you find more useful or comfortable with your shooting style. Tinker around with them and see what's good for you. Adjustable gas blocks and buffer weights and springs are relatively cheap accessories when you're supporting a suppressor. Your question isn't one easily answered, it also depends on which model or type of suppressor you decide on buying and using. For reliability, I'd go with a heavier buffer and spring set and an adjustable gas block, but that's me. I don't appreciate out-gasses in my face, especially with lube on first rounds fired. I also need the bolt and carrier group to function reliably. But like you said, that's typically a military or law enforcement mentality, but it also translates very well to other areas, like competitions or hunting, or really anywhere reliable function is needed or desired. Since this is relatively new to you, I'd suggest a gas block. Something simple like a Parallax Tactical, see how it suits you... then move on to other offerings after you've better determined your desired features like locking screws or buttons or levers. Sweet, thanks! A suppressor will definitely be down the road a while, so it will be running suppressor-less for a while. I'm thinking I'll hold off on the adjustable gas block until I get a suppressor, and just mess around with the buffer and spring for now. Probably a really stupid question, but can I get a low-pro gas block without going with a FF rail system? Have you seen/heard anything about these JP A2 adjustable gas blocks? JPGS-2FS Adjustable Gas Blocks It's not that I don't like the look of the low-pro gas blocks and rail system, but I'm not the biggest fan of the look of the flip up front sites...not quite sure why. I still prefer the A2 FSB look. I'd absolutely love to get the KAC QDC Flash Suppressor with QDSS-NT4 or QDC CQB Suppressor. And... you're starting to understand the importance of form versus function. Which is great news. If you look at NRA High Power Match rifles, those look funky as all-get-out, but they're not for looks, they assist in the delivery of predictable results. Period. My 3-gun gun rifle is ugly-as-sin, but I don't hang it on the wall. It's for shooting. In the end the only person that can make a decision about where your energy and time goes... is you. It's your money, it's your time, it's your effort, you control it. As for the adjustable gas block versus buffer weight, I stand by my opinion: a gas block is fully adjustable, whereas a buffer weight either works... or it doesn't. You can play around with buffer weight and spring combinations, but that's a lot of money to just try out new parts. This is not an option that leads to a wide(r) spectrum of potential with new users. The JP adjustable is an amazing choice. John Paul knows his shit when it comes to (what he calls) "optimizing" rifles. There is a reason why they are a "go-to" for a lot of 3-gun and real-world users. You can get a low-profile gas block to work in conjunction with a non-free handguard. The result will probably look a lot like a midlength underneath a full-length standard (AKA A2) handguard. At that point the front sight assembly will serve only as a front sight as it won't interact with a barrel gas port. I have owned one in the past (that was not adjustable) and it had a very manageable, if not downright pleasant recoil impulse. Caveat: some alteration to the inner portion of the handguard or heat shields may need to be altered to mate the two together. This will largely be dependent on the dimensions of the gas block you select. The JP-A2 is a new one to me, I don't follow them very closely these days. From past experience with other parts in my stable I would be comfortable buying it if I needed it, and then using it on a gun I could use to defend my life. Strong words I know, but they really are a very good manufacturer that consistently puts out quality parts. I hope this information helps you. |
|
Quoted:
And... you're starting to understand the importance of form versus function. Which is great news. If you look at NRA High Power Match rifles, those look funky as all-get-out, but they're not for looks, they assist in the delivery of predictable results. Period. My 3-gun gun rifle is ugly-as-sin, but I don't hang it on the wall. It's for shooting. In the end the only person that can make a decision about where your energy and time goes... is you. It's your money, it's your time, it's your effort, you control it. As for the adjustable gas block versus buffer weight, I stand by my opinion: a gas block is fully adjustable, whereas a buffer weight either works... or it doesn't. You can play around with buffer weight and spring combinations, but that's a lot of money to just try out new parts. This is not an option that leads to a wide(r) spectrum of potential with new users. The JP adjustable is an amazing choice. John Paul knows his shit when it comes to (what he calls) "optimizing" rifles. There is a reason why they are a "go-to" for a lot of 3-gun and real-world users. You can get a low-profile gas block to work in conjunction with a non-free handguard. The result will probably look a lot like a midlength underneath a full-length standard (AKA A2) handguard. At that point the front sight assembly will serve only as a front sight as it won't interact with a barrel gas port. I have owned one in the past (that was not adjustable) and it had a very manageable, if not downright pleasant recoil impulse. Caveat: some alteration to the inner portion of the handguard or heat shields may need to be altered to mate the two together. This will largely be dependent on the dimensions of the gas block you select. The JP-A2 is a new one to me, I don't follow them very closely these days. From past experience with other parts in my stable I would be comfortable buying it if I needed it, and then using it on a gun I could use to defend my life. Strong words I know, but they really are a very good manufacturer that consistently puts out quality parts. I hope this information helps you. Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
An adjustable gas block ensures that enough, or just-enough, gas is available to cycle to bolt and carrier group. The idea is to drop off all of that extra gas to either: lower the recoil impulse of the rifle or decrease the amount of gas being blown back into the shooter during suppressed fire. Aside, but related: you can use an adjustable gas block to completely shut off the gas to make the rifle a little quieter i.e. it won't cycle the bolt. On a short barreled rifle this isn't a dramatic benefit as they are louder than full-sized rifle barrels. Thanks, tweeter...are they necessary or is adjusting the buffer and spring good enough for non-military/LE purposes? It depends on what you find more useful or comfortable with your shooting style. Tinker around with them and see what's good for you. Adjustable gas blocks and buffer weights and springs are relatively cheap accessories when you're supporting a suppressor. Your question isn't one easily answered, it also depends on which model or type of suppressor you decide on buying and using. For reliability, I'd go with a heavier buffer and spring set and an adjustable gas block, but that's me. I don't appreciate out-gasses in my face, especially with lube on first rounds fired. I also need the bolt and carrier group to function reliably. But like you said, that's typically a military or law enforcement mentality, but it also translates very well to other areas, like competitions or hunting, or really anywhere reliable function is needed or desired. Since this is relatively new to you, I'd suggest a gas block. Something simple like a Parallax Tactical, see how it suits you... then move on to other offerings after you've better determined your desired features like locking screws or buttons or levers. Sweet, thanks! A suppressor will definitely be down the road a while, so it will be running suppressor-less for a while. I'm thinking I'll hold off on the adjustable gas block until I get a suppressor, and just mess around with the buffer and spring for now. Probably a really stupid question, but can I get a low-pro gas block without going with a FF rail system? Have you seen/heard anything about these JP A2 adjustable gas blocks? JPGS-2FS Adjustable Gas Blocks It's not that I don't like the look of the low-pro gas blocks and rail system, but I'm not the biggest fan of the look of the flip up front sites...not quite sure why. I still prefer the A2 FSB look. I'd absolutely love to get the KAC QDC Flash Suppressor with QDSS-NT4 or QDC CQB Suppressor. And... you're starting to understand the importance of form versus function. Which is great news. If you look at NRA High Power Match rifles, those look funky as all-get-out, but they're not for looks, they assist in the delivery of predictable results. Period. My 3-gun gun rifle is ugly-as-sin, but I don't hang it on the wall. It's for shooting. In the end the only person that can make a decision about where your energy and time goes... is you. It's your money, it's your time, it's your effort, you control it. As for the adjustable gas block versus buffer weight, I stand by my opinion: a gas block is fully adjustable, whereas a buffer weight either works... or it doesn't. You can play around with buffer weight and spring combinations, but that's a lot of money to just try out new parts. This is not an option that leads to a wide(r) spectrum of potential with new users. The JP adjustable is an amazing choice. John Paul knows his shit when it comes to (what he calls) "optimizing" rifles. There is a reason why they are a "go-to" for a lot of 3-gun and real-world users. You can get a low-profile gas block to work in conjunction with a non-free handguard. The result will probably look a lot like a midlength underneath a full-length standard (AKA A2) handguard. At that point the front sight assembly will serve only as a front sight as it won't interact with a barrel gas port. I have owned one in the past (that was not adjustable) and it had a very manageable, if not downright pleasant recoil impulse. Caveat: some alteration to the inner portion of the handguard or heat shields may need to be altered to mate the two together. This will largely be dependent on the dimensions of the gas block you select. The JP-A2 is a new one to me, I don't follow them very closely these days. From past experience with other parts in my stable I would be comfortable buying it if I needed it, and then using it on a gun I could use to defend my life. Strong words I know, but they really are a very good manufacturer that consistently puts out quality parts. I hope this information helps you. Thanks for the insight! Good to know that JP adjustable gas blocks are good to go products. Time to get the upper! EDIT: Realized I hadn't really thanked you for this information...Thank you! |
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