How far should the roll pin be tapped into the gas block? Should it just go in far enough to hold the gas tube in the correct position, or is it meant to completely pass through the gas tube, and enter the pin hole on the opposite side of the gas block?

Reason I am asking? -  I had a heck of a time getting the roll pin / gas tube / holes to hold still long enough to give the pin a good couple of punches. I am kind of short on the right kind of shop set up (my kitchen table is my workshop - that should sum it up for most of you...no bench vice in sight)

After quite a few attempts everything seems to have gone together just fine ( gas tube secure and lined up correctly with the port )...but the roll pin is still extends out about 1/16" of an inch on the side it was inserted, and I can not determine if it has entered the hole on the opposite side of the block. I have given the pin a few more taps (and some lubrication)for good measure, but it is not moving in any further...infact it is starting to mushroom a tiny bit.

Any advice would be appreciated!

All the way in, no protrusions from either side.  If your roll pin mushrooms and you can't hammer it in, get a new one.

Can you drive the pin out from the other side? Sometimes the pin hole in the gas tube isn't drilled straight. In that case the roll pin will not go all the way through the gas tube bracket. If you look into the roll pin hole on the off side of the gas tube bracket you may see gas tube instead of hole.

Always check the alignment with a pin punch before driving in the roll pin.

Thank you for the help! Looks like I wont be trying out my new set up just yet...one tiny little piece, the last part of my project to be installed, and I screwed up ....Murphy’s Law prevails!

Hey, don't feel bad. It's called experience.... As Tweak said, it's a good idea to pass a pin punch completely through any area before inserting a roll pin, especially a gas tube pin, to check for alignment and other such problems. Good luck.

Thanks again...I just got back from purchasing a punch kit, so at least I am a little bit better prepared now!

Scott