I just finished rebuilding an upper receiver and 24 inch barrell. I replaced the FSB with a two-piece gas block from Yankee Hill and used a Bushmaster free-float handguard. Just a couple of questions on procedure (I know, after the fact.)

1. What is the best way to insure the gas block lines up with the gas tube hole in the gas block? Reason I'm asking is that when you change from stock A2 handguard/FSB to an aftermarket gas block/freefloat handguards you don't use the front handguard cover. Not having that cover makes the gas block not rest against the step in the barrel. I miked everything and assembled using a feeler guage to simulate the missing cover. Right? Wrong? How could I do it better/easier next time?

2. Same assembly. Is there an easier way to assemble a free float handguard with regards to the alignment and assembly  of the gas tube? The handguard has the barrel nut integral to the handguard so it has to be tightened and aligned then install the two piece Yankee hill gas block with the gas tube already pinned in. Good? Bad? Ugly? In any event, it worked - I just think there must be a more elegant way to assemble such a beast.

Your thoughts and comments appreciated,
Pete  

1) The Yankee Hill gas block is designed to butt up against the barrel step.  

2) No  (Actually someone somewhere may have a trick)