low profile gas block

[Kadonny]

For what it's worth...

I recently changed out a factory 2-piece handguard (carbine) to the Troy Battle Rail, which uses the factory barrel nut. Initially I was going to remove the FSB and install a low profile gas block. But then I got to thinking: I'd have to dimple the barrel, pay $XX.XX for the block, probably snag a new gas tube... Then I'd have to buy a good thread locker, test it for function, make sure the set screws didn't back out... On the flip side, the FSB was already pinned to the barrel and had proven reliable over the course of hundreds of rounds. Plus, it'd be completely covered by the rail. I'm no stranger to a side grinder, so the choice seemed simple:

I could've smoothed the block out more, to make the lines perfect--it was actually hard not to. But it's under a rail and you can't see it; I figured it was good enough. Flat black grill paint was a damn close match to everything. Hope this helps.

Good enough? It looks great and you did an awesome job.

I chose a rail that had a proprietary barrel nut, so the post had to come off my rifle anyway, but a shaved post is a great way to do it if you use the factory nut.

 

[RDFabsRep]

Good enough? It looks great and you did an awesome job.

I chose a rail that had a proprietary barrel nut, so the post had to come off my rifle anyway, but a shaved post is a great way to do it if you use the factory nut.

Thanks for the compliment, man. And sorry...I worked in a custom fab shop for 7 years. My attention to detail had to be top-notch. That gas block to me is "super rough." When I would normally grind/scotch brite a part, welds would disappear and there would be no harsh lines.

 

[Rastoff]

Thanks for the compliment, man. And sorry...I worked in a custom fab shop for 7 years.

For someone who worked in a custom fab shop, yes, it is rough. However, for the rest of us, it's fantastic.

I did the same thing with one of mine, but I stopped at pic 3. I was all about function and cared not for how it looked. Dude, you can modify my A2 into a gas block anytime.

 

[mini14jac]

For what it's worth...

I recently changed out a factory 2-piece handguard (carbine) to the Troy Battle Rail, which uses the factory barrel nut. Initially I was going to remove the FSB and install a low profile gas block. But then I got to thinking: I'd have to dimple the barrel, pay $XX.XX for the block, probably snag a new gas tube... Then I'd have to buy a good thread locker, test it for function, make sure the set screws didn't back out... On the flip side, the FSB was already pinned to the barrel and had proven reliable over the course of hundreds of rounds. Plus, it'd be completely covered by the rail. I'm no stranger to a side grinder, so the choice seemed simple:

I could've smoothed the block out more, to make the lines perfect--it was actually hard not to. But it's under a rail and you can't see it; I figured it was good enough. Flat black grill paint was a damn close match to everything. Hope this helps.

Top notch!
So what rail is that, and did you have to remove the FSB to install it, or were you able to leave it in place?

 

[RDFabsRep]

Sorry...just noticed your post. The rail is a Troy VTAC Alpha--top notch in terms of fit and finish.

No--the FSB never technically came off. From picture 2, I hacked off the top of it, making it look like picture 3. Then I re-shaped it, which gives you picture 4. At that point, the rail fits right over both it and the existing FH/muzzle brake.

 

[therapture]

I also cut my A2 off. I shaped it (roughly) and put some perma blue on the bare metal. Looks decent and man, I really like the open FOV with my EXPS2.

I also installed magpul folding backups, as I fully intend to keep decent aiming skills with both sights.

 

[Commiefornia50]

AR-15 Upgrades

I recently purchased an M&P 15 sport 2 in 5.56 with the A2 front sight. I wanted to upgrade my hand guard to an extended MLok rail and remove the front sight for a more lower profile sight. I wanted to know any recommendations for a low profile gas block that is compatible, any recommended brand for a hand guard and front sight. I also wanted to know if it is ideal or useful to have iron sights with an optic/red dot.

 

[WR Moore]

Depends upon your intended usage. I've been using RDS's for slightly over 40 years. They're an enhancement sight if you may have to use the firearm seriously. Batteries die, electronics fail, the iron sights will always be there-if you select them properly. Up close & personal, the front sight and a cheek/chin weld can save your butt. Or maybe still let you place in class in a competition.

Again, if serious use is possible, your gas block should be secured with cross pins. In competition, I've seen the clamp and set screw types get loose and blow forward. Vented gas generally removes the upper hand guard. FWIW, while the USAMTU sometimes uses low set screw type gas blocks, once properly located and torqued down (barrels are dimpled at the set screw locations), the set screws are tig welded. At least when they build Designated Marksman rifles for the troops. I don't recall if they did it for match guns, but probably.