MOE mid gas block diameter

[kiloquad]

Hi all,

I don't have calipers handy, and I'm looking to put a free-float rail and lo-pro gas block on my Magpul-Spec mid length. Does anyone know off the top of their head what the diameter of the barrel is at the gas port ?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cyphertext]

You would need the standard .75 block, but I would shave down the front sight base that you have on there.

 

[kiloquad]

Thanks for the response. Would you elaborate on why you'd opt to shave the FSB down instead of putting a block on there?

Thanks!

 

[cyphertext]

Because the FSB that you have is pinned in place. More solid than the set screws or the clamp on gas blocks. Plus, you already have it... no need to buy another part.

 

[gunny4053]

Welcome to the forum. The advantage of cutting down the FSB is two fold. First, it's free, other than the time you spend reshaping it. Second, it's steel and already fit to your barrel. Unless you plan on returning your rifle to its' factory configuration, why not make use of something that you already have.

Good Luck and good shooting.

 

[kiloquad]

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the input!

 

[JaPes]

There's nothing wrong with a clamp on gas block from a reputable manufacturer. Just don't buy a flea-bay no name part.

 

[Rastoff]

This is what they mean by "shaving down" the A2 sight:

You just have to be careful not to cut too much off. I could have cut much more off. Just don't go any lower than about 1/16" above the gas tube.

I didn't want to remove the sight to install the free float forearm. I ended up removing it anyway. Still, it's easy to take off and re-install. There are just two pins you knock out and it slides right off the front. You have to remove it, because you have to take the gas tube out to install the new barrel nut for the free float forearm.

 

[rongarrett]

front sight

Could you possibly take a close up pic of shaving front sight. I will never need it again. Old eyes just need a scope. Want to be sure I don't take too much off. Thanks in advance.

 

[cyphertext]

Could you possibly take a close up pic of shaving front sight. I will never need it again. Old eyes just need a scope. Want to be sure I don't take too much off. Thanks in advance.

If you are using a 3x or higher magnification, you don't need to worry about the front sight. You won't see it in the scope.

 

[JaPes]

Could you possibly take a close up pic of shaving front sight. I will never need it again. Old eyes just need a scope. Want to be sure I don't take too much off. Thanks in advance.

http://youtu.be/FgCG4cgYc7o

 

[Rastoff]

[AR Tech] Front Sight Base (FSB) Shave - YouTube

Thats a good video, but I just wanted to get the sight out of the way. I wasn't looking to fit it under the hand guard. I guess I could spend some more time and get it to look like that, but a new gas block can be had for about $35.

 

[kiloquad]

Here's the end result. It now has a BCM 13" KeyMod rail on it, with a BCM gas block.

 

[Cpl Ken]

This has been a vey helpful thread, nice looking rifle!

 

[JaPes]

Here's the end result. It now has a BCM 13" KeyMod rail on it, with a BCM gas block.

Damn. Now I want one of those BCM keymod handguards.

 

[gunny4053]

That's looking really good. Fine job.

 

[kiloquad]

Damn. Now I want one of those BCM keymod handguards.

It's really nice. The only other one I've had my hands on was the PWS one, and I almost bought it. The BCM one is a smaller diameter, and noticeably lighter. I would say that it weighs less than the MOE handguard it replaced, and factoring in the removal of the front sight, the whole rifle is a few ounces lighter now.

 

[kiloquad]

That's looking really good. Fine job.

Thanks.
Now I just have to get the thing out and get everything re-zeroed.