For nitride-treated surfaces you can also just grind off the nitride layer with an aluminum oxide wheel on a Dremel tool and drill without much trouble. I used this technique for pinning a Geissele SGB and it worked great.
Be sure you have good drill bits that are sharp. If it comes from McMaster or another reputable source good, don't plan to use a Walmart or Sears consumer grade bit. I've had good luck with cobalt bits, but HSS should be fine if it's sharp and quality. TiN (titanium nitride, sometimes confusingly called "tin") can be found on both quality and junk bits, so it alone doesn't tell you if the bit is going to be good.
Dimpling with a hand drill is entirely doable if you clamp the barrel in place.
FWIW, though, most quality barrels either come dimpled, or can be found dimpled (or even with a professionally pinned gas block) if you shop around.
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