The issues with timing the barrel nut for gas tube alignment can be eliminated by using a hand guard that has a barrel nut that doesn’t need timing. I already like SLR products, so using their rail was a no-brainer for me. Their system is designed so there is zero timing required. The Hand guard kicked downs tight.
Ballistic Advantage drilled the hole for pinning my gas block so that was easy to align and install. I’ve mounted a few SLR hand guards and on my .308, from spreading a little aeroshell on my threads to torquing the bolts on my hand guard (35ft lb) took maybe 10 minutes. That’s being generous. That was my second time installing a hand guard on my 308. So part of my due diligence was taking into consideration - “does the barrel nut that comes with this hand guard require timing for the gas tube.” If that answer was yes, it did not make my short list.
On the gassing/cycling, I chose a path that was as “normalized” as I could make it. I wanted to take advantage of reduced dwell time and the reduction in recoil so I went Rifle gas length. I think mid gas is great within its “space” I just don’t think that space is on an 18” barrel. Plus in my research there were more “cases” of rifle gas, functioning without issue, so with more data, more testing/usage, and what made sense to me, I went rifle gas. The KAK Heavy buffer ($50) and Sprinco Red Extra Power spring ($19.95) were the configuration that also seemed to have really good success. It proved itself to me. I do have an adjustable GB, but I will run a suppressor, but all my testing was done with the GB wide open. I dialed it back 1/2 turn just to see if it did anything, but after that I locked it down. (Set screw type)
To date I have not experienced a single FTE once I opened my gas block full open. It has been rockinrolla granola since.
That was my “method”:
- I tried to use what should help me have the greatest success for accurate follow-up shots by reducing recoil
- I tried to duplicate what was the most normal type (common) setup that had the greatest success.
I believe it paid off. I’m about to validate all of this because a friend handed me his CMMG MK3 and said “Use your imagination, upgrade it for me, but in the end. I want it to shoot as good as yours.” Which was a pretty nice compliment. .
I do agree with the Christopher - I had a great time with this build. I do believe however, that within a known configuration, that there are a set of parts that just “work”. I also think that can eliminate a lot of the guess work that can be intimidating. I’m probably supposed to say YMMV now, but I do believe my setup is fully repeatable, so I’m not gonna say your mileage may vary.
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