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Thread: How important is a pinned-on gas block?

  1. #1
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    How important is a pinned-on gas block?

    I have a 16" middy with a DD Lite 9.0 handguard and a standard triangle front sight block, which is pinned on. This is my "go-to" gun. I would like to get rid of the gas block, but the bolt-on flip up types don't have my confidence for this rifle. I also would rather not go through the expense of buying a new hand guard, so my question is this: is an exposed but pinned-on low profile gas block considered to rugged enough for serious use?
    "The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage." - Thucydides, c. 410 BC

  2. #2
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    Any reason you want to change out your current setup?

    Your current setup, DD 9" Lite FF HG & pinned Std. FSB, is a great combination.

    As for your ?: Any "quality" steel lower profile gas block that is "properly" pinned will be GTG. Once its pinned I couldnt see why it would be any less durable then your current FSB.

  3. #3
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    Examine your reasons for removing the FSB. If you have a valid technical need for a flip-down FSB (i.e. you're running a low-powered magnified scope, etc), it's definitely worth the effort to pin on the new gas block; hard enough blows can shift bolt-on gas blocks, turning the weapon into a straight-pull bolt action.

    If you're running a RDS or a 4x or greater magnified optic, consider leaving the FSB as-is. The standard pinned FSB/gas block is more durable than most flip-up front sights, an important thing to consider for a fighting carbine.

  4. #4
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    Interesting....
    "The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage." - Thucydides, c. 410 BC

  5. #5
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    Who makes that. I am viewing on my mobile so I can't see very much detail but is that pinned on. If so does it use the same slots from a Standard front sight.

  6. #6
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    No, it's a regular PRI clamp-on.

    However, it has been pinned to the barrel at the top front.
    "The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage." - Thucydides, c. 410 BC

  7. #7
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    On the militarymorons webpage they (he?) have a torture test of the Vltor clamp-on FSB. Pretty interesting food for thought.

    http://www.militarymorons.com/weapon...s2.html#torque

  8. #8
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    Yes, the MM test, plus what my gunsmith told me- he is also a motorcycle guy, and showed me how they use the same bolt-ons on the forks; those bolt over smooth chrome too and are really subjected to abuse.

    FYI in the MM test the upper started to deform at the barrel index pin before the gas block twisted any.
    "The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage." - Thucydides, c. 410 BC

  9. #9
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    Mk12s used to have set screwed gas blocks. Now they're pinned.
    Chief Armorer for Elite Shooting Sports in Manassas VA
    Chief Armorer for Corp Arms (FFL 07-08/SOT 02)

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by gotm4 View Post
    Mk12s used to have set screwed gas blocks. Now they're pinned.
    There is your clue...

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