What do you guys think about this method? Still viable in 2022? Or are gas blocks, tubes, and BCGs a better way to go?
Chopping a barrel down still works, but is largely unnecessary these days.
Quality barrels are available with small gas ports, such as our 11.5 HFCL SUPP.
Our EZTUNE gas tubes also allow tuning on an existing barrel.
Both of these can duplicate the performance characteristics of a cut down barrel for dedicated suppressed use.
Black River Tactical
BRT OPTIMUM Hammer Forged Chrome Lined Barrels - 11.5", 12.5", 14.5", 16"
BRT EZTUNE Preset Gas Tubes - PISTOL, CAR, MID, RIFLE
BRT Bolt Carrier Groups M4A1, M16 CHROME
BRT Covert Comps 5.56, 6X, 7.62
Other than some BCG designs, your list is just a different way to get a smaller gas port. My dedicated 10.5” is still super soft shooting and reliable.
I don’t think there is a better or simpler way than just having a barrel with a smaller gas port, but cost and quality of your barrel shop is probably a big variable.
There are also lower back pressure silencer designs these days to consider.
$300 BCGs, vented charging handles, and smearing silicone all over the back of the charging handle are just bandaids and not real solutions. The easy button is to buy whatever barrel you want without having to worry about what gas port size they use and throw in one of Clint's EZ Tune gas tubes.
A dedicated reduced gas port barrel is probably the best option, and will likely be the next route I take when I need to rebarrel one of my uppers. The BRT gas tubes are working marvelously for me in the mean time.
Allow me to play Devil’s Advocate for a moment. For a part-time suppressor host or for one that the possessor does not want to/can’t change a gas tube, the Bootleg carrier actually works very well. Much better than I expected. Much better than the LMT or Lantac BCGs in that role. Of course, I started out with a reasonably ported barrel that was advertised as a silencer barrel. But I wouldn’t call it a band-aid, because it works so well, although I don’t think that’s the one you were talking about.
I absolutely agree that the EZ Tune or simply a properly ported barrel is the best first-line solution to the full-time suppressor host, which is of course the topic at hand. I put the gas tubes on almost every rifle I have, and so do some of my friends.
RLTW
“What’s New” button, but without GD: https://www.m4carbine.net/search.php...new&exclude=60 , courtesy of ST911.
Disclosure: I am affiliated PRN with a tactical training center, but I speak only for myself. I have no idea what we sell, other than CLP and training. I receive no income from sale of hard goods.
I have two 10.5 SBR's that are gassy that I am taking out Saturday and trying to decide if I want adjustable gas block, (which I have at home) or try one of Clints tubes which have been fabulous with my MWS guns.
BRT is a legit option.
PB
"Air Force / Policeman / Fireman / Man of God / Friend of mine / R.I.P. Steve Lamy"
I’m coming back around to the idea of piston guns. I got a great deal on a Superlative Arms adjustable bleed piston system and after installing it and shooting it I found it’s an amazing way to reduce gas to the face. So I bought a PWS MK111 Mod 1 and I really like that one, also, though it is a tad more gassy, it’s super easy to switch. At this point I’m only shooting my AR for fun, training, and the one in a million chance of shtf so I’m more free to screw around with different builds.
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