BCM gas block removal/ADCO

AR/M4 AR Technical Discussion
1

I recently purchased an 11.5" BCM BFH barrel and have been running it suppressed. It has significant gas blowback and I was going to swap the gas block to an SLR adjustable block. I attempted to remove the BCM gas block, but it is secured with red Loctite on the set screws.

BCM suggested I send it to a professional to remove, which I am fine with, but recommended ADCO. I know in the past there were issues with this company and don’t want to risk damage to this barrel if avoidable.

Can anyone recommend another reputable gunsmith, preferably close to Boise, to complete this job successfully without undue damage to the barrel? Thanks.

2

That’s discouraging since I just ordered the Syrac AGB yesterday in order to swap out the block on my 11.5 inch BCM that is always suppressed.

Did they say to try heat at all before loosening or just send it off?

Anyone else have any experience removing BCMs set screw GBs?

Thanks
Harold

3

They recommended a MAP torch and extreme heat to break the red Loctite loose, but I don’t have that stuff here and am hesitant to try that on my own anyway.

They certainly did not play around with that thing possibly coming off that’s for sure.

4

Understood. Thanks.

5

I have a barrel getting cut and gas port opened now. I looked at ADCO, SAW and ar15 barrels to do the work. Ken at SAW was at SHOT show and unable to get me in until next week, Randal at ar15 barrels is running about 4 weeks to get the work done. ADCO quoted me less than 7 days shop time so I went to them.

Every report I’ve read about ADCO has been positive.

I should have my barrel back early next week and I’ll report back then.

6

Torch it or use a good heat gun and get a quality allen wrench.
They are ON there. So I don’t blame you for wanting to send it off. I have scratched barrels doing this, no biggie though.
I have never heard any negative feedback on ADCO, but I have never used them personally.

7

I’ve taken one of these things off. I had to destroy it to get it off since there’s no forking way I’m heating my barrel up like that to get that loctite to break loose. Slow and easy with a dremel and drill, and I eventually got it off.

I wish BCM would use something different. I’ve gone to staking my set screws on my lo pro gas blocks.

8

I personally have not ever read one negative report about ADCO, but, have read tons of glowing reports… I have also used them several times with excellent results, and quick turn around time.

9

No experience with the BCM set screw gas blocks, but ADCO has been very great in my experience. They pinned a muzzle device for me and the work was good and quick turn around time. I’ve recommended them to friends as well.

10

ADCO had to do mine. They’re great!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11

Be thankful they actually put Red Loctite on your Gas Block Set Screws :smiley:

12

I’ve had ADCO do various things for me over the years, mostly pinning gas blocks and FSBs. He does a good job, but I’ve always been struck by the amount of cosmetic scarfing of the block and surrounding barrel finish. Had a similar experience at Rainier. I only use blue loctite on gas block screws, but I would never trust a gas block that wasn’t pinned. That’s me, anyway. YMMV

13

I would rather drill out the set screws that have red Loctite on them than use heat, but that is just me.

14

I removed my set screw gas block from my BCM 18" barrel. Two of the three screws came out without issue. Prior to drilling I tried heating the screw with a large MAP gas bottle. That screw would not break loose for the life of me. I bent and broke a couple of allen keys trying. I even tried smacking the screw to shock it loose. The last screw forced me to remove it by drilling. It was a total PITA but doable.The old gas block is also salvageable. I ended up replacing the gas block with a BCM part anyway.

I was talking with a good friend of mine that’s an engineer. He recommended this to help narrow the heat to the screw specifically.

http://www.harborfreight.com/pencil-torch-94185.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot+provided&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2Flsr.php%3Fu%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fm.harborfreight.com%252Fpencil-torch-94185.html%253Futm_referrer%253Ddirect%25252Fnot%252Bprovided%26ext%3D1422308136%26hash%3DAckk-pVqbUvhQBvAoLv9HT_3bWWWV9QVNZZQDw-aQf9mZw

15

Im glad it was secured, but wish it were a little easier to remove. I would rather send it off and let someone else do it properly thn risk damaging it myself. I was so frustrated after messing with it for two days in a row that I almost just bought a new 11.5" barrel for the new gas block.

16

Have you tried something like an adjustable Weller Soldering Iron turned up as hot as it will go, with the tip placed directly into the Screw Head?

17

No need to use crazy heat and stuff. Get this and follow the instructions. If it doesn’t work, do it twice. I use it all the time and it works. YMMV

http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Smith-161-Un-Cure-1oz/dp/B0000DD1QS

18

IG,

I don’t know if this will work on this gas block. It seems as though the Loctite applied to these set screws is some combination of adamantium and minotaur semen. I may pick up a bottle to try though before I send it off.

Thanks

19

I am very familiar with how that block was installed. I also know what Loctite they use. Uncure breaks down cyanoacrylate which is the active ingredient in Loctite. I have used this stuff for about the last 6 months and it has yet to not work for me. YMMV

20

A BIG thanks in advance for the hassle you have just saved me when doing this in the future.