I am slowly doing an AR build and had a few questions on the type of gas block I should be using. I am doing a 16" Mid-Length gas system, using a Wilson Combat tactical hunter barrel chambered in 5.56 NATO with 1/9 twist. I will also be installing an 11" Troy Alpha rail system. The diagram that is linked on the page says that the gas port has a diameter of .080
I was planning on buying whatever low profile gas block I can find, because I have read that the port size on the gas block is usually larger to accommodate a variety of port sizes. However, I am wondering if I should just spend a little extra cash and buy an adjustable gas block? If anyone who has done a number of AR builds has some constructive input, that would be great.
You shouldn’t need an adjustable gas block for that barrel.
Interesting that the “Hunter” barrel is 1:9 twist. I’d think you’d want to use the heavier bullets for hunting applications.
i’m not hunting with it, that’s just the name of the barrel
We can assume that Bill Wilson knows a thing or two about AR barrels, and what they do for a rifle. So, the gas port is highly unlikely to need any fiddle-farting with.
Adjustable gas blocks serve a useful, but very limited role. One would be an Open 3-gun competition rig. The builder would go with an aluminum carrier for low mass, and then use the adjustable gas block to throttle gas flow until the rifle has as low a felt recoil as possible. However, in doing so he has given up all the extra operating power margin, and the rifle is constantly in the verge of malfunctioning. It will require constant cleaning, lube and inspection to be 100% reliable.
Do you need such a rifle? If so, are you willing to fuss over it before, during and after each match?
No man, that rifle will run just fine. I would guess an H2 would be a good choice.
By H2, you are referring to a heavy carbine buffer correct?
Out of curiousity. Why do you want a 1/9? Also, will Wilson guarantee that the chamber will in fact be 5.56 and not tight as some others do? Personally I would get a Noveske or WOA barrel.
I went with 1/9 because I plan on mostly shooting 55 and 62 grain bullets, they also make the barrel in 1/7 and 1/8 twist. The reason I picked this barrel was because it was exactly what as was looking for and it is only $249, compared to $450 for a noveske barrel. I have no idea if they guarantee the chamber.
Sweeney! You’re using spell check finally! :dance3: :dance3: :dance3: (I can give you a hard time since I have a few of your books. :D)
I blame those on the page layout proles.
I agree. Even shooting 55 and 62s… I’ve found that 1/7 barrels can be real laser beams. For that price, that barrel had better shoot amazingly accurate.
The gas port size sounds fine…
They now offer a 1/7 and 1/8 twist rate. Last month when I bought this barrel they did not offer any other twist rate but 1/9 so that is what I went with. Not too worried about the twist rate anyway, i’m sure it will work just fine.
I also thought the price was pretty decent and haven’t really seen any other mid-length gas, lightweight stainless barrels that are under $350
Maybe… WOW… that just seems so expensive for an AR barrel. I don’t mind a 1/9 either… just saying… a 1/7 works with light stuff too.
Just as a side note, the 11" Alpha rail with flip sight wont work on a mid-length.
Youll have to get the one without the built in sight
Yes, I ordered one without the flip up sight. They state that the 11" flip up sight version doesn’t work with mid-lengths right on the Troy website.
You are missing the point about 1/9. You may not be able to shoot some of the heavier loads. The only way your will know is by testing the round.
What part about me saying that I will only be shooting 55 and 62 grain bullets did you not get??? I completely understand that you can shoot heavier grain bullets with a 1/7 twist barrel, so you don’t have to worry about it anymore.
Your correct in the 1/9 will work fine for the 55 and 62 gr. I don’t shoot heavy rounds either.
Gas port should be fine. I would run an H or H2 buffer. Pass on the adjustable gas block in my opinion.
Dave