I never like to start threads as this is my 1st one but i really just need a quick answer b4 tomorrow and then the mods can shut it down if they like. (not that they need my permission :sarcastic:)
Ok, so i have basically finished my build which is DD upper, lower, barrel, 10" lite, and other various DD parts with a BCM bolt and GCH. The only part i’m waiting on is the gas block so i don’t yet have my barrel on.
Tomorrow (Sunday) i’m going to the range with family and don’t expect to have this opportunity again for a while so i would really like to do the “10 shot with cleaning after every shot” barrel break in that the DD rep. advised me to do and then shoot just a couple groups (scoped)before I leave the range.
So, my question is: would it be safe to put the barrel on and torque the DD barrel nut (not installing hand guards) and shoot a few rounds with no gas block installed by manually cycling the rifle? Would it most importantly be safe to the shooter but also could it damage the rifle? I know the gas port will be pushing gas but i guess i just don't see how it could harm anyone or the rifle. B4 i risk it i just wanted to make sure i'm not forgetting something. Thank you (i did a search for "shooting with no gas block" but found nothing)
no it would not be safe. You would get burns from not having any handguards. and if the gas block is not installed the gas will port up out of the barrel and some back also out the front of the chamber possibly burning arms and face. and more i cannot think of right now.
ok thanks… well im glad i asked b4 i did it then…i realize the gas will be shooting up out of the port thats why i wasn’t planning on holding the barrel with my hands, i was just gonna shoot from a bench…i definitely don’t want to burn my face tho…lol i guess i underestimated the volume and force of gas of the system if it can actually shoot the burning gas straight up into the sky and it will spread out enough to burn my face resting all the way back on the butt stock. DAMN!!!
I don’t think it would be dangerous provided you and everyone else are wearing eye protection. A revolver jets a hell of a lot more gas from the cylinder barrel gap than will come out this little hole. There are times I will go without eye protection but if a revolver is being fired I always wear glasses, same with this experiment. Stay clear of the gas jet and you will be OK. I’m wondering why you would do this. As far as barrel break in, I don’t and have never given it a moment’s effort. Shilen holds the same opinion. Put it together, take it to the range and shoot it. What is the purpose of this thing anyway, to enjoy or to be a burden? Or, to put it another way, does it work for you or do you work for it?
Wear your PPE and carry on. I’ve done this before while waiting on parts back before I had any patience. Well, I still don’t. I’ve also done this to get a jump on zero.
Yeah, i understand your point about barrel break in…now that i think about it, im not gonna “break it in”. It’s my 1st build and guess i was just thinking like a pussy. I didnt do a “break in” with my other non-chromed AR and it seems fine. I still want to shoot it w/o a gas block tho. I will be wearing protection thats for sure. Seb5: i have no patients either. I’ve been building this thing 4ever and i just cant wait anymore. Basically i’m jus gonna throw my scope on the upper and shoot a few groups and that should hold me over until my gas block arrives. Eric D: lol, now i dont think i would try that
no break-in required… and just to lend evidence, i also concur that firing without a gas block is not exactly “dangerous.” just keep in mind not to have anyone leaning in to look at your barrel while firing… i also wouldnt do any shooting from the hip, etc…
but i also see no practical purpose for shooting the weapon before it’s complete. you probably don’t want to zero without handguards attached- your POI will change.
Thanks for the info…the range i shoot at is a small town sportsman club and theres never any1 there so i’ll only be shooting from a bench and like you said not from the hip…also, im not going to zero it since i will have to remove the barrel nut again etc…my scope is sighted in for my other AR so i bet it will be pretty close when i attach it to this upper. At least enough to get it on paper at 100. Regardless of the POI i’m gonna keep my POA the same and see what kind of groups i can get…i guess its just impatience: thats the only reason
Personally I would try and fight it and hold off. I am the same way, very impatient, but you will get 100 times more enjoyment out of it when its all together.