I’ve got one of these on order for a build. I’ve seen people talk about putting a dimple on the barrel for the screw. I’m taking this is to prevent the block from spinning. Is this really needed? Or is tightening the screws down real hard enough? I forgot to mention this is my first build…
Yes, it is the bare minimum for gas block installation. That said, most stripped barrels these days come with a dimple perpendicular to the gas port. Personally I would atleast add another dimple for the other set screw. I suggest even pinning in for maximum solidity.
This ofcourse may be subjective to intended use, gas block location (exposed or hidden under the rail) but I would pin it regardless.
You can send it to Adco and have it drilled and reamed for a taper pin.
Can most places dimple for gas block install or is there a place I should send my barrel, it’s not dimpled and I was just going to use the DD gas block with the screws.
if you can’t pin it i would at least rocksett it also
I’ve used this many times. Be sure to put tape or mark your drill bit so you won’t drill to deep.
There is a thread here about how it works.
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BRDE-Fixture-for-Dimpling-Barrels-p/brdejig1.htm
+1
Rated21R, Adco seems to be the most recommended around here. No personal experience with however.
They dont offer it specifically from what I can see on their site so email them to confirm. Although pretty confident they would, seeing as they have milling and contouring services.
If you are using the DD clamp on gas block the barrel doesn’t need to be dimpled.
OP-
The VLTOR block has two set screws on the bottom. You need two dimples. BCM sells a jig specifically designed around this gas block if you are a do-it-ourselfer. They also have a jig to pin it. Although for what you’d pay for the jigs you could send it off and have it done most likely.
ADCO does good work, and I’m sure they could do it. As I’m sure Grant or some others. I don’t know who you ordered it from, but it’s possible they could do it as well. You may wanna contact them.
-RD62
I used the BRDE dimple & pinning jigs on a recent build. Good stuff:)
Can’t suggest this little tool highly enough. Short of having someone like ADCO pin it, this tool makes the dimples perfectly for Vltor blocks!!!
Love mine. I consider it a necessary tool for anyone who builds AR’s, like the MOACKS.
Got it. I was thinking of switching to a Vltor, that would require the dimpling.
Dimpling is a good idea.
Maybe once or twice in 4+ years Ive never heard of a set screw gas block coming off. Pinning is not going to hurt anything but its most likely not ever going to be of benefit. There are a lot of “best of the best” AR makers out there not pinning gas blocks, and they do just fine.
The condition on this is that the block is properly applied. That means a good thread locker, degreased threads and screws, dimples, etc.
Thanks for all the responses. I also think I’ve seen people stake the screws down. That would make sense to me.
Just jumped on the BCM store and grabbed that dimple tool…
You might find this interesting.
Who sells straight pins for pinning the gas block? I may give this a whirl when I get back.
IG, why a straight pin, if I may ask?
Did a quick search and found this on the original BRDE thread.
http://www.mcmaster.com
Taper:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#pins/=761nv7
Straight:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#pins/=761now
Not sure I am smart enought to do the taper thing. I like straight pins.
Ok, assuming one uses the jig from BRD, what is the diameter size of the straight pin for the gas block. Did I miss that?
noveske uses a straight pin and set screw with their low profile vltor blocks. They are VERY secure, I staked my screw in place for added security. You could even stake the straight pin in place if you don’t trust a straight pin to stay in place. A Springtools nail set can turn a straight pin into a tapered pin of sorts, just punch the center of one of the ends of the pin (effectively staking it in place).
A Vltor low profile block with a dimpled barrel should be VERY strong, especially with a staked set screw and roksett. I’m using a Stag low profile block with just two set screws on a dimpled barrel and it is going NOWHERE.
With the DD gas block, I just used a bit of elbow grease to get the screws securely in place and staked them down. I used red loctite to ensure that they didn’t back out, but that was overkill with the staking
I would use a #31 drill bit with a 1/8" OD dowel pin, then if I wanted to use taper pins, use a 0-2 taper reamer checking the fit with tapered pins. I bought a bunch of 1/8" dowel pins from mcmaster.com, if I use a 1/8" drill the fit is too loose for my comfort, even when staked.