Normally, I use ADCO for barrel work, but they won’t work on nitrided barrels. Rainier will pin gas blocks on nitrided barrels, but they don’t have the jig to install a front sight base.
Anyone know of a good shop (preferably with a decent turnaround time) who will do the FSB installation on a nitrided barrel?
You may opt for the clamp style gas block. If you visit Vltor’s site, they have a gallery of pics showing the proper torque and how well it holds. Another option is an Armalite clamp block and detachable front sight. I had one on an AR10, no issues.
I would think that a drill bit is made to go through the hardened surface and if someone will do this, they may charge for that bit which I believe is spent on one job.
Have you tried asking ADCO if they’d do it using your own bit? IIRC, Constructor mentioned he uses carbide bits to port nitrided barrels. Maybe you could get one and ship it along with your barrel.
BTW, what barrel is this? Is it dimpled?
ETA: Dimpled for a set screw?
Contact Randall.
Not to undermine Mark, but I’d steer clear of a clamp on GB. YMMV.
It’s an AR Performance barrel. Dimpled for a set screw, but frankly, that’s not an option I’m comfortable with unless the block is completely covered by a rail.
As stated, contact Randall.
No worries here, I just offered the clamp avenue in case you can’t get it pinned.
If it was mine, I would get it pinned. As a note, I was going to pin the AR10, just sold it before I did it:D
Lessen learned, if you do this again, have the block fit and pin located before applying the nitride.
Mark