AR-15 gas block question

[levsmith]

I am looking at doing a little upgrading to my AR for more long distance stuff. It is a Del-ton midlength with the standard front sight and handguards. I would like to put on a YHM low profile gas block with a midlength hogue free float handguard but I am concerned about the coating underneath the gas block.

If I remember correctly, I thought I had read somewhere that Del-ton doesn't coat underneath the front sights and from looking at some pictures of the YHM gas block, it doesn't look like it would cover the spots completely after replacing.

If I got a rifle length handguard I really wouldn't be too worried about it since it would be hidden by the longer handguard but I just don't really like the look of a rifle length handguard on a 16" barrel. So my question, is there a way to paint the exposed parts after replacing the gas block, or am I going to have to send it in to get recoated?

Thanks for any help!

 

[MrCleanOK]

The better, cheaper, manlier answer is to remove your FSB, cut off the triangle, sling swivel, and bayonet lug, grind it down to look pretty, then spray it with high temp black paint. In all seriousness, chopping the gas block is the most mechanically sound solution. You will keep all the unpark'ed areas of the barrel covered, and the original taper pin attachment is preferable to the set screws of most low-pro gas blocks.

 

[levsmith]

The better, cheaper, manlier answer is to remove your FSB, cut off the triangle, sling swivel, and bayonet lug, grind it down to look pretty, then spray it with high temp black paint. In all seriousness, chopping the gas block is the most mechanically sound solution. You will keep all the unpark'ed areas of the barrel covered, and the original taper pin attachment is preferable to the set screws of most low-pro gas blocks.

Thanks MrCleanOK, I actually thought about doing that but wasn't sure if it would look like a bubba job or not. I may just do that. Thanks!

 

[madcratebuilder]

No PRP under the gas block is way over stated IMHO. I've never had any rust issues with barrels like that. You can give them a few coats of cold blue if your concerned about it.

I agree with cutting down the existing gas block. I touch up with cold blue and it blends in and is near invisible.

This gas block is a oversize unit for a .920 bull barrel. I had to do considerable cutting to get it under the extended portion of the Apex guard. Bayo lug and the sides of the sight post tower were cut and touched up with cold blue.