AR-15 gas block

[booomboompow]

Has anyone tried the quad picatinny rail gas block by UTC. I have read mixed reviews, I have a Olympic Arms ar-15 with the .750 barrel or can anyone recommend a better gas block, price is a issue. I would like a gas block with at least a lower picatinny rail.

 

[Tirod]

UTC is predominantly made in China. Some like it. It's not duty grade, the alloys used are lesser grade.

If it's an aluminum clamp on block it has to be retightened after it's heated up the first time, watch it as aluminum strips easily. The block height for mounting an optic is either traditional - short, or rail height - tall. A front BUIS has to match, it has to be metal, Magpul doesn't recommend using theirs.

If the traditional forged steel FSB is being removed, pulling the taper pins isn't a kitchen table job. Whatever is being mounted on the block shouldn't be allowed contact with a rest, as it shifts the point of impact. This goes double for a bipod.

Overall, it has a limited usefulness, and raises a lot of questions about whether it's really needed since no explanation was given.

 

[kwelz]

What would you be doing with a quad railed gas block?
You don't want to mount a light or anything else to it because of the heat. And you are better off with the fixed FSB for sights.

 

[TonyAngel]

Is it UTC or UTG? Either way, I wouldn't use either. I'm not a brand snob, I'm really not, but that stuff just seemed like trash in terms of quality. If you want a reasonably priced add on like that, check out Yankee Hill.

 

[booomboompow]

gas block

I had typed UTC i meant UTG i think i have ruled against that now but i had researched the yankee hill and there is a couple of the gas blocks that i liked. All i am interested in mounting on the rail is a sling swivel. But i have a picatinny forend so its possible i could mount to one of those rails. My main reason for removing the FSB is for full view in my scope as i have lower rings and i want to keep them.

 

[Tirod]

Nothing wrong with getting the FSB out of the line of sight. Since it's a scoped rifle, that implies accuracy is a priority. Mounting any sling to the barrel will shift the point of impact, it's better off mounted to a free float handguard. A short piece of rail will do it, or a handguard with a QD socket.

It's one method of preserving the accuracy of the barrel - and how good the barrel shoots won't improve at all. What does improve is the elimination of a source of inaccuracy, and the package shoots closer to the barrels limit, not otherwise.

The easiest way to handle the change is Dremel off the upper of the FSB. Even if you buy a Dremel kit, you're money ahead, the gas block function doesn't change, the taper pins stay secure, and you'll lose 1/2 the weight out on the end of the barrel. It's a common, simple, and reliable fix.There are posts and videos on the net.

 

[ZKM1911]

More gas block questions

I'm considering purchasing a free float rail, which would require the installation of a low profile gas block? I'm setting this rifle up for shorter range coyote hunting, using a 3x scope (for now). I have a set up Magpul BUIS, which I might install someday (when the zombies come), so a gas block with a top rail would be a nice option. It seems that the set screw system has problems, what about the clamping style of block? And is there a taper screw low profile gas block?

While I'm here might as well ask what brand/model of freefloat tube you guys recommend.

 

[TheGewehrGuy]

Okay, I actually have the UTG Quad-rail gas block, and so does my uncle.

I can tell you that I didn't install mine and that I bought it that way. I have had no problems with it, but I do not like the finish as it does not match the black of my rifle.

If I could have done my rifle all over again, I would have never gotten the quad rail gas block because there is really no point of it because its not a long enough or even stable enough to mount most things. I would have just gotten the normal A2 Front sight block.
If you mount a scope to a flat-top, you actually can't see the front sight even though it looks like its obviously in the way, I wish I knew that before I got my quad-rail gas block.

As far as quality goes, I had no problems, but my uncle's was completely out of spec and had to order a new one, which worked.

Spend the extra money and pay for the quality, you most be dissatisfied.

 

[ZKM1911]

Front Sight and Scope

Yep, I can attest to it, the scope is not blocked by the front sight. When I put it on I was like, oh great, now I need a low profile gas block - nope, works fine with the scope. But I really want a quick release scope mount... any suggetions?

 

[Tirod]

If your getting a free float and using a long scope, you don't need the railed gas block. You might need a scope that cantilevers forward over the tube. Bridging the upper and float doesn't work well unless it's tied together.

The scope needs to extend forward of the upper because the eye relief will likely not let you focus it, much less getting dinged from a little recoil.

Again, just cutting down the existing gas block is the simplest and least expensive method that guarantees you the most effective and secure block on the market.

 

[Greell]

I haven't used UTC because I prefer a better grade. It's not terrible...but lower grade metal expands as it heats, so if you use your weapon a lot, that gasblock is likely to cause some issues down the road(you may have a leak due to expansion) which can cause your weapon to malfunction.

If it's a weapon you would stake your life on, UTC isn't bad for a range or home defense AR.

If you want better quality, yankee hill(YHM) makes a pretty solid block

 

[booomboompow]

I have watched a couple of videos on cutting down the FSB, but what i can't tell
if they are being coated with anything after they are cut down. Does anyone know of any videos that show this procedure any better.

 

[MrCleanOK]

Flat black high temp spray paint will do the job. You can tape off anything you don't want paint on, or remove the gas block before you spray it.