Did I mess up my AR 15 barrel???

[eric.cartman]

Hi all!
I have a RRA AR 15 carbine, 16" barrel. It had the fixed from sight/gas block that was pinned to the barrel with 2 pins going through actual holes in the barrel (not just dents, actual holes through the barrel). I took the pins out, and knocked off the FSB. I installed Yankee Hill low profile gas block that has 2 set screws on the bottom. To secure it I needed to drill dimples in the barrel. One of the dimples happened to be right on top of the hole in the barrel where the cross pin was holding the original FSB. Well guess what... I drilled it too deep and it made an opening into the original hole :banghead:

So now I wonder if the barrel "integrity" has been compromised. Though the new bas block is rather massive and covers it up nicely.

What say you?

 

[Acera]

You got any pictures? It does not sound too bad from your description. Did you just flair out the very end of the original hole??

 

[longdayjake]

Its probably fine. You really shouldnt have to drill to get the gas block to stay. If you ever get a thought in your mind that says, "maybe I should take a drill to this gun." Immediately put down whatever it is you are smoking and go take a nap.

 

[BADUNAME37]

It might not be a problem for regular safe shooting (notice I said "MIGHT NOT"), however, this is now most likely one, if not THE, "weakest" part(s) of the barrel.

That being said, should anything ever occur that would put more stress on the barrel than usual, the barrel may blow in this particular position before blowing anywhere else. Barrels don't usually blow unless there is some obstruction, so this should not be a problem unless something crazy happens and you fire it with another bullet already in the barrel, mud in the end of the barrel, the muzzle against an object, etc.

I believe the closer to the chamber you are, the higher the pressure within the barrel during each shot, therefore barrels are thicker at the chamber and most taper smaller toward the muzzle.

If there is any doubt at all, I would suggest taking it to a competent gunsmith.

Like was stated, if you think you need to get the drill out, it is time to take a break!

 

[ByAnyMeans]

I would suggest taking your rifle to a gunsmith and get it checked out. Better safe than sorry.

 

[eric.cartman]

You see this picture:


So the original hole in my barrel is closer to the center of the barrel than in this picture. And I drilled perpendicular to the barrel, and the drill came into the original hole, in the middle of it, inside.

Sorry if I can't explain it better

 

[Walkalong]

If you haven't drilled any deeper in the barrel, you will be fine. The metal around that hole for the pin is just hanging there mostly, not adding to the strength of the barrel.

 

[eric.cartman]

Walkalong,
No I didn't drill any deeper into the barrel. My worry is that the original hole in MY barrel is closer to the center of bore. In the attached picture, the top of the whole already has a gap there. Mine didn't. And I drilled all the way through it. SO the entire hole now is a T shaped. Two wholes on the side, and one on the top. But it sure secured the gas block in place

 

[eric.cartman]

Mine looked more like this (thank God I can find pics on google ):

 

[SSN Vet]

no expert here...

but I would think that as you tighten the set screw that goes into that holes location,it is now free to apply a slight bending force to the end of the barrel.

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

No, you did not hurt the barrel.

 

[eric.cartman]

Mr_Pale_Horse,
Do you care to elaborate?

 

[BADUNAME37]

No, a Notarized, Dated, Signed Statement in that regard shall suffice.