Need a low pro gas block for AR-15

[p4+riot]

OK, so I finally removed the hand guards, front sight post (PITA), and muzzle break. I'm ready to install a rifle length quad rail on my carbine but need to shop for a low profile gas block first.

From what I can tell, I can get one at almost any price range. Question - Is this one of those parts that "you get what you pay for?" I mean, I could spend maybe $30 and get the YHM or go for the VLTOR for about $60.



I'm more fond of the VLTOR as it just looks like a better quality part. However, I'll probably never see it again. Looks aside though, it is made of stainless whereas the YHM is not. I like having the peace of mind knowing that what's under the hood is top quality.

Is a gas block a gas block or can someone sell me on why I should get the VLTOR or any other high end gas block?

 

[rbernie]

I am very partial to the aluminum EGW gas block. I cannot see any rationale for a carbon or stainless steel gas block (and I really can't see why I want the weight of one), and the MGW is the most solid of the lo-pro alloy variants.

 

[Zak Smith]

The logic for a steel gas block, ideally made of a material with the same thermal expansion rate as the barrel, that is pinned (other other "interference" fit) is simple: reliability under heavy firing schedules.

Here is some first-hand experience: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=99368

Now, I always use steel gas blocks and I always make sure they are either pinned in place or have a true interference fit (ie, pinned or one of the set screws goes into a divot machined into the barrel and then is high-temp loctited or staked.)

 

[p4+riot]

OK, so I decided to go with this one:

Removing the stock front sight post left two non-parkerized scars (I believe that is parkerizing, correct me if I'm wrong) which wouldn't be covered up with the VLTOR gas block.

Anyway, there's a back order on this part but I'll be glad I ordered it once
I get it installed.

Anybody have luck installing the barrel nut without a torque wrench?

 

[rbernie]

The logic for a steel gas block, ideally made of a material with the same thermal expansion rate as the barrel, that is pinned (other other "interference" fit) is simple: reliability under heavy firing schedules.

Pinning, I get. I also understand the notion of equalizing the thermal expansion, but I feel compelled to point out that my service weapon had a (pinned) aluminum front sight base/gas block and that seemed to work just fine.

I have found that the MGW gives a nice interference fit and the split design with side clamping (like the DD, above) holds up to my admittedly moderate use. I do not trust nor use the 'saddle' style clamp on gas blocks, because they rely solely upon the bolts for tension and I just don't trust that.

 

[Zak Smith]

I don't know if a pinned aluminum block would have worked or not in the same circumstances that made the JP blocks fail at that match. Between expansion and using only set screws, two of those setups moved enough along the barrel to cover the gas port. But it was an exceptional firing schedule, for sure.