In the middle of doing an AR build (lower is done, starting upper soon) and I ran into the teeny problem of there being a gazillion gas blocks out there. Is one any better than the other? And are there any benefits to clamp on vs. set screw?

 

Specs for the upper build are:

16" barrel, .750" under the block

Mid length gas tube

Mid length quad, probably YHM SLR 

 

I wanted to mount a flip sight on the gas block, but it can go on the rail for all I care.

 

Oh and it will be direct gas.

Any reason you want a flip sight?  Why not just get a f-marked fsb?

For the love of god if you do end up getting a low profile gas block, make sure the FF rail you get is long enough to cover it. I can't get used to the look of it when it's sticking out.

 

 

If I had to choose between a clamp on vs. set screw, I'd chose the set screw option. Drill a couple of dimples on the barrel for the screws to catch and you'll have better odds of the block not moving on you.

Standard front sight or low profile with long hand guard...

 

Quad rail is old school imo

There are so many newer solutions that offer super light platforms and rail where you need it

Any reason you want a flip sight?  Why not just get a f-marked fsb?

Seeing the fsb through my optic is distracting to me. Flip ups I can leave out of the way until I need them, probably never, granted.

Standard front sight or low profile with long hand guard...

 

Quad rail is old school imo

There are so many newer solutions that offer super light platforms and rail where you need it

I figure with a quad rail I have pretty much unlimited options as to where I mount things. My only experience with AR's so far is competitive high power so all the accessorizes are new to me. Plus I guess I'm a pretty old school guy

Seeing the fsb through my optic is distracting to me. Flip ups I can leave out of the way until I need them, probably never, granted.

Interesting. Do you keep both eyes open? I don't even notice the fsb when shooting with a 1x optic and through a magnifier it blurs away

Interesting. Do you keep both eyes open? I don't even notice the fsb when shooting with a 1x optic and through a magnifier it blurs away

Nah, I keep on hearing I should, but eh, everyone's got bad habits.

Gotcha. Well if you do, it probably will solve that issue.

Gotcha. Well if you do, it probably will solve that issue.

Never thought of that being the problem. I always believed in improving the shooter before the gear so I'll give it a try.

Never thought of that being the problem. I always believed in improving the shooter before the gear so I'll give it a try.

What optic are you using?

What optic are you using?

Eotech.

Eotech.

Oh yeah dude. Eotech gives you great field of vision with both open. They are designed for that use after all.

 

Both eyes open focusing on the target and everything else just goes away. I don't personally know any drills to help keep them open, maybe someone else might.

 

Oh yeah dude. Eotech gives you great field of vision with both open. They are designed for that use after all. Both eyes open focusing on the target and everything else just goes away. I don't personally know any drills to help keep them open, maybe someone else might.

While I'm practicing I'll snap a rubber band on my wrist every time I aim with one eye.   

Lol

But seriously though, thanks for all the help.

But seriously though, thanks for all the help.

 

No prob.   You can also try this

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Yankee-Hill-Machine-220-EOTech-Riser-yhm-p/yhm%20220%20eotech%20riser.htm

 

It will raise up your eotech to get the fsb lower in your window.  

 

http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/10555-ar-pics-lets-seeum/page-46

 

This page will show you the riser and the view through the window on my rifle. I'm new to the Eotech game but I'm liking it so far.  (Even though some still hate them lol )

I figure with a quad rail I have pretty much unlimited options as to where I mount things. My only experience with AR's so far is competitive high power so all the accessorizes are new to me. Plus I guess I'm a pretty old school guy

 

 

think about it like this.. what are you mounting? a light? a front grip? the accessories you mount will generally occupy a small amount of space relative to the total amount on a rail.. 

the new handguards and free float tubes that accept rail sections are better because they are lighter.. but can still take rail sections where needed... 

 

 

this is my AR.. and the handguard is pretty light.. its also more comfortable than most I have used..

i also use a standard sight gasblock combo.... shooting with both eyes open..