Are you guys aware of any higher end "hard use" barrels which have a profile similar to an M4, but have a .750 diameter barrel for the gas block and then another section the same diameter further out (preferably until the muzzle threads) so an A2 style front sight post can be pinned as close to the muzzle as possible while still maintaining the correct spacing for rifle length 2 piece hand-guards? Ideally it would be a 14.5 (pinned and welded) or 16 inch barrel with a pinned low profile gas block at the intermediate location and then the A2 out front for a nice long sight radius/hand-guard real estate.
I really like the idea of properly drilled and pinned gas blocks, never had issues with alignment or gas leaking from one. Not the story with the set screw models. I realize that stripped ar barrels seldom come pinned, and thats not an issue because it should be an easy task for a good smith. I just want a good quality chrome lined barrel in the proper length and profile for it to work.
I really like the idea of properly drilled and pinned gas blocks, never had issues with alignment or gas leaking from one. Not the story with the set screw models. I realize that stripped ar barrels seldom come pinned, and thats not an issue because it should be an easy task for a good smith. I just want a good quality chrome lined barrel in the proper length and profile for it to work.