Eew... Gas hole not drilled down center. Normal?

[SuperSneakySniper]

Hey fellas,

I'm not new to ARs, but I am fairly new to building em' from scratch. I've assembled an upper, used a jig to drill some nice dimples in the barrel for a set-screw gas block, and after installing the block it became pretty clear that the gas hole is not straight with the barrel.

What I mean is, there is noticeable cant to the gas block. It leans over between 11 and 12 o'clock (if looking down the muzzle end). I checked to make sure the gas block was indeed over the gas hole, and it does appear to be very much centered, the jig did its job. But... Is this normal? I have a TINY TINY TINY amount of cant in my ol' BCM upper's gas block, but it's not like this.

Barrel is a Strike Industries Strike Fighter 16 inch mid-length in .223 Wylde. It's not a high end barrel, just a little something to put in a 3-gun rifle. Cost about $240 bucks or something.

Lastly, I'm pairing it up with a 2A Armament adjustable gas lightweight BCG, which definitely constitutes as a "high end" BCG.
Would you guys say I need to buy some headspace gauges? I don't want to unless I gotta, because they'd only be used once basically... But if I have to, then I have to. I just don't it to blow up is all.

 

[308pirate]

I wouldn't worry about headspace gauges, particularly if you're not going to reload the brass coming out of this barrel. As for the slanted gas vent, meh......it's not right but it's mostly a cosmetic thing unless there ends up being a kink in the gas tube or something weird like that.

 

[afd77]

Is it a low profile block going under a handguard? Like 308 said the only issue with function would be if the gas tube was kinked and I think that would take an extreme amount of cant to accomplish. The only other issue if it is a low profile block is whether it will fit under the handguard. Depending on what handguard your using, some have very little room under them for a block to be canted with out touching.

 

[L.R.Novice]

I either have my barrels cut to a bolt that I provide or check them with go/nogo guages. I have never seen a headspace problem cause a catastrophic problem but I’d rather be safe than sorry. I’d be concerned with a barrel that already has some incorrect machining.

As far as the gas block make sure it fits under the handguard and make sure it doesn’t bind up the BGC. Remove the bolt and slide the carrier back and forth to ensure the gas tube doesn’t impede free movement.

 

[SuperSneakySniper]

Ah ty for the info gentlemen, yes its a low pro block and it does still fit under the handgaurd with clearance on all sides, and the BCG does cycle back and forth fine (as far as i can tell), the tube seems to set straight after passing into the upper. So i guess it will just be a cosmetic issue. Ill probably get a better barrel down the road though.

Shucks that leaves me 50/50 on the gauges though haha. Regardless, thanks guys!

 

[bobke]

Would think this related to correct alignment of your barrel extension lug to your gas port. I’d discuss it with the barrel’s manufacturer. It may function, but it’s not right.