Gas block installation

Re: Gas block installation

Rainier Arms makes two little jigs, one to drill the dimples for the set screws, and one for installing a taper pin (only works with the SPR style gas block). Or you could send it off to Adco Firearms to be taper pinned.
 
Re: Gas block installation

Normally, the barrel should come with a small detent already. If you have the precision equipment to make that hole just right: go for it. Otherwise, I'd pay a competent gunsmith a few bucks to make sure you get it just right. "Kinda close" will give you regrets when it doesn't function the way you want. I never had the need to pin anything: don't use the gas block as a hammer. I shoot through barrels way too fast to worry about pinning stuff.

Now, I also have a Yankee Hill gas block that simply uses friction and never had a problem with it. Keep in mind that pinning was necessary when attaching bayonets to the front sight post...not really necessary for civilian uses.
 
Re: Gas block installation

IMO the set screw type gas blocks are the last choice. There are plaenty of clamp on gas blocks available that don't stress the barrel and are adjustable for slight windage corrections.