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.