Gas blocks and suppressors

[captnmo]

I have an Armalite SASS and I'm seriously considering replacing the upper with a GAP AR-10 upper. Depending on how much I sell the current one, I won't be out too much $$$ in the end so I think it's a worth-while endeavor

But what's the deal with the adjustable gas block on the current upper I own? I don't have a suppressor on it but would like to put one on in the future. Am I losing something with the fixed Badger Mk12 gas block that GAP will install if/when I put a suppressor on it? I don't see a lot of people using the adjustable type gas blocks so I'm guessing the quality of the one installed makes all the difference. Your thoughts?

 

[Strangedays]

Re: Gas blocks and suppressors

If you are running a can the adjustable one will be better in the long run. I like them on all my guns then I can set the gas to lower the recoil for comps, it also helps with custom loads.

 

[captnmo]

Re: Gas blocks and suppressors

What are you suggestions? Who else makes them besides Armalite? I can get another Armalite gas block, but I'm wondering what else is out there.

 

[JerkeeJoe]

Re: Gas blocks and suppressors

My LaRue OBR came with one that has functioned very well thus far with and without a can installed. I don't know if they sell them separate, but you could ask. I know Noveske makes a switchblock for 5.56, but not sure if they do anything for 7.62.

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: Gas blocks and suppressors

JP makes one, though i really don't think you need one. but to each thier own some people like them so they can make their rifle a single shot.

 

[k2peaker]

Re: Gas blocks and suppressors

I'd recommend contacting JP as well. In addition to their excellent AR15s, they make the best AR-10 going imo (the LRP). Their left side charging handle design is a huge improvement in the AR10 platform. Their LRP has a low profile adjustable gas block.

I'm not sure about the "not many folks are using adjustable gas blocks" opinion. It depends on what segment of the market you are talking about. Within the 3-gun crowd (which are driving ARs pretty hard, driving most of the technology early adoption over the past 15 years), they are absolutely the standard. And, it's not to make them single shot (maybe for HighPower but not for 3Gun). You really can find tune a AR action for felt recoil/sight recovery by altering carrier group weight, buffer weight, buffer spring, etc. And, then having control over the gas is part of that equation. Virtually all ARs are so overgassed (stock) to where you're getting a considerable amount of carrier/bolt slam as part of the felt recoil impulse.

For a typical non-competitive shooter, having complete reliability to make sure there's always enough gas to guarantee extraction, cycling, etc. makes sense across any likely loads. If I were LEO/Mil or a plinker, I would run over-gassed. For competitive shooters, you can reduce felt recoil, sight recovery, etc. dramatically. And, keep in mind most of us are all tuned to our specific competition loads too, i.e., controlling more of the variables.

Can vs. unsuppressed: I switch back and forth throughout the season. When I'm running for comps where cans aren't allowed, I run a light carrier (JPs) with somewhat less gas flowing. With my can installed (AAC M4-2000), I switch to a slightly heavier carrier (YM NM) and increase the gas flow -- otherwise I get short cycles. Note: I still run with the light JP buffer with the can - no problems.
Different strokes for different applications.