Assembling my latest AR:
20" Ballistic Advantage Fluted Barrel - rifle length gas tube, rifle length buffer.
I wanted to dimple the underside of the barrel in order to ensure perfect gas port alignment and keep it there. There were a handful of options to chose from in a barrel dimpling jig. I chose the KAK Industries Jig ($25) for a few reasons: The jig included a dimpling drill bit, Local company, I could buy direct from manufacturer, expected quick shipping, American made. I ordered the jig Friday afternoon (on Memorial Day weekend), and received it Tuesday = Great, quick shipping.
https://www.kakindustry.com/kak-drill-jig-750
The jig has the provision to perfectly space and drill two dimples (to match your gas block) if you choose. The jig is thick, hard steel; thick enough to keep the drill bit perfectly straight when drilling. I opted for just one dimple. When doing one dimple, always drill it in the location directly opposite the gas port.
If you opt for two dimples, simply back the set-screws halfway out of the gas block and use them to determine the correct spacing option to use on the jig. The jig itself has different options around the circumference of the tool. Each option has the gas port set screw location opposite.
- The 0.750' jig fit the barrel shoulder perfectly with no play or sloppiness. The gas port alignment set-screw has a pointed end that will set into the gas port on the top of the barrel. lightly tighten the gas port alignment set-screw so that you just feel the point enter the gas port - wiggle it around a bit to ensure the sharp point is in the gas port. Once it does, it is aligned correctly - tighten the set screw firmly.
Flip the barrel over
- On the bottom of the barrel, you will find the jig holes opposite the gas port. Set the supplied drill bit in the hole to mark the depth. I used a set collar (not supplied) to set the correct depth, but you can use a wrap of tape as well. I did not measure, but drill depth is 1/16" max - you just want the dimple to be big enough to fit the set screw into.
- Drill the dimple to your desired depth. Use a slow to medium speed on your drill and some oil on the bit. It goes quick, so pay attention to the depth. I don't have a drill press, so I used my cordless drill. The jig ensures the drill bit is is straight and does not wander or skip on the metal. Drill a bit at a time and remove the jig to check depth if it makes you more comfortable. Clean the metal shavings off as you go.
- Once satisfied with your dimple, remove the jig and clean up the barrel. If you want to dimple both set screws, just keep the jig installed and rill the second hole.
- That's it! Easy and rewarding to get it done. The gas block installed perfectly aligned and unobstructed.
Great, simple tool that did exactly what it was designed to do. It
20" Ballistic Advantage Fluted Barrel - rifle length gas tube, rifle length buffer.
I wanted to dimple the underside of the barrel in order to ensure perfect gas port alignment and keep it there. There were a handful of options to chose from in a barrel dimpling jig. I chose the KAK Industries Jig ($25) for a few reasons: The jig included a dimpling drill bit, Local company, I could buy direct from manufacturer, expected quick shipping, American made. I ordered the jig Friday afternoon (on Memorial Day weekend), and received it Tuesday = Great, quick shipping.
https://www.kakindustry.com/kak-drill-jig-750
The jig has the provision to perfectly space and drill two dimples (to match your gas block) if you choose. The jig is thick, hard steel; thick enough to keep the drill bit perfectly straight when drilling. I opted for just one dimple. When doing one dimple, always drill it in the location directly opposite the gas port.
If you opt for two dimples, simply back the set-screws halfway out of the gas block and use them to determine the correct spacing option to use on the jig. The jig itself has different options around the circumference of the tool. Each option has the gas port set screw location opposite.
- The 0.750' jig fit the barrel shoulder perfectly with no play or sloppiness. The gas port alignment set-screw has a pointed end that will set into the gas port on the top of the barrel. lightly tighten the gas port alignment set-screw so that you just feel the point enter the gas port - wiggle it around a bit to ensure the sharp point is in the gas port. Once it does, it is aligned correctly - tighten the set screw firmly.
Flip the barrel over
- On the bottom of the barrel, you will find the jig holes opposite the gas port. Set the supplied drill bit in the hole to mark the depth. I used a set collar (not supplied) to set the correct depth, but you can use a wrap of tape as well. I did not measure, but drill depth is 1/16" max - you just want the dimple to be big enough to fit the set screw into.
- Drill the dimple to your desired depth. Use a slow to medium speed on your drill and some oil on the bit. It goes quick, so pay attention to the depth. I don't have a drill press, so I used my cordless drill. The jig ensures the drill bit is is straight and does not wander or skip on the metal. Drill a bit at a time and remove the jig to check depth if it makes you more comfortable. Clean the metal shavings off as you go.
- Once satisfied with your dimple, remove the jig and clean up the barrel. If you want to dimple both set screws, just keep the jig installed and rill the second hole.
- That's it! Easy and rewarding to get it done. The gas block installed perfectly aligned and unobstructed.
Great, simple tool that did exactly what it was designed to do. It
