Which Switchblock? Does it REALLY matter?

[slothlacrosse]

I'd like to put a Switchblock on my 14.5" mid length barrel but I can't find a 14.5" mid length switch block.

So my question(s) to you:

1) Does anyone know where I can buy a 14.5" mid length switchblock?
2) What, if any, problems would I encounter running the plentiful 16" mid length on a 14.5" barrel?

 

[MarkCO]

If I remember correctly, the Noveske switchblocks are set up for different barrel lengths, one is for 14.5 to 16" barrels with carbine length gas systems. Since you have mid gas, you would need a different one. If you get one that is not matched, it might or might not run suppressed/unsuppressed. You may have to adjust loads, buffer weights etc. to tune it. Does that answer your question?

 

[RTH1800]

Why not just get an adj block and set it up as you will shoot it. If you run suppressed, why would you ever run unsuppressed? Most of my AR's have never been fired unsuppressed. Just a thought.

 

[slothlacrosse]

MarkCO: I understand that different switch blocks are set up for different barrel/gas lengths. I'm just wondering if a 16" mid length switchblock will function on a 14.5" mid length barrel.

rth1800: honestly, switchblock look cool.

 

[ORD]

Why not just get an adj block and set it up as you will shoot it.

+1 on this!

With some of the adjustable blocks on the market, like the SLR Rifleworks especially and the Syrac designs to name a few, you get multi-position (15-16 settings from off to wide open) that you can tune in for your rifle for both suppressed and unsuppressed fire. Once you know where you are with your initial setting (whether you are running suppressed or unsuppressed at that time), all you need to do is count the "clicks" or adjustments from that position to your other mode of fire setting and you have your "switchblock" just not in its original form. Plus with the adjustable block, you don't have to worry about whether it'll be "right" with your particular rifle/can/ammo setup or whether your functioning will be hampered in either suppressed or unsuppressed. Just tune it and be done with it. If it needs a little "tweaking" later on for whatever reason be it environmental, ammo-based, etc., all you need to do to "fix" any issues or otherwise achieve optimum performance is a click or two in the appropriate direction in terms of the adjustment of the block.

Having run positional blocks on DI rifles (AR-15 and large-frame ARS) in the past (both the switchblock and Paladin Machine blocks)...I'm done with them. I'll take the lower cost and ease of setup/adjustment offered by a high quality adjustable block every time.

 

[Regular Guy]

The switchblock gas tubes are not standard tubes and are already attached so you would have to cut it shorter which may lead to issues. Also, I believe the porting in the block is tuned for length.

 

[RTH1800]

An aside, about setting up an adj. block. To insure absolute reliability, wait until the coldest day you will shoot, put rifle, ammo and can in cold soak for 24 hours. Tune block to function reliably in that condition and you will never have an issue. If you set up in warm conditions, you will get failures in cold conditions.

 

[MicroMOA]

Another alternative is our patented modular adjustable gas block.

It is modular in the sense that you can swap regulator plates to accommodate any length gas system or caliber.
Below is a picture of the block with a couple two position plates.

Or you can get the custom 3 position plates to drill out to your needs...or don't drill out to kill the gas.

It is currently the only tool less option on the market today that uses any standard UN-modified gas tube.

You can find plenty of pictures, info and videos on my site: MicroMOA - Home of the Govnah - Modular Adjustable Gas Block

new article out on the gas block..it is a two part article

The article below discusses the use of an optimal unsuppressed mode since just about ever barrel out there is over gassed to handle cheap ammo. So unlike the other tool less options out there that give you just full gas when un-suppressed, the Govnah gives you the option to have an optimal un-suppressed mode and then you have an adverse mode which matches the port in your barrel.

Part 1
MicroMOA?s ?Govnah? Adjustable Gas Block (Pt 1 of 2) - RECOIL
Part 2
MicroMOA?s ?Govnah? Adjustable Gas Block (Pt 2 of 2) - RECOIL

 

[CompletelyFUBAR]

Noveske.com has some in stock. I have one on a afghan barrel. With my 762-sd-n6 on the end in suppressed mode there is much less gas that hits you in the face. Plus the rifle runs smoother. I also shoots subs sometimes so i like the option of the off position. If you do get one the spend the extra $10 on the wrench. It can get a little sticky after quite a few rounds.

 

[MSTN]

Noveske Switchblocks are ported for specific barrel and gas system combinations. They use AAC suppressors determine the optimum port size.

These port sizes work well with other brands of suppressors in 5.56mm. With a 6.8 SPC 10.5" S/B equipped barrel, I've encountered one problem, where the suppressed port is too tight to run reliably with a Surefire suppressor.

I really think the Syrac is the way to go.

 

[Ben Dover]

Check out SLR Rifleworks adjustable gas block. I have them on a few of my rifles and have had great results and found them to be the easiest to tune.
SLR Rifleworks

 

[Regular Guy]

Another alternative is our patented modular adjustable gas block...

Does your block fit under a Noveske NSR rail?

 

[KYbulldog]

Check out SLR Rifleworks adjustable gas block. I have them on a few of my rifles and have had great results and found them to be the easiest to tune.
SLR Rifleworks

+1

 

[MicroMOA]

Does your block fit under a Noveske NSR rail?

Yes...in fact, in the article I posted above, the writer is using an NSR.
Below is another picture from the article where you get a good look at the NSR rail and my block with a 3 position regulator plate installed.

It dropped in the NSR fine w/ no mods to the rail or the block or regulator plate.

 

[slothlacrosse]

Do the SLR or Syrac blocks fit under Larue rails?

 

[KYbulldog]

SLR has dimension graphic on their website. Not sure about syrac but a phone call will get you the info you need.

 

[homerjays]

Anybody running an SLR or Syrac on Daniel Defense MK18 under their stock rail? I have looked at the dimensions on SLR/Syrac websites but I still can't tell 100% taking into consideration inner-diameter and various widths/heights...

 

[KYbulldog]

Anybody running an SLR or Syrac on Daniel Defense MK18 under their stock rail? I have looked at the dimensions on SLR/Syrac websites but I still can't tell 100% taking into consideration inner-diameter and various widths/heights...

that depends on handguard inner and barrel size...
I have an slr(.875) it won't fit under handguard and with that size you'll need a straight gas tube due to the height of the block.

 

[MicroMOA]

Here are some pics of the patented, tool less MicroMOA Govnah under a MK18.

This is the only gas block mentioned in this thread that you will be able to know what setting the regulator is in while in complete darkness - as you can feel where the plate is and of course, no allen wrench needed and you can adjust when hot by pushing with a bullet tip or whatever you have handy to fit through the ventilation hole/slot of the rail.