click-adjustable gas block w/ front access

[Drifter]

Just installed a click-adjustable gas block with front access on a recent build.

Haven't fired a shot yet, but it looks to be a good item compared to other adjustable gas blocks that I've used.

It's sold as an AR-Stoner brand item through MidwayUSA:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/363956/ar-stoner-click-adjustable-gas-block-ar-15-standard-barrel-0750-inside-diameter-low-profile-steel-matte

It's actually made by Syrac Ordnance, which was formed by Jason Adams, founder of Adam Arms and inventor of their gas piston system.

Here's a link to the manufacturer:

http://www.syracordnance.com/

http://www.syracordnance.com/images/prod-head.jpg

No affiliation. Just thought others might be interested.

[montana]

Thanks for the information, look's great.

[ss355]

That's cool. I tad on the pricey side, but what a great idea. Nice, clean execution.

[BjornF16]

I saw that on MidwayUSA...bought the PRI adjustable instead. Flinched on the AR Stoner branding. Wish I saw this a week ago...

[Drifter]

I've used the low pro PRI's, but the wart on the side is problematic with some handguards, as well as the side adjustment being troublesome to get to.

I've also used the Jet with front adjustment, but the adjustment screw on mine no longer turns (probably due to carbon buildup). Not usually a problem since I don't have a suppressor, but when I wanted to reconstruct some builds and move the block to a different upper, I was unable to make adjustments.

Price is steep on the new Stoner / Syrac, but it appears to be a decent alternative, especially if it doesn't lose its adjustability. With the block, they also include two roll pins (one for the gas tube, along with a spare) and two 6" allen wrenches (one to depress the plunger and one to turn the adjustment screw).

Last time they were in stock at Midway, they didn't last long. But I haven't seen 'em mentioned anywhere (or maybe I missed previous discussion), so thought I would post.

[Variable]

Thanks for the tip. I hadn't seen that one. It looks pretty nice.

[RangerRick]

Just installed a click-adjustable gas block with front access on a recent build.

Haven't fired a shot yet, but it looks to be a good item compared to other adjustable gas blocks that I've used.

It's sold as an AR-Stoner brand item through MidwayUSA:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/363956/ar-stoner-click-adjustable-gas-block-ar-15-standard-barrel-0750-inside-diameter-low-profile-steel-matte

It's actually made by Syrac Ordnance, which was formed by Jason Adams, founder of Adam Arms and inventor of their gas piston system.

Here's a link to the manufacturer:

http://www.syracordnance.com/

No affiliation. Just thought others might be interested.

If this had a knurled knob on the front instead of a set screw, it would be perfect.

RR

[montana]

Drifter' how's that Syrac , AR Stoner adjustable gas block working out for you ?

[Drifter]

Drifter' how's that Syrac , AR Stoner adjustable gas block working out for you ?

Initial setup and testing went nicely. Very easy to make adjustments with no guesswork. With the block underneath the handguard, trying to turn the typical screw leaves some uncertainty regarding how much it actually moved, and then how well it will stay put. But not an issue with the Syrac.

True test will be whether it maintains adjustability after carbon buildup. Time will tell...

[montana]

Let us know how it does. Thanks ' Montana

[Tailgate]

Looks nice...I wish more low-profile adjustable gas blocks that fit under the handguards would have that front access. They might just be a trend-setter, as I can't recall ever seeing another one like that. My only problem with that block is that it is a set-screw style, versus a clamping style.

[Malchira]

My only problem with that block is that it is a set-screw style, versus a clamping style.

Very true. However, it's also about the same size and configuration as the Vltor/Noveske (which may be the same thing), so it can be drilled for a pin. That's how I mounted one on my 5.56.

[cjgemm]

Thanks for the info, this could be exactly what I'm looking for to fit under a Troy Alpha rail.

[Drifter]

My only problem with that block is that it is a set-screw style, versus a clamping style.

Stumbled upon a new clamp-on version:

http://www.cpwsa.com/images/Syrac%20Clamp%20On%20Gas%20Block.JPG

Link: http://www.cpwsa.com/3_gun_stuff.htm

Obviously, the clamp-on version might not fit underneath some handguards.



If this had a knurled knob on the front instead of a set screw, it would be perfect.



I think this particular block was designed to go underneath a handguard, so a knurled knob probably wouldn't be accessible by hand. Also, note that the plunger on the front of the block sticks out quite a ways, so it could get damaged if not shielded by a handguard.


The block that I purchased was switched over to a build that was sold to a friend, but we shoot together often. It had not lost its adjustability when it was moved to a different barrel.

Would I purchase again? Yes.

Perhaps the click-adjustability feature will be adapted and applied to other styles of gas blocks in the future.

[Hooz]

Looks a lot like the Spike's block... or maybe the Spike's block looks like it. :eek:

http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/spikes-tactical-enhanced-adjustable-micro-gas-block-750-wset-screw-p-738.html

http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/images/prodimg/SUGB140_1.jpg

[Drifter]

Looks a lot like the Spike's block... or maybe the Spike's block looks like it. :eek:

http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/spikes-tactical-enhanced-adjustable-micro-gas-block-750-wset-screw-p-738.html


Specs are identical as far as I can tell on their respective websites. I'll go out on a limb and speculate that the blocks are identical and come from the same source.

Thanks for the info. It appears that now there are at least four sources (Syrac, MidwayUSA, CPWSA, and Spike's) for the same item.

[Hooz]

That's cool. I was just getting ready to order one of the $110 Spike's blocks, but it looks like the $100 AR Stoner one from Midway is a better deal for the same block.

[michaelmew]

It's been a while. All things going well with this gas block? I guess you don't own it anymore, can you get an update from your friend? Anyone else have experience with adj gb from the front? I'm specifically thinking about Spike Tactical's, pending my questions below.

Why is clamp-on more desireable than set screw? If you don't loctite either, won't they both wiggle loose at the same rate? Should you loctite them? Can someone elaborate on Malchira's suggestion of drilling them and adding a pin?


-mm

[txgunner00]

I need one in .875 but can't find one that's clamp on. I emailed Syrac a while back to see if they had any intention of making them but they blew me off.

[Drifter]

It's been a while. All things going well with this gas block? I guess you don't own it anymore, can you get an update from your friend? Anyone else have experience with adj gb from the front? I'm specifically thinking about Spike Tactical's, pending my questions below.

Why is clamp-on more desireable than set screw? If you don't loctite either, won't they both wiggle loose at the same rate? Should you loctite them? Can someone elaborate on Malchira's suggestion of drilling them and adding a pin?


-mm

Still working fine on my friend's rifle. I bought another for use on another project.

If under the handguard and / or for informal use (hunting, target shooting, plinking, etc), I wouldn't worry about getting one pinned. I've never had a gas block shoot loose (using blue / non-permanent loctite), but if exposed and not protected by the handguard, I could see one getting knocked off center. For professional duty use or self defense / home protection / SHTF, a pinned gas block is a good route, but I probably wouldn't choose an adjustable model for those applications anyway.

Some people prefer clamp-on over set-screw, as some believe clamp-on has an accuracy edge. But I've seen plenty of rifles with set-screw blocks that shot quite well.



I need one in .875 but can't find one that's clamp on. I emailed Syrac a while back to see if they had any intention of making them but they blew me off.

Not a clamp-on, but the PRI .875 adjustable block works fine. Requires a straight gas tube I think...

[michaelmew]

... as some believe clamp-on has an accuracy edge...

How would something reasonably mounted to the outside of the barrel, either clamp or set-screw, affect accuracy with any quantifiable results?

-mm

[Drifter]

How would something reasonably mounted to the outside of the barrel, either clamp or set-screw, affect accuracy with any quantifiable results?

-mm

Reference item #5 in the article on this link, written by a man with a reputation for building very accurate AR's:

Building an Accurate AR — What is Most Important by Robert Whitley (http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2011/10/what-makes-an-ar-accurate-whitley-offers-answers/)

[LRRPF52]

A clamp-on gas block also gives you a more reliable gas seal at the port, when compared to a pinned block with the same inner diameter.

I have used a clamp-on gas block with my 16" Grendel from the start, and have yet to experience a cycling problem, even with wimpy starting loads and Moly-coated bullets.

I started with the Vltor low-profile clamp-on, and now have a JP adjustable steel gas block that I cut down, lightened, and re-profiled on a mill, then Cerakoted.

[michaelmew]

Thanks for the article Drifter. Very interesting read. I'm wondering how much of that the average enthusiast can handle themselves. And, at what point does all of that actually generate results. For example, if the best barrel in the world is placed on a rifle deficient in one of the other categories (say flimsy upper), is it worth anything to have that awesome barrel? Is it an "all or none" situation? Do you think the numbers are listed in order of importance? I would imagine the true-ing of barrel items would be paramount for any build, especially an accuracy build.


I started with the Vltor low-profile clamp-on, and now have a JP adjustable steel gas block that I cut down, lightened, and re-profiled on a mill, then Cerakoted.

The Syrac/JP one referenced in the OP or one of the other ones? Why did you decide to re-profile it, weight, fit with handguard, or other?

-mm

[LRRPF52]

The JP gas block started out as a monster brick-looking piece, which is great for certain guns. I cut the front off, cut lightening holes on the left and right sides, and made an angle cut on the front to reduce more weight as well.

It looked like this:

http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/j4enh.r2en5/v/vspfiles/photos/JPGS-5-2.jpg?1334734642

Now it only has 2 clamp-on screws, an angled front, and elongated holes in the sides.

[Azprc]

Just was told by JP that my front adjustable knurled gas block is shipping this week with the new gas tube. Quite a bit more money than all the others, but with different loads and a can, it will be a nice addition. Will post pics when I get it and it will more than likely go on the 6-6.8 Improved.