Gas Block Question

[BVickery1974]

This is a fork from a previous post but seems this would be a more ideal place ask questions about gas blocks.

For those that haven't read my post from the AR section, basic info is as follows:

Purpose: Hunting/Target Shooting

Basic Equipment:
Barrel: 16" Lilja mated with maxim bolt
Receiver: Aero Precision M4E1 with Enhanced Upper

The issue, as titile states is the gas block. I do plan to eventually run suppressed, but the idea of also really dialing in my gas settings is very appealing to me instead of throwing money constantly at spring/buffer combo. I am not looking for confirmation, I am really trying to make the best rifle I can (I actually pulled away from a Satern/Liberty to go with the Lilja based on feedback).

I have looked at Superlative Arms, Oden Rifleworks, Wojtek Weaponry, JP, and even some from PF and Wilson Combat. i think I am going clamp as I don't trust myself with a jig to dimple the barrel properly.

[Klem]

BF,

"Best rifle...", concentrate your money and effort on the three main criteria that determine where rounds go; the barrel, Scope and Trigger. Get those right and the rest holds it together.

Best gas block; I would add the SLR Sentry 7 clamping block to that list, and if you have deep pockets the lighter titanium model. Less weight hanging off something you would rather be free floating.

I would choose clamping, not because the barrel is dimpled or not, but because it is a smarter seal.

[BVickery1974]

BF,

"Best rifle...", concentrate your money and effort on the three main criteria that determine where rounds go; the barrel, Scope and Trigger. Get those right and the rest holds it together.

Best gas block; I would add the SLR Sentry 7 clamping block to that list, and if you have deep pockets the lighter titanium model. Less weight hanging off something you would rather be free floating.

I would choose clamping, not because the barrel is dimpled or not, but because it is a smarter seal.

So appreciate all the information you are imparting. Trigger is the Larue for now budget (can swing the ($100 right now as opposed to the $240ish for the SSA-E). Barrel, I think I got that covered, and for optic leaning towards Vortex Strike Eagle unless I can get a Refurb'd Viper.

[Klem]

BF,

Understood - you mean the best value for money gun. In that case at least don't skimp on the barrel and the rest is the law of diminishing returns - The barrel is the gun.

I am unfamiliar with those scopes. As long as they are repeatable to your definition of accuracy then I am sure they will be fine. By repeatable I mean the ability of the scope's erector mechanism to hold zero in the recoil. Unfortunately there are no industry standards for repeatability and it is never listed in a scope's specs. Average repeatability means your groups will always be larger than they should; yet you will suspect some other criterion including yourself. The only way to test this is to swap scopes on the day which implies you have already purchased.

[Lastrites]

Well since you mentioned suppression, another option is the adjustable Bootleg bcg with a regular clamped gas block.

[BVickery1974]

BF,

Understood - you mean the best value for money gun. In that case at least don't skimp on the barrel and the rest is the law of diminishing returns - The barrel is the gun.

I am unfamiliar with those scopes. As long as they are repeatable to your definition of accuracy then I am sure they will be fine. By repeatable I mean the ability of the scope's erector mechanism to hold zero in the recoil. Unfortunately there are no industry standards for repeatability and it is never listed in a scope's specs. Average repeatability means your groups will always be larger than they should; yet you will suspect some other criterion including yourself. The only way to test this is to swap scopes on the day which implies you have already purchased.

I've read good things about them, and again, I wont be able to stretch these legs for the rifle just yet. If I really get into competition and such, I would build a fully new one more geared for it instead of primarily hunting with target on the side. I also weight in, since I will be hunting in brush/swamp, their is great possibility of breaking/losing the gun. I don't have the funds to just go out and buy a brand new $3000 rifle, let alone a $2000 one. But between 1k and 1500 I can handle. Will it hurt, but not cripple me.

As far as Vortex, great CS, complete range of scopes. Their Strike Eagle is 1-6x, and since I'm going to be doing lot of 100-150 yd shots max, don't see need for higher magnification. Also, if you want to recommend me a scope, I'm always glad to listen.

[StoneHendge]

Stay away from the JP block. It's a pig, the design leads to carbon build up on the adjustment screw (and hence potential siezure), and if the adjustment screw is still on the side, you may or may not be able to access it through your handguard (unless you have a JP handguard). I personally go with Superlatives. I just put a new barrel on my 6.5 CM. I hadn't touched the adjustment screw in the Superlative block in 2k rounds and I checked it before I pulled it off the old barrel. The 3/32 hex bent slightly at first and then the screw started turning and clicking like it was new. I have owned an SLR.

Edit add: If your looking at the Strike Eagle 1-6, also take a look at the Burris RT 6.

[BVickery1974]

Stay away from the JP block. It's a pig, the design leads to carbon build up on the adjustment screw (and hence potential siezure), and if the adjustment screw is still on the side, you may or may not be able to access it through your handguard (unless you have a JP handguard). I personally go with Superlatives. I just put a new barrel on my 6.5 CM. I hadn't touched the adjustment screw in the Superlative block in 2k rounds and I checked it before I pulled it off the old barrel. The 3/32 hex bent slightly at first and then the screw started turning and clicking like it was new. I have owned an SLR.

Edit add: If your looking at the Strike Eagle 1-6, also take a look at the Burris RT 6.

Thanks so much. Will check it out as well, also looking at 1-6x Viper PST Gen 2 as well that's refurbed for around $500. Much better glass (Japanese compared to Strike Eagles Chinese).

[montana]

My experience with the Superlative was not as good as S.H. I shot approximately 1200 rounds to see if this adj block didn't need maintenance, as many have stated. It did and was a pain to disassemble and clean. I also had a much harder time finding my adjustments. The Superlative adj block seemed to change pressures while shooting. My favorite is the SLR for adjustment and maintenance. Adjustable gas blocks will require maintenance and they leak more gas compared to a standard block, just like the adjustable BCG's do..

[Lastrites]

Vortex Razor HD LH 1.5-8x32 for $430 may be worthy of consideration.
https://www.scopelist.com/RZR-6638-Razor...-6638.aspx

Vortex Razor HD LH 2-10x40 for $450 and if you click on the "Make an Offer" button you maybe able to get for $20 to $50 less...same goes for the 1.5-8.
https://www.scopelist.com/RZR-1558-Razor...R-155.aspx

[BVickery1974]

Settled on the SLR Sentry 7 clamp on (ordered after lot of issues).

Barrel and BCG are also on the way to boot.