Gas Cyl Lock Tightness/Port Alignment

[ripcurlksm]

Scenario A
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By chance when re-assembling my gas cyl lock, it was on backwards and I was able to turn it to a very snug 6 o'clock, lining up perfectly with the gas cylinder. The front band is no longer loose and now has a tight fit. Checking the gas port alignment with a flashlight looked very good.

Scenario B
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Normally with the gas cyl lock flipped "correctly" (how it came from factory), the gas cyl lock would tighten up at 7 o'clock, and I would loosen it back to 6 o'clock to line up with the gas cylinder. With this, the front band would be loose and could be wiggled with fingertips after stock is assembled. Checking the gas port alignment with a flashlight looked very good.

What I've Been Told
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An M14 armorer on AR15.com told me that the optimal setup for the gas cylinder lock is for it to lock up at 7 o'clock, then back it off to 6 o'clock.

Question:
Given the fact that both setups allowed the gas port to be lined up perfectly, it would seem that Scenario A is optimal because the front band is now secured tighter. Is this so? And also, what is the best "o'clock" tightness setting for the gas cyl lock?

[polygunner]

scenario A is what you're after.
Snug at 5 and tight at 6.
I've never heard anything past 6 is optimal.
Stick with the m-14 forum for all your m-14 info.
It may shoot a bit better with a tight gas system, however I have a friend who has an old M1-A with a loose gas system, handguard, and stock that shoots great. Go figure

The less stuff you have rattling around the better off you are.
People use shims to get the lockup you are getting. It's your lucky day.
pg

[EricClay]

You want some play in between the gas cylinder and the front handguard. If its tight then when things heat up you'll move your impact point.

[polygunner]

One of the common NM mods is to glue or epoxy the handguard to the front band to keep it from rattling around. Also anneal and bend up the tabs on the front band to help secure the handguard. If you don't anneal the tabs they will break if you try to bend them.
You do not want to let the handguard touch the stock along it's length or the receiver at the rear.
A dab of High temp silicon between the handguard and the barrel just under the handguard clip will keep it from moving around in the rear.
pg

[ripcurlksm]

very cool poly, i got 2 exact responses to your first post on M14TFL -- thanks