Will replacing FSB w/lo-pro gas block be bad in any way??

[TacticalChihuahua]

I will be removing my FSB and replacing it with a lo pro gas block. Does this affect my build negatively in any way? I have tried searching and reading about this and I got the drift that there are Allen screws, set screws, taper pins etc.

Someone mentioned that the barrels are made for different screws depending I whether you have a FSB or gas block. So is this true? Will the new screws be less solid??

Very confused. Not looking to shave down the FSB so would it be any different to replace it with a lo pro has block than to just buy a barrel already set up with lo pro gas block?

[el tardo]

a new lo pro gas block will be fine. now what i think you trying to say is with set screws(on most lo pro gas blocks) is that they tend to move a bit and the gas system has problems, the fix for that is to dimple your barrel in the spots where the set screws meet the barrel and the gas block wont slide out of place that way. all this is easy and you will be fine with any gas block you pick.

hope this answers your question

[Arnelcheeze]

dimple your barrel or go with a clamp style gas block, or better yet, chop your existing FSB, if its the taper pin type, assuming its a F marked front sight base, the taper pins would be the strongest.

[Intimid8tor]

Just cut the top off of your gas block. Pinned is the most reliable so unless you are going to an adjustable gas block, cut the top off, sand it, shape it and hit it with some flat black. Doesn't cost you anything and you end up with a solid gas block.

[Fate]

Just cut the top off of your gas block. Pinned is the most reliable so unless you are going to an adjustable gas block, cut the top off, sand it, shape it and hit it with some flat black. Doesn't cost you anything and you end up with a solid gas block.

+1
Put a long rail on it and you'll NEVER see the gas block anyhow. But if you're dead set on putting a new one on there, I like the clamp bolt ones verses the ones that need pinning.

[Arcaporale]

I removed the FSB from my Delton upper when I replaced it with a lo pro block with set screws to install a one piece extended rail. I couldn't for the life of me knock those damn taper pins out, even with some moderate heat from a propane torch.

So in a act of desperation and mostly frustration I took a grinder to it and ground down the bottom of the FSB and the taper pins until they easily slid out. I somehow managed not to damage the barrel in any way.

Be aware, those pins can be a major PITA to remove!!!!!!

Also, since most gas blocks are a little shorter than than the standard FSB one of the grooves of the tapers pins will probably be exposed.

Anyways, the YHM lo pro gas block I went with used set screws, one of the set screws fell right in line with the groove for the taper pin in the barrel securing it nicely. For the other one I drilled just the smallest dimple into the barrel to help secure the block. I used just a little hi-temp loc-tite and all has been well for 3000+ rounds and 3 years of use.

If I had to do it over again i would have just chopped the front sight off and left it there.

[Dhena81]

OP I'm confused about why your opposed to saving money and going with your best option by just cutting the FSP?

[jasonnorcal]

Best option is shaving the FSB. Sorry

[TacticalChihuahua]

Ok ok so I'm starting to come to Jesus haha

So... Aesthetics aside, is shaving the FSB a better option (durability/reliability etc) than buying an upper fron the manufacturer with a lo pro gas block? If so why isn't everyone doing this?

[norcalgunguy]

I've installed low gas block clamp on style for 2 rifles and have had no problems cycling bolt. I've torqued both at 35in/lb and check after several range trips. No movement with thread lock.

[d4v0s]

Ok ok so I'm starting to come to Jesus haha

So... Aesthetics aside, is shaving the FSB a better option (durability/reliability etc) than buying an upper fron the manufacturer with a lo pro gas block? If so why isn't everyone doing this?

There is nothing durability/reliability related when chopping a FSB. I guess, for arguments sake if you did it wrong something "could" have effects...

Lo pro gas blocks are nice when trying to fit them under hand guards, or when building long range type AR15s where you do not need a front site, and you want a clean look.

Many people don't chop the FSB because a lo pro gas block is $27, seems silly to "bubba" a $1500 rifle for less than $30 in parts. Also many people, like myself, want a railed low pro gas block, in case they need to put Irons back onto the rifle for some reason.

Finally, I much prefer the clamp on style gas blocks, because I can service them easily. Also gives me more adjust ability when trying to zero Irons on a build. I have received many builds with tweaked or off centered FSB due to pins and poorly drilled holes. I like knowing that my gas block is exactly in line with my top rail and perfectly level.

[jasonnorcal]

If you buy a good upper with a low pro gas block it will be most likely pinned or the barrel dimpled

[BrassCase]

Shotgun news issue April 20, 2013. Steven Matthews does an AR gunsmithing article that covers changing gas blocks. You should be able to buy a copy a Barnes and Noble. It was a very in depth article. He is a home gunsmith who writes very informative pieces.