AR-15 barrel and gas block?

[z0mbies fear me]

Trying to decide on a barrel for a 5.56mm caliber AR. The gun will be a "range toy" I am leaning towards this barrel from PSA.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/upper-parts/barrels/5-56-bull-16-1-9-white-416r-ss-spiral-flute-22deg-crown.html

(For those that don't click on links it's a 16" 1-9" twist fluted bull barrel with carbine length gas.)

It says: gas block- .935"

I know basically nothing about gas blocks, but I want a free float rail on it. what should I be looking for. Any brands to avoid? Any help would be appreciated!

[Whisper]

If you know you want a free-float rail, you might consider a low-profile gas block.  If you are free-floating then you can mount the front sight on the rail and not the gas block.  You can also use a rail that's longer than carbine length if for some reason you decide you want more rail space.

 

I don't know of any name-brand gas blocks that are bad.  Others may have different experiences than mine.

 

If you decide to get a railed gas block instead of a low-profile, make sure the rail height is correct for your receiver.

 

HTH,

Whisper

Edited November 23, 2014 by Whisper

[LawEnforcementSalesTN]

Concur with Whisper, a micro would be the safest to clear anything.  If you want a better one, get a clamp version .. Not that I do use a lot of the set screw versions, they're not bad but the clamp models work better and are easier to lock down with more force and avoid possible movement down the road.  On the set screw models I will further dimple the barrel for the set screws once I'm sure the weapon cycles effectively but it's not always necessary... just an added safety feature.  Get it firing, remove one screw at a time, use a ball end mill (a drill bit will do too) and then set that screw and move onto the 2nd.  Doesn't take much just enough so the block won't spin or move forward/backward without backing the screws off.

 

Blocks will range between $25-$40 ... I've personally never seen any functional difference among the various manufacturers.  Some sell adjustable and that's a whole different story but a base gas block is a base gas block.

 

Good luck