Is this good for gas tube roll pin?

[RussellC]

I had my local gunshop install this particular roll pin and gas tube as I dont (yet) own a vise and wanted it done right. Upon examination, the pin was not quite flush ALL THE WAY. The attached pics show what I am talking about. It was ever so slightly proud on the install side, NOT QUITE all the way through on the other. I put a roll pin punch on it and gave it some easy whacks, but it didnt move any further and I slightly buggered the pin a little. It wasnt quite as buggered before, but a little rough feeling. I realize the gas port and all is behind this, but thought I better check with the experts. No, I havent fired it yet, and yes this is my first AR 15 build.

Thanks, I really want to shoot this thing,

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

Oh, here's the whole thing:

My first one, I am pretty stoked...

Russellc

 

[rcmodel]

Well, it's far enough through to hold the gas tube in place.

But that it didn't go in all the way makes me wonder if the gas tube cut was aligned properly with the hole in the gas block for the pin.

Was it mine, I'd do a DO-Over and make sure the gas tube isn't crushed shut.

You might be better qualified & equipped to do it then the gun shop if you have proper roll-pin punches.

Next time, clean out the hole in the gas block and align the gas tube with a proper size # drill bit, and lube the pin with a dab of grease before pounding the pin in.

rc

 

[RussellC]

Well, it's far enough through to hold the gas tube in place.

But that it didn't go in all the way makes me wonder if the gas tube cut was aligned properly with the hole in the gas block for the pin.

Was it mine, I'd do a DO-Over and make sure the gas tube isn't crushed shut.

You might be better qualified & equipped to do it then the gun shop if you have proper roll-pin punches.

Next time, clean out the hole in the gas block and align the gas tube with a proper size # drill bit, and lube the pin with a dab of grease before pounding the pin in.

rc

RC, thanks for the input. I will aquire the stuff to do this eventually. The main problem was that the barrel was not yet tightened in place, and I did not have a vice. I was inquiring at the shop, as the Brownells video used the same barrel and front sight, but didnt explain the procedure to get the gas tube in without removing the front sight base. He just volunteered to do it while I waited, so I dont know how he got it in...I know he didnt remove the front sight base. I can only surmise that he fed it in from the rear of the upper receiver. Now I must undo all that to get the gas tube out? With the barrel just left in place as is, I dont see how to undo the gas tube, short of removing the front sight base.

Big question...if the tube is buggered up and the gun is fired, will it simply not cycle properly, or is this a dangerous thing to do? If so, I either need to buy a vice, vice block etc. (not a bad idea anyway) If not dangerous, just it wont work right, then I guess I should fire it in that event. Problem is I dont know, and certainly dont want to do anything dangerous. Obviously a battleship can be filled with what I am not sure of, so I am inquiring BEFORE the trigger is pulled on live ammo. So, is it safe to do, gun just might not cycle, or is this a Whoa there buddy dont do that type of thing?

Thanks again for you advice, I have looked at a zillion you tubes with no real answer.

Much appreciated,

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

Well, I guess with the hand guards removed I can get ahold of the gas tube,
now couldnt I? I guess the only question left is whether if this gun is fired if it is a safety issue, or just the gun wont cycle properly? Sorry to be so dense, but it is my first AR build after all! In my little tiny brain, it just seems like it wouldnt cycle, but what the heck do I know...

Russellc

 

[Reloadron]

In my little tiny brain, it just seems like it wouldn't cycle, but what the heck do I know...

Worst case scenario is the rifle won't cycle correctly. Listen to your brain.

Ron

 

[RussellC]

Well, it seemed like that, I mean a Single shot gun would basically seem to be the same as a totally clogged gas tube....but a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing, and that's what I am working with here! Thanks for clearing that up. I will try to go pop it off tomorrow.

Russellc

 

[Kp321]

I would say you are good to go. The hole that the pin goes through is sealed from the gas side of the tube. Although your pin is not centered, it goes completely through the tube and is mostly through the gas block. If you are still worried, get a new roll pin, lube it as rc suggested, and use it to drive the old pin out. Stop when it is centered. The secret here is to buy the proper size roll pin punch at the hardware store.
As I said, the roll pin hole is totally isolated from the pressure side of the tube.

 

[RussellC]

Thanks, Kp321. I am getting another roll pin and roll pin holder from brownells.
On my way to outdorr range. cleaned the barrel for the first time, a SS Solutions. It was filthy inside! I guess its full of anti rust gunk or something. (not chrome lined) All sorts of paper like stuff and black mess. clean now!

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

Ok, I went to the local out door rifle range today and shot the AR. I was told by a few friends to run at least 100 rounds through it before I can expect it to run smooth without error. I put a box of Remington UMC .223 ammo through it. Functioned perfectly with nary a hickup. Put another box through it. Perfect. Then I put a box of PMC though it, which I have heard is fairly crappy...it to functioned perfectly. Not a single problem! As my first attempt, I am impressed with the outcome!

Thanks for all the help guys!

Russellc

 

[Cemetery21]

I once replaced a roll pin with a piece of bent paper clip in the middle of a prairie dog trip. It worked fine until I got home to replace it.

 

[burrhead]

I'm not sure why you would need a vice to install the roll pin. Just lay the rifle on it's side, back up the the sight with a wood block and drive in the pin. As an aside, I put an upper together yesterday with a new barrel and BCG and spare parts I had laying around then, discovered I'm out of gas tube pins. A piece of bailing wire is in there now while I wait for my Brownels order.

Correction and mea culpa. I reread what the OP was doing and now understand the vice was for the barrel install not the roll pin. Sorry.

You don't have to remove the sight to install the gas tube. Just push it to the rear to clear the FS and then move it to the side and pull the tube towards the front. Be careful you don't bend the tube doing that.