How to Install a Gas Block Perfectly Straight Every Time

If you're tired of struggling to install a gas block and ending up with crooked results, then this video is for you. In this walkthrough, we'll show you the foolproof method we use to ensure a perfectly straight gas block installation every time. Whether you're a seasoned builder or just starting out, this tip will make your life easier and your rifle more reliable.

[@drewhiphop]

Great video but it would be helpful if you guys would dimple all barrels for the average builder.

[@InfinitelyQurious]

This video is a good example of why I like Ballistic Advantage. No hype, no bull. Just straightforward and functional performance.

[@Andrew85or]

I use a piece of angel hair spaghetti to line up the block and port. Stick a piece in your gas port and break it off flush. Slide gas port on, look look down the barrel, and rotate. When you get to sweet spot where the piece of spaghetti will slide in and out of gas port you're lined up perfectly. Tighten your set screws and use a cleaning rod to break the spaghetti.

[@boostismagic]

Angel Hair PASTA...actually Capellini....Spaghetti is another size of pasta. I'm gonna try it!

[@davem5862]

I used thin spaghetti. It fit perfectly.

[@jerichocruzado]

The Italian method of ar construction

[@LordDigz12]

Instead of setting up the camera at 10 feet away where we can see your face and glorious beard, maybe set it up at 6-8” from the gas block so we can see wtf you’re doing. Or maybe set up a second camera.

[@unleasheth]

😂👏👏

[@jrossnjax7]

🎯

[@JohnDoe-uv3rr]

More beard than gas block in this video

[@quigleypuffs]

I could see perfectly fine dork

[@timothydahlin5321]

Be careful with a second camera

[@Shooter7point62]

The goal is simple. Get the gas port to align with the gas block port hole. Eye balling it will almost always result in misalignment between the two. The seal between carrier key and gas tube is not improved by seating the tube deeper by way of setting the block against the shoulder. The lack of close ups in this video make it tough to see what you're doing but hey they might be for the better in this case.

[@paulbrainard5876]

Very basic, straight up & down no BS & I can really appreciate that! Lovin the videos bro! Keep it up!

[@dannybarton940]

On my first build and kinda screwed up the process. I pinned the tube to the lowpro before mounting the block to the barrel. I had this aversion to tweeking the tube for the install. It was a BA Hanson barrel. While I was fairly sure I got the ports aligned after pinning the block, it still bugged me. So here's my tip. I got a little plastic tube, the same size hospitals use to run O2 through your mask. Turns out, with a drop of CLP in the end of it, it will slip right over the gas tube in the upper. Bingo! I verified full blow through, no different than when I blew through the tube before installing. Not bugged anymore.

[@jrossnjax7]

I think many over think this install. Common sense alignment and correct tightness of screws and you're good. I build several ARs month and never had one issue. I do use 243 loctite on screws.

[@wilsoncruz1952]

Why aren’t barrels and gas blocks shaped in such a way that ensures perfect alignment?

[@georgewashington938]

it would be nice to see close ups of everything you are working with

[@crashdsnowman1]

Most gas ports are drilled .295" off the shoulder, some gas blocks have a .265" spacing so there could be .030 between the shoulder and block and pushing it up to the shoulder could block part of the port. Also if whoever drills the gas port will spin the barrel in an indexer and drill a dimple in the bottom it makes it a lot easier on the home builder.

[@drmachinewerke1]

And brownells did a video showing a spacer is not needed. They did this with a bore scope the gas port hole in the gas block is much larger than the hole in the barrel.

[@righteousone8454]

As long as you know hole spacing: SLR Rifleworks Dimple Jig, will work better than others as some shoulders are closer and you won't be able to use KAW Valley Dimple Jig, but Kaw has an ease of measuring hole spacing and comparing to your actual gas block. If you have Aero Precision adjustable gas block, it is 0.500 inches. Others may be different. Ballistic Advantage gas block I had on Hanson barrel was 0.500" as well.

[@tajituck888]

I have a Hanson barrel with a slightly canted gas block. I inserted a bore scoop in the barrel to see up the gas port. I then inserted a fiber optic cord all the way inside the gas tube and illuminated it to see up inside the gas block. I was able to see a clean perfect circle. No gas port obstruction whatsoever. I have 1200 rounds through the rifle with zero issues. Runs like a champ.

[@clinthanson8005]

Try this trick to straighten the gas block tho. Clearly you’re qualified. I do like the justification and even if you’ve done all of this high level “QC” I think you can get that block straight. You’re a superior mammal and champion! Thank you for being you!

[@tajituck888]

@@clinthanson8005 honestly I don’t feel like disassembling the upper again. Everything is thread-locked. Even my Midwest industry mlok rail around the barrel nut. I have the irons dialed in nicely. I think I’ll leave it be. As long as the port is not obstructed im good. You can barely tell that the gas block is canted. You’ll have to really look for it. I appreciate the kind words brother.

[@rmblwgn]

​@@tajituck888 my hanson 625 barrel is slightly crooked and against the shoulder. It has a very small gas port of 0730 and wont lock open with 223. I used a kak dimple jig and it brought it away from the shoulder 30 thousands and perfectly up and down. I'm really sad i cant use the pin anymore as it's not aligned now that i dimpled. The dimple jig mechanically centered the gas block over the port

[@lordwest07]

​@rmblwgn same here.

[@gtcam723]

I wish you guys and Aero would actually dimple the freakin barrels that don’t come with pinned gas blocks. Like the late Larson told Aero.

[@pops71]

Great timing! I am getting ready to do this very thing to my BA Handson Premium .223 Wylde 14.5” barrel, with the awesome pinned gas block, that I just bought from you guys. Thanks for the info and the amazing barrel. I love to support local (Florida) companies and I can’t wait until it’s done.

[@jonathan4385]

“Just use your brain” is so real, quickly becoming my favorite brand

[@angeldesigns1385]

I’ve never used a torque wrench a gas block. loc-tight and gut feeling has worked for me so far without failure.

[@user-un5my5bw4j]

As a gunsmith and 1000yd benchrest shooter who cleans barrels constantly and is constantly using a bore camera to check for throat erosion/fire cracking. I use my bore camera to line the journal up with the hole in the block perfectly as the camera end viewing an angles mirror with an led light on it. That is the only way to be 💯 sure you are perfectly straight

[@chiautorepair]

Am I correct that he's saying there's no need to dimple the barrel?

[@jantyyaqoub2132]

As a newbie I picked up a barrel cam just to be 100%. Picked it up on Amazon $43

[@angeldesigns1385]

@@jantyyaqoub2132I started doing this around 5 years ago and came up with the idea of using a spaghetti noodle or angel hair noodle on smaller diameters (which turned out to not be my idea at all) today, I used a combination of a kaw vally dimpling jig for the rear dimples that are always directly under the gas port, and then switch to a EZ accuracy jig for the front dimple because you don’t have worry about precise spread measurement, being that all gas blocks are manufactured with different sizes spreads. The EZ accuracy tool finds the precise spread for you. That little combo will provide perfect dimpling every time, and the only thing you have to focus on is pushing a drill trigger. You will invest around $50 in both items (not including your drill bits) but if you are going to be doing a fair amount of builds then it’s completely worth the investment… absolutely zero guess work

[@thoselog]

I miss Sarah

[@chrissewell1608]

What ever happened to her? She was a little ball of energy!

[@theREALdingusMD]

RIP

[@dontask8979]

​@@theREALdingusMD Seriously? 😟

[@lylereinier4989]

Outstanding, I also blow air through mine to make sure the hole is lined up and clear.

[@rdaniels7476]

Personally I use thick spaghetti to verify.

[@jlillieify]

Luv BA Barrels! extremely happy with my LR 308 build using a Hanson Profile premium lopro. Had some trials at first getting it to cycle. had to open up the barrel gas port a couple thousands, but it cycles flawlessly now and unreal accuracy with a 18" barrel. Word of advice - USE BA's BOLT. THE BARREL AND BOLT WILL MATE PERFECTLY and you wont be cussing yourself for blowing your hard earned money on a generic bolt - ask me how i know. Looking to build my next one now:)

[@paulbrainard5876]

Love your straight forward no bullshit way of explaining things! Fantastic! Love your videos! Thank you!!

[@matrixmalachi2646]

I just finished my 10.5 in 300 blkout build, the barrel is ballistic advantage, and boy oh boy, is she a straight, one of the best barrels I've ever shot out of. Just as accurate as my BCM 14.5. My only gripe, I didn't get a sticker with my purchase of it. Looking forward to building the 16 inch ballistic advantage in the coming weeks.

[@5five6rudy]

Yea I had to purchase by BA stickers but they do give patches

[@breckfreeride]

Woof... 16 inch blackout is a b to tune with the pistol length gas tube if you're using a hux and subs... Probably gonna have to drill it out a few wire sizes. I'm thinking .08 to .085 maybe.

[@240SSONLY]

we want to see the next video, adding the gas tube... this is a cool series for everyone to learn... I know YT doesn't like these kinds of videos, but we appreciate them

[@Taskorilla]

I'm not even building a gun right now I just saw your video. Bro, you speak my language. I hope you do more tutorials for people, imma be looking your way

[@TapRackTyler]

I run your 13.9 Hanson midlength barrel and I love it. It has performed flawlessly. 🤘🏼

[@rec0nnec]

Videos like this make me feel good about the BA components I bought to build a BA AR15 14.5

[@DemonMonkeyGod]

When I started building my own ARs, I bought an inexpensive gas block, drilled all the way through the block using the rear screw hole as a guide, then sharpened the rear of the drill bit so that I can use the bit to line up the gas block, snug up the front set screw and mount the barrel in my drill press vice. A couple light touches with the bit in the press starts the dimple just enough and it's dead straight, every time.

[@JustAverageJeff]

Wish I saw this a week ago just put my first AR together and used a BA barrel, but I did struggle to get that gas block straight.

[@waxhawcreek1717]

Where is Sarah?

[@timoanez4668]

Your company makes the best barrels in the industry.

[@scottymac713]

Great barrels, another phenomenally accurate barrel make is Criterion!

[@southmountain111]

No no they don’t

[@ShepherdOfTheSilkies]

Never had an issue with alignment. I always eyeballed the hole to make it’s in like with the picantiny on the receiver, then eyeballed inside the gas block and lastly eyeballed the gas block alignment. All my guns gas perfectly after said alignment style

[@TheWorldRealist]

I just did my 308 with a longer Faxon barrel then upgrade my Rugger 556 with an adjustable block too. The hole in the gas block is bigger than the barrel hole. I used the spaghetti method. Works brilliantly.

[@ntvtexan5015]

Good info. I'm working on an AR Pistol in 8.6 Blackout/.308 for a few months now. Have the tools, just need an area with a vice and room to do it.

[@PickettsMillArmory]

THIS is why we do business with Clint and BA.

[@Murt586]

Love these videos. They have helped me get through multiple builds using BA barrels. Keep up the great work.

[@blackridgeview]

I have several of these Hanson barrels, and why? because all gas blocks need to be pinned. BA offers a number of barrels with pinned gas blocks and FSBs. It's the one operation that you can't do at home without a high risk of failure and having a mess on your hands, especially with the hardened surfaces that barrels have now. Great value.

[@jamespayne4459]

Agreed on the value of pining. Can't believe how many rifles i see put together on youtube with only dimpling and loctite 😮 This video does little to dispel my belief that there is some key bit of info that I'm not seeing that 😮insures gas port/ block alignment.

[@dhpat805]

Thank you, great tips! So grateful for the Hanson barrel with the pinned lopro

[@tactikoolcloud8788]

I use a fine point sharpie and make a line on the shoulder of the barrel inline with the center of the gas port. Then another mark on the face of the gas block and just line the marks up.

[@richardhall5626]

So excited to put together my BA AR I’m proud I went with BA

[@politicallyinsensitive4200]

Or you can line it up using the rear set screw hole then take a pencil and draw a T-shaped index mark on the barrel. The will show you how far to push it in into the journal and where to line up the gas tube. Not sure how the video would show you to install the gas tube when you've got the block in place first. Another way that's not quite as precise but still works is to plug the chamber and muzzle then slide the block/tube assembly on. Use a can of compressed air and short squirts to give where the block is lined up with the port- you'll be able to tell by the sound. One the air is flowing, tighten the set screws.

[@redfoot7951]

I have built over a dozen ARs, and I always install the gas tube to the gas block before installing it on the gun, using a jig to drive in the pin. I guess he is going to thread the tube from the inside of the upper then out into the gas block? I do the same compressor trick. Saves time and effort.

[@arnelflandez3260]

Thank you for this instructional video. I'm building my very first Ballistic Advantage AR15 Carbine. This really helps me tremendously even though I've built a couple of Aeroprecision USA AR15's previously.

[@antonyiodice5351]

I bought one of BA's hanson profile uppers in 16 inch, and I love it. Accurate, simple, built with intention and checked all the boxes in my regards, for a great price too!

[@BlackRifleReloading-dl5cv]

Not responding to QC issues and not backing up your accuracy guarantee is why I don’t use BA anymore.

[@emnjo411]

BA is the way! Great info and timing. Getting ready to install your low pro on a DMR build.

[@kelbini]

I would have so paid more to have you pin the blem gas block i just got. But Im gonna give it a shot. Looking forward to using your barrel soon

[@Monster11B]

Excellent breakdown of the install. I love the explanation of the why and how. Thank you.

[@zack9912000]

Mike from SOLGW says get a dimpling jig and do it right

[@juansimon5802]

locktite wont do anything because the barrel gets hot and thats how u defeat loctite but rockset is very hard to get out so i think just tightening them up is enough because u already have it pinned.great video as always.

[@richardhall5626]

Oh thank god for the video I’m about to do my first one I’m so glad I went with BA parts

[@chrissewell1608]

Where have you been, dude? I (we) hope you find time to continue with the videos, again!

[@mohammedcohen]

...I used an old fashioned ruler and pencil to line up the gas holes and the fish tank airhose trick to make sure the holes are aligned...

[@jamiethomas3470]

Great info. I have always been curious as to why when the gas port is drilled in the block, it isn't drilled all the way through the the block? As this would allow indexing of the block using a pin gauge or other means during installation, eliminating the need for the coil pin. It also should not leak as the gas tube itself would obstruct the orifice. It seems like this would eliminate alignment issues potentially without adding any additional steps to the manufacturing process?

[@milesm978]

I’ve drilled mine out before and zero issues

[@pep729]

My BA 16" 5.56 hanson is short stroking like an sob. Not, the buffer, spring, gas obstruction, bcg or any of its components so I hope this helps. Why go through the trouble of drilling the barrel for a pin if it can still be canted? Just dimple it.

[@kuzz7919]

Thanks for the tips !! I would love to see the jig you use to drill the roll pin.

[@awsomedude9111]

Really like the gun smithing videos

[@basrutten641]

What would be great is if you guys could gas a .308” barrel accordingly. 16” modern series midlength is ridiculously overgassed. I had to close my adjustable block halfway just to get it to respond. I had already dimpled the barrel for .450” and the adjustable block was .475” Makes a guy a little pissy

[@williambundick349]

Brother I love all the videos really missed y’all keep up the great work both in videos and barrel making I have 2 and love them both

[@danielllewellyn5720]

Thank you. I actually learned something watching yt today.

[@Shootsmith]

Miss Sarah!

[@chrissewell1608]

Rumors abound!?

[@ThePatriotParadox]

Bought Rosco in the past, really wanting a BA barrel for my next build

[@BadBrad46]

Anything wrong with the Rosco?

[@BrassAngels]

Right on, appreciate the insider insights! Keep em coming. Love your barrels & the lowers that I own. I will add, the cat that mentioned a bit closer camera shot would be helpful is indeed on to something. Perhals with a bit more BA swag in thd background too. Keep that glorious facial fur in the shots too though! 😉🤘🇺🇸#ARJunkie #2ARights #RepealNFA

[@SnapD24]

So why does BA recommend against dimpling the barrel for gas block set screws?

[@chrissewell1608]

Well, like he said, incase you ever want to swap barrels or gas blocks. Personally, I considered this, one time too. When I started building, but then decided If I built a gun with a specific gas block, for THAT barrel. Then if I swapped barrels, I would just leave that gas block on it anyway. I always dimple my barrels. But they do recomend to pin the gas block. Which totally defeats the purpose of easily removing the gas block!

[@chrissinclair4442]

Just bought a Hanson barrel and chose the Superlative Arms Adjustable block instead of the pinned lopro. Wish you would have had the option to have the dimples drilled on the barrel.

[@archangel20031]

I got a clamp on type that uses 2 screws to clamp it and it great. i had the screw into the barrel type lock up making me have to cut it off to get the set screw out!

[@jasonmaceyko1902]

Great video.

[@ngaoutdoors4157]

This will work fine on high pressure rounds but low pressure rounds such as subsonic you need 100% of gas port and need to gauge gap off shoulder to have proper alignment. All my barrels that I will be running subsonic loads are gasport matched to gas block for 100% gas flow and 100% reliable operations in 300 blk and x39 platforms. I always pin in place for a solid connection.

[@m.turner1]

Pushing the gas block tight against the shoulder when there’s supposed to be a front hand guard cap would not be a good idea. You’re going to effectively cut off the amount of gas being pushed back. Running a suppressor? Might work. Other than that, having the gas port holes align perfectly is best.

[@knifelover73]

Literally doesn’t matter

[@zacharyrowe8667]

I have never measured or gave a gas block much attention and I have never had a issue. Anyone else?

[@chrissewell1608]

Who is this Nordic Viking looking guy? Looks like Clint from Ballistic Advantage!... But he dissapeared years ago!? It must be THOR, the Hammer God of Lightning! 🌩

[@danielhess39]

Great knowledge! Thank you👍🏼

[@Quality_Guru]

Great Build Tips. Would like to know which fixtures you are using to secure the upper to the vice.

[@Braunschweiger89]

Great vid!

[@aubreyroche5080]

Very Nice, thank you

[@mrshort2379]

great content and tips and hints. I do have a question about the gas tub though. After everything is all aligned pinned, and tightened, should the gas tube be a tight fit, or should it have just a little bit of free play? The reason I ask is, because I have heard that if the gas tube is tight fit, with no amount of free play, that it could essentially effect the accuracy of your barrel during barrel whip. In short causing it not to be, a true free floated barrel.

[@sfdclay]

Still wish the barrel was dimpled for those set screws

[@MichaelLivesInIdaho]

Newb first-time builder here, the BA barrel I bought with the block already installed, do i need to do this? Fully acknowledge this is likely a stupid question. Thanks BA!

[@turdferguson1490]

Great vid. Thanks for the info

[@mylesharvey6488]

Against Milspec to no gap a gas block. Thermal expansion means it pops the gas block.

[@jalowery1246]

Thanks boss. VERY informative!

[@BenRivered]

Damn fine explaining. Thanks.

[@scubasleeve3497]

If I'm working on the barrel, installing a muzzle device, gas block, etc, I'm securing THE BARREL, in the vise using polymer V blocks in the vise jaws to hold the barrel securely and not mar it. I think it's a bad idea to work on the barrel by holding the upper in a vice and even have the chance of introducing too much force/torque on the upper/barrel interface.

[@DC4EVA]

I have 2 BA handson barrels now, and when i put the coil pin the gas block is slightley canted! I know it will still get proper gas but my gas tube slightley rubs on my BCG gas key when it slides back into batt, i actually got it to line up straight by tapping it!

[@Aerospacearms]

Great video!

[@stickfighter1038]

BA Hanson Barrels with the Low Pro makes install a breeze. The barrels are very accurate and durable. Dimpling and pinning is not necessarily hard if you have the rights jigs but at the price point of the BA Barrels it does not make much sense..

[@rlm2010az]

Great information

[@liggerstuxin1]

I like how their camera angle didn’t add anything at all. Like we had to hear what he had to say, but couldn’t see it all what he was doing. I’m lucky though since they always have a dimple in them anyway.

[@lucaswalker1777]

Why not have notches in the shoulder that match the gas block so there is no twisting. Then we’d have nothing to worry about?

[@juggalo7]

Question??? I installed a Ballistic barrel,put the gas block against that shoulder and had a malfunction every shot,moved the gas block to line up with the gas hole slightly forward of the shoulder and no malfunction....So how did you say that it doesn't matter if you're up against the shoulder or not?????

[@corylahey1025]

I just bought a BA barrel and am super disappointed that they were too cheap to dimple the damn barrel for proper gas block alignment and retention. Such a shame. I'm bringing it to a smith to have it dimpled next week, and wont be purchasing any more BA barrels for that reason alone. So half assed, and makes me unsure of my purchase.

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

Same reason I bought one and am not buying any more. Not even putting a single dimple for the rear gas block set screw from the factory is such a joke.

[@stevenwilkinson8373]

I'm confused. You're saying that even though BA CH barrels come pre drilled for the gas block pin you still have to align it manually? And "by eye"? When a few thousands can make or break whether a sub 300blk functions properly you rely on just looking? Looks like I'm going to scope my 8.5 BA CH barrel to make sure my gas port is aligned properly. *sigh*

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

The downside of using coiled or roll pins for the gas block. Allows way too much play, it’s essentially no different than not even pinning it. Solid dowel or taper pin is the only way to go.

[@sentraselify]

Where did Sarah go i havent seen a notification in years

[@neptunestrident4364]

awesome. thanks.

[@XuroX.]

I've seen videos telling you to not put the gas block all the way to the shoulder, so which one is it? Lol

[@jasonherrington2002]

For the superlative arms adjustable gas block, clamp or screw/dimple?

[@kentedgar442]

So how to do choose a gas tube and how far should get go into the receiver?

[@christopherspindler6328]

Thank You!

[@meidamx]

Get some.

[@chrissewell1608]

Got some! Went back and got some more!

[@yohkodevilhunter8292]

What about clamp-on style gas blocks?

[@fook-joby-den6172]

Usually a dimpling jig solves this issue.

[@NebulousCat]

Why do you keep the screws if your gas block if it's pinned? I took my screws out after I installed the pin.

[@rmartuszewski]

I guess I am crazy. I use a bore scope in barrel with laptop, and a fiber optic line white light down gas tube. 🤷‍♂️