Cheap Vs. Expensive! Gas Blocks Why Basic or Adjustable

Patreon: / kotaboy32
Email: [e-mail]
Kotaboy32 Facebook Page: / kotaboy32-14. .
Disclaimer: These videos are strictly for educational and entertainment purposes only. Imitation or the use of anything demonstrated in my videos is done AT YOUR OWN RISK. All work on firearms should be carried out by a licensed individual and all state and federal rules apply to such. We (including KZbin) will not be held liable for any injury to yourself or damage to your firearms resulting from attempting anything shown in any our videos. I do not endorse any specific product and this video is not an attempt to sell you a good or service. I am not a gun shop and DO NOT sell or deal in Firearms. Such a practice is heavily regulated and subject to applicable laws. I DO NOT sell parts, magazines, or firearms. These videos are free to watch and if anyone attempts to charge for this video notify us immediately. By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging the above.
Fair Use: In the rare instance I include someone else’s footage it is covered in Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.

[@PhlashRockinmann]

Thank God, someone, finally, explains this kind of thing in easy to understand terms for us knuckledraggers, & w/o any gun snobbery.

[@Acehart3]

I've really been enjoyin' Kotaboy's videos lately. I like his style.

[@melvintabao8368]

Yup

[@KingTesticus]

I have an Odin Works adjustable on my rifle and it is outstanding. I built that AR seven years ago and the adjustable gas block was a wise investment.

[@dilldowschwagginz2674]

I have some experience with after market gas blocks... Unless you plan on running a suppressor, go with a 20-30$ low profile gas block. You'll be good to go. If you DO intend to run a can - definitely go with an adjustable

[@adamfunk4519]

Exactly,just got to remember the pressure change with a suppressor.

[@bills6946]

No matter which gas block you buy, make sure it isn’t made from aluminum. Steel only. The hot gases are corrosive and will eat the block port on the barrel making it larger until there is leakage.

[@andrewrichison813]

I bought 4 of the same YHM gas Block's for $11 Buck's each at midwayusa and they all fit nicely on my Bear Creek Arsenal barrels. your review reminded me to buy some more for future builds. Thanks for the reminder! 😊

[@robertvarner7392]

Keep up this kind of interesting series. My first AR upper was pre-assembled by a local vendor and I missed out on the finer points of a full AR build, with all of the considerations. Love it, man! 😁

[@Quality_Guru]

Thanks for your time in keeping us informed. Also love the choices your are making since they are products that I have little experience with.

[@blackhawkinternationalsecu6962]

I am looking forward to these builds and see the accuracy comparison. Thanks KB

[@RickJamesGhostGuns]

I'm loving this series brother, thanks for the hard work

[@georgeoneal4282]

I ALWAYS ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS. I AM A RETIRED SOLDIER (1SG) CAVALRY TROOPER THAT APPRECIATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE AR PLATFORM/STONER RIFLE. STONER DESIGNED THE RIFLE, IN THE EVENT OF FAILURE, IT WOULD OCCUR WITH THE GAS BLOCK AND TUBE. MANY BUDGET BUILDERS CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS VIDEO. THANKS!!!

[@PhlashRockinmann]

George ONeal Scouts out!

[@BigALCigarSmoke]

I had an issue with my gas block and now I know why. Thanks for the video!

[@mtnshooter6259]

I love this series, it came just in time for my newest rifle. It's hard to figure out if the high dollar parts are any better than the basic budget parts. Thanks Kotaboy, your awesome!

[@seanlloyd9424]

Love this channel! Most knowledgeable, useful person on here for firearm related content. Thank you sir.

[@MrSmith336]

I am really liking what you're doing with this series. The is good content. Keep 'em coming. Bravo Zulu

[@swamprat9018]

Loven the series. Name it Average Joe. We need a video of the ins and outs of the adjustable gas block. show the signs of to much gas to little and what the best practices are.

[@angrybiker1]

I only use the superlative in the bleed off mode not the restriction. The bleed off option is the only way to go but expensive as you said.

[@richardclark9609]

Thank you for the video. I am going to be in the process of building a new upper. I do see the advantage of an adjustable gas block and your recoil being less. That anything put on the end of your barrel changes pressures also. Many of us have never built guns or would understand how things work with out videos like your. Thank you.

[@stevem.potvin3231]

They all have the first set screw aligned with the gas port. When they make a gas block they drill out the first set screw hole straight through and drill out the gas port at the same time, then they re-drill the set screw hole to the correct size and thread for the set screw. That's another reason I like set screw gas blocks versus clamp-on gas blocks. My two go too's are Strike Industries for a straight and simple gas block and Superlative Arms for an adjustable gas block. I also use my KAK Dimpling jig and put dimples in my barrels to keep the gas system aligned and it also helps in keeping the set screws tight because of the more contact surface between the barrel and the set screws.

[@spencerhoff7373]

I have an odin adjustable block works great. As a note, i have a mil spec weight bcg and an h2 buffer. My barrel is a Daniel Defense pinned 14.5" with a carbine length system. With 5.56 im at 12 out of 20 clicks to cycle properly and 14 with 223. I keep it at 16 or 17 for more reliable action. DD tend to have large gas ports so keep in mind if you have a similar setup, you may be running close to wide open on the gas block. But it works great and im glad i can taper the gas back to where it works just right without overgassing. You can rebuild them too which is awesome. Def recommend odins products. Havent had something from them i dont like as of yet

[@truthistreason9708]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Kotaboy!

[@GentiluomoStraniero]

Thank you Kotaboy...your content is always helpful.

[@a.joegevara3519]

You could've got a steel adjustable gas block for less than the YHM to have kept the comparison more even keeled. I like to dimple my cheap adjustable GBs, which I bought a 10 pack for like $100, so I have them on everything.

[@budgetguncinema7777]

Thank you, great video as I am still learning about AR's and I appreciate easy to follow information like this. I went with a PSA lower and BCA upper for my first build. Learn on the cheap and build a better one when I know what I'm doing.😉

[@pimplepickerton]

I am about to get my first BCA completed upper. Are you happy with yours? Any thoughts, tips or tricks, or advice? Any input is appreciated.

[@budgetguncinema7777]

@@pimplepickerton I'm very happy with mine. I don't shoot as much as the tacticool bros do, but I haven't had any problems so far. My first one was a 16" for my carbine. Then I built an AR pistol and used a BCA 10.5" upper. I have two more on the way. Another 10.5" and a 7.5" so I guess you could say I like them.👍🏻🍻

[@pimplepickerton]

@@budgetguncinema7777 good call man. I appreciate the input. Thanks man

[@seanwhite304]

YHM makes good stuff man . I absolutely love their Gas Blocks and Cans .

[@brianemery8945]

Love the Odin Works Gas Block Deffinatly grabbing one or 2 for myself.

[@mikejackson6591]

I use them exclusively. I also use their adjustable buffers in tandom with the gas block

[@hellzsniperII]

to eliminate the marring of the finish ,use roll pin punches for holding and seating your pins. correct tools for the job

[@brianonthego]

I use the Odin Works AGB. Works awesome on my Carbine length. Not so well on my rifle length barrel.

[@Jerry-Parker]

Excellent information ! Excellent video ! 👍 Thanks for sharing ! 5⭐

[@karengeyman5562]

I like the adjustable one for my suppressor on the 300 blackout.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Very Cool gas blocks Kotaboy32 an thanks for the knowledge Sir

[@armandogarcia7082]

I always check the gas tube inlet hole matches with the gas block port and also that they are the same size hole. There are some slight variations between manufacturers.

[@PickettsMillArmory]

THANK YOU! It's about time someone made a video about using quality gas blocks in their builds. Nothing burns my ass more than the plethora of Facebook posts about "My gun won't cycle" DO NOT cheap out on these parts. The gun will not function for long if at all if you have a poorly machined gas block.

[@kennethbillman5701]

Thanks, very easy to understand

[@jasonlopez4855]

I use ODIN works part on my DPMS and DELTON. Muzzle brake, hand gard, gas block, trigger's and hand grips. Good part's LR-308 & AR-10

[@JFT803]

Kota get the gas block jig from shockwave guys. Awesome tool and takes all the guesswork out of it! Very reasonably priced. Proper spacing is very seldomly butted up agains the barrel, your eye isn't seeing it.get the jig its will worth the money

[@kylegoldston]

" IN-CO-NELL" is a iron nickel Cobalt steel alloy. Higher strength and corrosion resistance at high temperatures then conventional stainless steels.

[@highspeed9518]

Yes they make turbo charger blades out of it it's a metal that is hard to work with

[@erikcunanan]

I think you give the block some space from the shoulder to allow for heat expansion so it doesnt expand against the shoulder

[@toddk1377]

I can't wait to see the finished products! Recently I've built my third AR and it was a medium build, but so far my favorite out of the bunch. 20" BCA upper with PSA Freedom lower, CMMG lower parts kit, UTG A2 stock kit, Magpul MOE grip, JP carry handle, Troy fixed front sight. I have severely depleted my ammo supply thanks to this rifle, had over 1200 rounds at home, now I have less than 200... Good thing I'm getting all this overtime at work, I need lots more ammo! Happy 4th y'all!

[@JohnSmith-mg5ve]

its 2022 inflation is killing us and ammo is waaay to high no one is really shooting. but buying and saving.

[@jacobsmith4308]

Have you had any problems with it not cycling? I have a 20 in bca upper as well but it shoots and doesn’t eject or cycle

[@toddk1377]

@@jacobsmith4308 Mine did that at first, it took about 50-60 rounds before it started to cycle properly. My guess is that there may have been some machining material in the gas port. Once it started to cycle it didn't have any further issues.

[@rongooding6509]

I watched the entire build. Id love you to swap the muzzle break between the Eco1 and Monty and see what difference it makes

[@Dwohman]

Be careful not to lose the detent ball when you clean it. Bought one and changed back to SA after one trip to range . To much work to change settings.

[@john-paulsilke893]

My race gun has an adjustable block but my play guns are all wide open. Same thing with my bolts, light-weight weird metal coating, (gold whatever that is) and my play guns are black and cheap. Funny thing is the cheapo guns always give me no issues with just about any crap I loud into them but my race gun is set to shoot 62gr Remington and that’s pretty much all it can shoot and needs to be cleaned every 500rds or simply doesn’t work. My 7.62 x 39 SBR with a no name upper and Anderson lower eats corrosive ammo for breakfast and doesn’t get cleaned enough and still has no noticeable erosion on the gas hole or even the tube after thousands of rounds of cheap Com Bloc ammo.

[@Jonno2summit]

For mounting systems I always like the clamp-style system, as opposed to set-screws. Just like Hornady reloading die collars that clamp as opposed to RCBS set-screw collars. Agree or disagree?

[@tradbowtimewithuncledan2686]

So far every Bear Creek barrel I've used has been dimpled that really makes gas block alignment a snap.

[@kevinroberts9580]

I built one with a 18 inch fluted stainless Barrel with black nitride. Shoots just fine

[@toddk1377]

I have their 20" upper with 17" M-lok rail. Shooting iron sights, I'm very pleased with the 2 1/2"-3 1/2" groups I'm getting bench rested @ 100 yards, and that's even with 55gr Wolf ammunition. I'm sure with higher quality ammo and an optic, it'll be a sub moa rifle, no doubt.

[@bluesbondsman]

Thankfully my BCA complete upper assembly was dimpled, They forgot the set screws in the block.

[@tradbowtimewithuncledan2686]

@@toddk1377 no doubt

[@tradbowtimewithuncledan2686]

@@bluesbondsman I've got another 16" 7.62x39 barrel coming from BCA today. You just can't beat their prices

[@eltenda]

One of the best video series

[@waynewilson3971]

Sweet thanks for the info!!!

[@dburck56]

I am a first-time builder of an AR-15 nice to be able to see how you installed the pin and tube in to gas block showing how whole would lineup in the gas block before you put it on the barrel just saying

[@TexasTrained]

Cant wait.I just built a Economy Bushmaster 450 from PSA and it has an 18 in. BEAR CREEK ARSENAL BARREL. I have not fired it yet.Waiting on my scope to get here.

[@Khonic23]

I used to be scares to work on my own rifles but glad I got over that

[@tommyguns4018]

building a rifle i would put and adjustable one on. not a question. i have a in. exp adj. on my 7.5 and it worked great. lock it down. on my bcm 11.5 i have a bootlegger adjustable bolt carrier. to me thats the way to go if rifle doesnt have it already and you wanna make a change. can really dial in recoil on the bcg fast as opposed to gas block.

[@Bobshell-tw8xy]

KB I’ve built many AR’s for myself and others. I never buy expensive GBlocks and I shoot suppressor on all. And I’ve never had the 1st issue at all. So it’s one thing I’m not sold on. But good vid

[@laladoodieincarnate]

Kota do you dimple the barrel if it has not been pre dimpled? how much or how often do you advise people to dimple their barrels prior to installing set screw low profile gas blocks?

[@michaeljohn8905]

I’ve been hearing good stuff about YHM. I’m making a build this month But I don’t know anything about there barrels. I read that they are not CHF Ed . I’ve been a Daniel defense buyer for a long time but they are just very expensive these days. Id like to hear your opinion on YHM ,s barrels and the difference .. im really excited to try their products. Thanks for this post. Take it easy bud. Mike.

[@walterdavis4808]

Great series.

[@henryvandervort9891]

Just got my suppressor in and fired several out of it ,need to put a adjustable gas block on 2 of my ar rifle. What adjustable gas block do you suggest the suppressor is a 36m silencerco. Need for a 223 556 and a 762x39 rifle

[@TheNLHAZE]

Cool thanks.

[@johnflannery4815]

Very good video and info

[@badbilly429]

Odin works seems to be stepping up their game. Muzzle breaks, precision armament M4-72 severe duty from optics planet, best brake out there.

[@snakedike]

I have a JP adjustable gas block on both of my ARs. I don't think I need to be brand loyal but I'll always go adjustable. I've had 2 instructors and 1 RSO stop me from shooting to ask why my rifles have so little recoil. On the few occassions I've let buddies fire them, I get the same reaction The main factors seem to be a rude compensator and an adjustable gas block that is properly dialed in.

[@1LSWilliam]

You keep it real, Bro. That's what matters!

[@escott3829]

Honor and Respect... Magnetic trays are great, I work on Million dollar Diesel Engines, Cant have Loose Fasteners.

[@pappydanny58]

Some of the roll pins that comes with gas tubes and parts kits that I get are soft metal. They ether bend or mushroom out makes me question the rest of the bag

[@edhlavaty6914]

Nice. YHM are nice. The only problem I've ever had was the block was made not to shoulder. Needed the spacer. I've had various issues but Gas was never one of them. As u know its usually something stupid that occurred in assembly. Boy it's been awhile. I might have forgotten how the go together. Lmao.

[@robzilla2165]

Aero gas blocks were $8.99 for 4th of July special. There's plenty of deals out there for budget minded folks. My theory is buy cheap and pimp it out as you go.

[@BJWeed1]

How about that? I'm actually learning about building an AR-15!

[@danielgodismyjudge]

Thank ya Koda!!!

[@williamriley2528]

Hey Kotanboy32. Ever tried using the YHM 9384 "clamp on" low profile gas block. I'm just curious as to the clearance required to get the new rail over the replacement gas block...

[@ramennoodleshaawty]

Your channel is underrated

[@stevensam9786]

With the adjustable gas blocks. You should tune it to run just a little over gassed. Not to much over gassed and you’ll feel more secured.

[@GeeDeeBird]

Great series! Don't know if you came up with a name for the budget rig (haven't watched the rest of the series yet), but I think "The Dude" would be a cool name. Jeff Bridges agrees with me!

[@happycampers2947]

Have been watching you for a few years and came back to this video because I was wondering if you could tell me what bit set that is you are useing? Thank you

[@ThecrazyScotsman]

nice breakdown

[@mallard_duck458]

Could you do a review on gas piston kits like superlative arms or Adam arms

[@entertainmentman3912]

What's a good place to adjust for a 62 grain 5.56 round? Don't know what I should set it to for a perfect cycle.

[@keithgregory7937]

Good stuff 👍

[@bigpoppa6998]

Another good Video Brother 👍

[@2viciouspits]

You mentioned the difference between the mid length, and intermediate length gas tubes, the inter. being about 2" longer. If you're building with a mid length system, how do you take up the added 2"? Or is there an intermediate system? I don't know nuthin'. I've only seen barrels offered with carbine, mid, and rifle length gas systems.

[@skat5268]

Don't forget that the adjustable can also help when suppressors mess with your cycling.

[@pimplepickerton]

Maybe you can answer my question. I think it may be a stupid question (and I think I know the answer already), but if I buy an upper with a carbine length gas tube, could I then upgrade/lengthen the gas tube to a midlength gas tube? And if I can, as long as it fits on the barrel I have do I need anything beside a new gas tube and block, or will there be other parts I need too?

[@dansharp8042]

You really do great videos........Thanks

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

My most hated task in an AR build - installing that blasted gas tube pin.

[@patricjft]

I have the Real Avid AR block, makes it a snap!

[@hoangducnguyenkhanh1]

I lighly bevel the roll pin, help guide it in much faster.

[@jaberie308]

I hear you, man. I'm now using a Knipex plier wrench to press in the pin. A great improvement for me.

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

@@jaberie308 I just got me a pair of those, and for that very reason.

[@lelenbates3367]

A year later, but buy a set of roll pin installation punches. The end of the punch is drilled to just larger than the diameter of the roll pin so it holds the pin and makes driving it no big deal.

[@TheWarriorSolution]

I'm really enjoying watching all of your "cheap vs expensive" videos. Very inspiring to make my own!

[@paulhughes3961]

I don't think you can say that this gas block is better than that. I have a $15 gas block with very nice mill work made of 4150 steel, and I have Bravo company and a Aero Precision gas blocks. They are made of steel also, and all work the same as the other. But when you get into adjustable or titanium then there's a big difference . IMO

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

Paul Hughes What difference does titanium make?

[@sweatyzeusgaming]

Seekins adjustable seems to be the best on the market imo. Allows tool- less adjustment

[@vaughngreene8770]

Which gas block do you recommend for dpms oracle

[@uralbob1]

After building four ARs and buying several more, I have no idea what brand of GBs I own and haven't ever had a problem. However; I'm not one to fire rapid groups or even lots and lots of rounds.

[@mikejackson6591]

The "LINE" ON the odin works adj gas block is for use with an odin works barrel. The corresponding line exists on all their barrels

[@kotaboy32]

Thank you, good to know

[@randycalvert1556]

With the odin adjustable block, i had to put the handguard on first then the gas block

[@ConfederceyCSA]

I will stick with my Gas Piston conversion of my Colt AR, I don't have gasses coming into my action unlike the Gas tube system and I don't need gas rings on my bolt. My AR runs cleaner and cooler. runs like an AK !!!

[@sjohn_8627]

I put that Odin Works one on a 11.5 psa upper and I only have it 3 clicks open and it runs great... That’s really not much though. What are your thoughts about it only being open that little. Bcm h3 buffer with Sprinco blue spring also.

[@robertpagel8951]

Hey buddy did you ever figure it out? Have a 10.5" Aero 7.62x39 build and I put my Odin adj gas block on it and and it runs really well with only 3 turns out as well. So I pin guaged the gas port and it turned out it was grossly oversized for a carbine length gas system. Man id have done what most do and stick a carbine weight buffer in there with a regular wide open gas block I would have beaten my gun to death in short order. Probably would have sheared a lugs off the bolt. 7.62x39 AR doesn't have a strong bolt wall diameter to begin with. Just received my Suppresor, so the fun of tuning the gas on this gun will happen again. Like to hear if you figured yours out.

[@hairydogstail]

SLR has the best adj gas blocks. Easiest to clean and repair...

[@jamesdewer]

I wish these videos were more specific, call outs, that is dimensioning, isn't clear. "This hex wrench" that "hole" it's unlikely your audience are engineers' but context really defines the subject especially highly technical content. Thanks for that.

[@rogerwilliams6751]

This sucks. FACEBOOK won't let me post this video to my gun group. It said that people found it had abusive content in it.

[@kevinroberts9580]

WTF SoCal found out about some gas blocks need to be a little off the shoulder. Great job explaining this, thank you Kotaboy32 for 🇺🇸

[@romeowhiskeylima556]

Kevin Roberts yeah I have no idea why all companies can’t butt their gas blocks right up to the shoulder. It’s one of those things that would make it too easy.

[@theunofficialresults231]

R Win The reason the gas block may need to be set off the shoulder is to provide a space for the handguard cap on spring loaded pop in hand guards. Normally, the gas hole in the gas block is oversized to accommodate the thickness of that cap, so you can still just bump the gas block to the shoulder of the barrel. After installing your gas block, spray some carb cleaner through the gas tube from inside the upper receiver and observe how much flows out the barrel. Also, before installing your hand guard, take the rifle out and shoot it and check how it is cycling and where it is ejecting the brass. When you get home, remove the gas block and check the carbon ring on the barrel around the gas port. That will tell you if your gas block is properly aligned or partially blocking the gas port. If you already knew all of this, never mind!!

[@edhlavaty6914]

@@theunofficialresults231 That's what I found out too

[@romeowhiskeylima556]

Theunofficialresults Thanks for a the advice. I’ve always just ordered complete uppers from BCM. Ii know the AR is a extremely simple platform. However ’ve learned quite a bit more building instead of buying. It’s sort of like fine tuning a truck. Enjoy your 4th brother 🇺🇸

[@kevinroberts9580]

@@romeowhiskeylima556 yep, happy America's Birthday 🇺🇸

[@romeowhiskeylima556]

🇺🇸Another fine production KB! Enjoy yourself a nice cold Yuengling tomorrow KB🇺🇸

[@dawizze1]

Anyone have a recommend gasblock with an ATLAS S Rail from aeroprecision. Heard OdinWords adjustable waas having some issues fitting.

[@JohnnyJPatt]

I just bought a 16inch 9MM complete upper from bear creek arsenal. From what I hear you get a great deal buying from them. Do you have an opinion on their quality?

[@kotaboy32]

Check all your screws

[@stever4651]

Yep YHM makes some good products👍🇺🇸

[@RicoCST]

On this 4th of July weekend, I have been reading and listening to the TV and KZbin presenters and it’s time for all firearm owning Americans of all kinds to band together and march on Washington and declare our position loud and clear. I do not have the following to lead the fight, but if any of you, have the following to band together and organize some type of demonstration, I will volunteer my services to help in any capacity I can. I for one will not give up my guns because of any laws that are passed that supersede the Second Amendment. The pledge I made when I joined the United States Army was to combat threats to the constitution both Foreign and Domestic. I was born in Cuba, my parents left Cuba in 1960 because of the same vitriolic socialist Gun confiscation talk that is going on now. The same thing has happened each time in Germany, Cuba and Venezuela in the last century and the results have been the same.. Any time the Government tries to disarm the population the result is tyranny. It is time now!For if not us, WHO? If not now WHEN! Sincerely an Loyal American!

[@bobtom1879]

I'm looking for a low profile gas block for 24" bull barrel any tips for me

[@vegasranger]

YHM makes great parts.

[@5jjt]

If you're decreasing the gas by adjusting the flow to reduce recoil, does this put one in territory where some ammunition will not work? In other words, should you adjust from zero until it cycles, then open it up even further so the rifle will cycle most ammunition?

[@hannibalbarca2939]

Type a rifle company recommends exactly that. Go to where it functions reliably and open it 1 more, or 2 if you want it really reliable.