[MuppetMeat4Me]

One nice feature of the M14 is it's ability to accept a wonderful variation of accessories no matter how foolish they might appear to others. It is the owner of the rifle who's satisfaction is important.

Viva America

Indeed Viva America! MY RIFLE, MY CHOICE!

 

[MuppetMeat4Me]

Of course they are aware of it. It's part of the design. The gap is there because these are production parts for a service grade CQB rifle. The only way to eliminate the gap would be to individually machine either every brake or every muzzle.

But what about a wet hand-sanding on a mirror every gas lock for a perfect fit! Surely labor is free!

 

[Johnb2488]

Noticing I may not have been as careful as I thought. Was taking down the s16 and noticed burrs on the face of the gas cylinder.

Also, still having a helluva time getting the tip fo the barrel clean.

Your 2c are most welcome! View attachment 482650
View attachment 482649

I would re-crown that barrel for sure.

 

[KurtC]

But what about a wet hand-sanding on a mirror every gas lock for a perfect fit! Surely labor is free!

If someone were to hand build the perfect M14, they would cut the barrel shoulder while test fitting the gas system, to ensure the gas tightens exactly at 6 o'clock. With a Socom, you would start with a long barrel and cut it for a flush fit inside the brake.

The problem is that we don't know how such flush fitting parts will affect accuracy once they heat up and try to expand. The M14 was designed with less stringent tolerances, to make heat expansion a non issue.

 

[Johnb2488]

If someone were to hand build the perfect M14, they would cut the barrel shoulder while test fitting the gas system, to ensure the gas tightens exactly at 6 o'clock. With a Socom, you would start with a long barrel and cut it for a flush fit inside the brake.

The problem is that we don't know how such flush fitting parts will affect accuracy once they heat up and try to expand. The M14 was designed with less stringent tolerances, to make heat expansion a non issue.

I started with a 22"NM barrel and I cut it down to a 16" barrel, did a direct thread 5/8x24 vg6 epsilon and deleted the gas lock.