[dperr]

Can anybody tell me if they have ever peened the splines on the barrel as part of a unitized gas cylinder installation? If so, what did you use to do the peening, and is there anything I need to take into consideration to prevent an "awe s---!" Thanks very much in advance.

Darrell
(dperr)

 

[m14dan]

I use a small 10oz I think ball peen hammer. The biggest thing to remember is only put enough peened spots on it to hold it now. As you can't peen the same spot twice. If it ever loosens up on you and you need to redo it you will need a fresh sharp edge to rol over. Know what I mean?
Usualy all that is needed it about 3 small peened spots on the top spline. Don't hit it like you are trying to send a base ball to the out field either. In fact if you haven't used a ball peen much it is probably safer to use a punch with a wide rounded end. It should cover the spline on both sides. Just give it a tap with a small hammer in the front middle and rear of the top spline and you should be good to go. You will know it is enough when you can't just slide the gas group on anymore by hand. Most of mine need a little help from the hammer handle. Just a little.

 

[dighawaii]

Aloha Darrell,

Yep, Dan covered this one good! I like the point of "doing only what you need NOW to keep the gas cylinder tight and in place, as in the future you might need to do it again, and you want some meat still there to peen.

On your new NM gas cylinder, did you already try to see how it fits? The NM gas cylinders that I had were already "tight"! Doing the spleens will eliminate the need for shims.

This is definitely a "do it yourself" job, but requires care. Even a light hammer can damage a barrel if hit hard enough... so go slow! Let us know how you do! Good Luck!

Aloha,

Tom O.

 

[m14dan]

Actualy I still shim mine to get the nut to turn to the right place, to line up the hole to the piston or to get an acceptable clearance between the band and ferrule or a combination of all of the above. I never used shims before just to tighten a loose gas cylinder. That's what peening is for. I know I am a little different but My rifles shoot straight and never mess up so I must be on the right track.

 

[dighawaii]

Aloha Dan,

Can't argue with your success!!! :lol: Cool!

Aloha,

Tom O.

 

[m14dan]

Thanks Tom. I wasn't trying to sound stuck up. I hope you didn't think so. Just trying to help. I can't wait to get my ffl again and start doing this on other peoples rifles. I am almost set up in our new place finaly.

 

[dighawaii]

Not from me. Dan... :lol:

I like hearing about how others do things... that is how I learn! Hey, did you see how many guys are on line right now! Wow, its the most I have ever seen at one time...

Geez... we need to get a life... hahaha :lol:

Aloha,

Tom O.

 

[m14dan]

I know it. I got bullets to load for the weekend and I ain't getting a thing done. It is dinner time here too. My wife is gonna start yelling soon. It is just so much fun here!!!!