Unitized Gas Systems
I know how gas cylinders are unitized and I know this may start a fight (Art and Huey Gunner be nice) but what are the advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques. Is there an inherent accuracy difference to either?
There is evidence the Unitized Gas System produces better accuracy. It is important to put that statement into context. All the Modifications to the M14 NM rifles were for the purpose of producing the most accurate "Across the Course Rifles"... Across the Course accuracy is a specific Match Competition requirement. Accuracy desired or needed in a M1A, modified for General accuracy such as Bench Rest shooting, long range prone position shooting is another matter. This, of course is yet another opinion, but there is just as much evidence to support it..
The Across the Course Rifle takes more abuse than the General Accuracy Rifle, much more abuse. Therefore the Gas System must be Unitized in a stronger method, using screws, welding, epoxy or all of those. The General Accuracy Rifle, which I think most of us have or want does not require this type of Unitizing. The proper selection of shim/shims and a high grade epoxy will do a perfectly sound job of holding the Front Band and Gas Cylinder together..
You are the decision maker in which method of Unitizing is best for you... A good place to start your decision is by asking yourself, "How do I intent to use my Rifle?"
I may as well add, The Not Necessary requirement of Reaming of the Flash Suppressor to the above if you are seeking a General Accuracy M1A. There is no evidence to my knowledge that reaming the FS adds accuacy over a properly installed non reamed FS, unless of course you intend to shoot in a down pour. How many of you M1A owners even take your rifles our when there is heavy fog?
When the Service Shooting Teams went to the Reamed FS it was for the purpose of avoiding the problem of a FS being accidentally knocked out of alignment, this information was according to Sgt. Bill Donovan USMC. He told me,"In addition to reaming, the muzzle seating surface was resurfaced to promote a flush seat against the end of the barrel, if accuracy improved it was more likely because of this modification than the #7 tapered reaming." There were several more modifications done to the FS at that time, as I recall there were five {5** lathe cuts made not of importance in this message.
Allow me add, I have seen Hueygunner's work, he is Craftsman, he would be my choice if Unitizing was desired. I have not seen the work of the others that do this modification. it is not my practice to recommend something I have not seen or tested.
Is this a statement of De- hyping unnecessary modifications, not at all, but rather a History Lesson you can accept or not. Art