Adjustable Gas Block on SFAR?

[KneverKnew]

update: I’ve been busy with other projects so just now getting back to the SFAR. I’ve ordered an H3 buffer with flat coil spring. I’ll be testing with some 168 OTM reloads cranked up a bit to around nato pressures. I may play with some 308 factory loads as well. I want reliable cycling, short ejection at 3-4 o’clock.
I’ll report back.

 

[instructor]

Considering purchasing a SFAR but curious what Ruger has to say about all the complaints the rifle is creating??
Have found Ruger customer service to be excellent and doubt that they would remain silent on the issues with the SFAR??

 

[KneverKnew]

Well I just happened to just finish at the range with mine. I’ve had to replace the Ruger gas block on my 20” SFAR and install a flat coil spring with H3 5.5oz buffer to get it to function reasonably reliable. Also tested with silencer. I did determine it won’t run CAVIM. Ran the Austrian STG-58 marked ammo fine. I have 168 smk loads to test next for accuracy. It hasn’t been spectacular with the NATO fodder. But reasonable. Once I have everything running perfectly reliable and easy on the brass, I will contact Ruger to see if they’ve made any other adjustments. I think I already had their mark 2 gas block.

 

[Carbon_Summit]

Bringing an old thread back to life instead of starting a new one to clutter things up.

THE QUICK READ: HAS ANYONE USED THE RIFLESPEED AGB ON A 16.1" BARREL?

20 months later I have to think more people have tried different gas blocks for the SFAR and I'm curious what everyone has used and the results they got from them.

Right now I have a 16.1" barrel, that has been back to Ruger and they replaced the barrel assembly. Accuracy improved and the rifle runs and last round lock back works on setting #2.

My concern is that with the stock buffer weight it was ejecting casings at about 1-2 o-clock. I've tried the heavy version of the Odin adjustable buffer weight with three tungsten weights in it so its about 7.53 oz according to my cheap scale. Brass is now landing around 2:30 and I feel like the recoil/bolt slamming is a lot less but I'd like to see closer to the 3:30-4 ejection happening.

So my thought is I need more gas than setting #1 since I don't get lock back, but less than setting #2. I'd like to get a Riflespeed AGB but with the full handguard the 16.1" comes with the longest model they make would only stick out .21" (5.33 mm). There is only 12 mm gap between the end of the handguard and the muzzle device so I'm concerned that its going to be a pain to turn the adjustment knob with so little of the knob peeking out, and maybe being that close to the break is going to make adjustment hard too? IDK I've never turned a Riflespeed to know how hard or easy they turn.

So I'm hoping someone on here has tried the Riflespeed RS7559 on thier 16.1" and had good luck, and I'm also looking forward to hearing about other brands and the results you had.

 

[Mobuck]

Another option would be to change to a shorter handguard??

 

[Carbon_Summit]

Another option would be to change to a shorter handguard??

I've been considering this since I've read the factory one has some flex to it, not very sturdy. I've only owned the rifle since Sunday, and had it out shooting once so I hadn't noticed it being an issue, but sure helps justify the purchase.

I've got a Riflespeed AGB that I bought for a different rifle that is way to short to use on my SFAR, which currently has a Superlative Arms on it. I might swap the RS onto that rifle, which was aways the plan, to have the toolless adjustment and try the SA on the SFAR which might not necessitate the changing of the handguard which would save a lot of cost.

 

[Carbon_Summit]

So I swapped the SA agb to the RS on my main rifle since and put the SA on my SFAR last night.

Went out today for a test and tune and got both running great. As tight as I am I still can see me getting another RS and putting it on the SFAR at some point even though it means getting a different handguard. That is so handy being able to just turn the knob instead of having to use that long hex key that comes with the SA. I didn't mind the factory tool since it fit in the pistol grip, but there is no way to store the SA tool on the rifle. I don't like that, although I guess it never was an issue on the other rifle, it always bugged me not being able to make changes quickly if the situation required it.

Anyway I'll mirror what I've read time and time again online: Ruger should partner up with one of the gas block manufactures and offer the SFAR from the factory with an adjustable gas block that just works, because I just don't think a three setting one is the answer.

 

[Carbon_Summit]

Have any SFAR owners changed the buffer spring in their rifle? I've got emails out to different companies but I have not heard anything back yet.

 

[Mobuck]

IMHO, the only scenario that would justify the 'on-board' gas block adjustment tool would be an apocalyptic survival use of whatever ammo could be foraged while facing hoards of enemy.

 

[Carbon_Summit]

IMHO, the only scenario that would justify the 'on-board' gas block adjustment tool would be an apocalyptic survival use of whatever ammo could be foraged while facing hoards of enemy.

I said above that it never was an issue on the rifle I took that gas block off of, so I agree with what you are saying. Maybe I'm just trying to justify getting the Riflespeed, an excuse to spend money on another one because it is a pretty slick system... I probably have some sort of shopping addiction when it comes to guns and accessories....

That said the rifle that I swapped the Superlative Arms AGB off to put the Riflespeed on would be the rifle I'd go to if there was a SHTF / apocalyptic survival situation but the reason I put the AGB on it was to help it run better as a FRT range toy. So another BS excuse to spend money, not really needed.

The SFAR, or any 7.62x51/.308 for that matter wouldn't be my go to in any survival situation. I got it more for a hog hunting rifle. I guess what I have on there, which made it run like it should have from the factory, is fine. Thanks Mobuck, I might have to run all my frivolous ideas past you, you're the voice of reason that I needed to hear.