Mini 14 Adjustable Gas Block

[dfletcher]

A fellow on another site asked a Mini question, looking for an answer I found this:

http://mini14gasblock.com/

Accuracy Systems reworked my Mini a few years back and I've been very happy with the result, but I left on the original gas block. I've since added a top half with a front sight, but for $99.00 I figure this complete adjustable GB is a good deal.

Has anyone used these and if so, any improvement in accuracy? I'll be glad to just not have to use a brass catcher anymore, but if the Mini were to shoot more accurately that would be an added benefit.

 

[jforwel]

I had issues with mine throwing brass at least thirty feet away and instead of changing out the block I bought a kit that had three sizes of ports. I ending up using the smallest port, it functions fine and now only throws brass about fifteen feet.

I don't remember the brand or where I purchased it but it wasn't very expensive, about half what a new block would cost.
Mine dates to 1994 and never was a tack driver.

 

[skeeter]

I ordered two of them today. It might be awhile before I know how they work. I ordered the generation 3 gas block which is on sale for $99 now.

 

[welder]

Gonna try one myself. I like the looks of the gen 3.

 

[dfletcher]

I ended up buying one, very well made and nicely finished. I haven't tried it out yet though I expect it to work fine - looks like lots of adjustment is available. One of the things I like about buying from these folks is that every time I've called the owner (Carl) picks up the phone himself, has taken time to answer my questions and given good advice. I sometime stretch the "there's no such thing as a stupid question" principle but have always been treated well.

 

[welder]

That's good to know as I really appreciate doing business that way. I've thought about the adj. block for a long time and always thought it would be great for the mini's. I have buffers in one of mine now but would like to tame it a bit with the block and pull the buffers out, although they do help a lot in my opinion. Vigorous ejection is a good thing but in the case of the Mini, maybe overkill. I had one of my non buffered 197 series out a couple weeks ago and it was throwing brass at least 30-35 ft. The gun has about 100 rounds through it and the recoil spring is good but ejection was hot. It was Lake City .556 55 gr. fmj but it throws standard .223 almost as far. I am looking forward to adding the block. Will call Mr. Carl tomorrow.

 

[dfletcher]

I ran mine over the weekend and was happy with the result. Anywhere from 4 to about 8 clicks out gave anywhere from "just barely" to strong ejection. It's just a matter of fiddling with the setting. I ran some different brands and weights, from 40 grain to 55 FMJ. At 6 clicks everything ejected, hammer reset, the next round fed and if the last round in the mag the bolt locked to the rear.

My methodology was to pop in an empty mag, load one round. Once the round was ejected, hammer reset and bolt held open increased one click to account for increased friction on the bolt from a loaded mag.