Drop in Handguard with clamp, or set screw type gas blocks

[redshooter]

Can I use a Drop in Handguard with a Gas Block that clamps on/uses set screws, or can you only use pin on Gas Blocks for that purpose. As for why, I have a Tall Front Sight, I didn't know it was Tall when I bought it, it's top quality, and for the price with front and rear it was a steal, so I'm going to see if I can work with it.

Also has anyone seen a .625" Railed Gas Block in stock in Canada?

 

[kekservative]

You want to turn your rifle into abomination because you've already bought a buis for it? Am I getting that right?
Even if so, why not just go with free float rail and regular low profile gas block, and still use the sights you bought?

 

[redshooter]

You want to turn your rifle into abomination?

First, it's not a cool Suit, it's a tool. Second they are basically fixed sights you attach to a rail, so it won't look mental. My concern is will a clamp on/set screw type gas block allow me to use drop in Handguards since there's a constant (if light) pressure on the Gas Block.

An Ideal solution would be to get two of those YHM short rail risers for the Rear Sight, but they are the only ones I've seen that are low enough.

Also isn't drop in lighter?

I'm starting to think it's time to draw some winged peni on my A2 Butt Stock just to get the Fashion Police worked up...

 

[kekservative]

Heavy enough clamp should hold. Set screw (if barrel is dimpled) should hold too.
I just think it's silly to create workarounds in your rifle's core components just to accommodate cosmetic choices like sights, but you do you and your buttstock penii.
Drop in (plastic) handguard may or may not be lighter than a free float depending on model and length, but if you add up all the additional hardware and heavier gas block that comes with it, free float will definitely be lighter.

 

[redshooter]

I just think it's silly to create workarounds in your rifle's core components just to accommodate cosmetic choices like sights

Last time I checked sights were pretty far from cosmetic. Top quality Irons, or crappy Red Dot for twice what I paid for the Irons...I suppose you'd prefer one of these.

It's also reported that one of these on your boom stick will make your little boom stick look much bigger.

Anyway thanks for the reply, you've given me something to do for 1/2 an hour or so, and actually answered my question to boot!

 

[PinaKaleada]

Just my 2 cents, but if you mount aluminum hardwares on your barrel, be it sights or even aluminum railed gas blocks, you might run into at least two problems, which seems to be why it's not a popular choice:

1.) Expansion rates are different. A modest 1-200 rounds session can get those parts hot enough that they're not at the same tightness when in room temperature. Yes you might have tightened the screws and used thread lock, but then there's a second problem:

2.) Your thread lock compound might also degrade overtime with this heat, you run the risk of having screws being loose. (Rockset might be your friend)

To be honest I'd probably sell that tall front sight, and get a normal height front sight even at a small loss, and use free float handguards. They're quite economical nowadays and lightweight.