Question;
Should the op-rod be able to touch the gas cylinder?
no, it should not.
so what does a guy do when you have optimal gas port alignment..... gas lock TOOL TIGHT at 6 as per USNM spec, and you still have contact between gas cylinder and oprod??? do you shim???
hmmmmm.... I'll let you all ponder that one hehehehe.......and try and tell me what would cause such an occurence?
without answering the above...... we'll see who the bright ones are hehehe
the KEY in the gas system equation is GAS PORT ALIGNMENT and piston/cylinder fit. what your gas lock is doing is really not at issue as long as it comes tight a 9:0clock maximum and can be backed off to 6 to properly install the plug to 90 inch lbs torque if you want to be specific.
True and Fact..... OPTIMUM gas lock tightness for U.S. National Match specifications is Hand tight at 5:00 and Tool tight at 6.
if you use a wrench or a rubber mallett..... the same result is achieved.
This NM gas lock index value is only going to show a benefit during slow fire shooting sessions and is why rack grade U.S. military service weapons are adjusted to be tool tight at 8/9 oclock and backed off to 6:00 oclock.
this is to allow for expansion of parts due to heat gewnerated by rapid fire in battle conditions.... for us it would be an aggressive day rapid firing on a tac rifle, 3 gun or just for fun course.
so , for the accuracy seekers, hunters, slow bench shooters... this is the only case where "tool tight at 6" matters. For a generally reliable rifle, tight at 9 and backed off to 6 is optimal. No shims required..... unless you have poor gas port alignment.
Gas port alignment is more important than gas lock tightness plain and simple.... and a piston that appears to have some vaccum pressure once the cylinder assembly is all put together. a piston with no vacuum will cause failures , ie; short stroking
