Thanx guys, so what can I do here before taking this fella to the range?
If the gas block really bothers you, you can remove the hand guard, loosen the allen set screws on the bottom (use a good quality key, the screws are probably loctited) and re-index it.
Go to the hardware store and buy 2 lengths of 1/4" key stock as they make AWESOME parallels for M1913 rails. clamp a parallel (key stock) to the bottom flat of the gas block between the set screws, and clam another to the flat bottom of the upper receiver (dismounted from the lower). Sight along the parallels and straighten the gas block until the two parallels are... you guessed it... parallel to each other. Dab a little blue loctite or red loctite 222MS on the set screws and re-tighten them.
Now put the parallel bars in the slots on the upper rails of both the upper receiver flat and the hand guard out by the muzzle. Alight the parallels again and tighten the retaining screws on the hand guard. Done.
Of course, if that is too much effort, just live with it the way it is. It's not likely to affect function the way it is.
Other things to do before going to the range include:
1) Check that all screws are tight and that the castellated nut on the receiver extension is staked in place.
2) Oil the cr@p out of the bolt and upper receiver, as well as the pins for the hammer and trigger.
3) Run an oily patch down the bore, let it sit for a few minutes and then run a dry patch down the bore. This is in case there is any residue left in the bore from the finish treatment.
4) Do general function and safety checks as you would for any semi-auto. Cycle the action to #### the hammer, apply the safety, pull the trigger and make sure the safety works. Disengage the safety and fire the gun. Keep the trigger depressed and cycle the action with the charging handle. The hammer should be held back, even though the trigger is depressed. Gently release the trigger, the gun should not fire. Re-apply the safety and take it off again - verify the hammer does not drop.
You're good to go - go shoot it.