Originally Posted By Augee:
Has anyone ever used any of the "generic" MK12 gas blocks that can comment on how they compare to the KAC or DD "official" MK12 gas blocks? I'll admit that all of my other rifles have factory standard taper pinned FSBs on 'em. I've installed low-profile gas blocks for others, but I've never really considered one for myself.
Obviously "the look" is not important since it goes under the rail anyways, but I wonder if one is much better than another? For example, I know the DD is stainless, while some others are different grades of steel. Then again, the standard FSB is a barely cleaned up, cast steel part...
These are all for "MK12-style" gas blocks only, not other low-profile designs. All .750, two set-screw versions.
A quick survey of Midway produces:
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimage ... 335471.jpg YHM - $25.99
"High quality steel," parkerized ("Mil-spec phosphate coating")
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimage ... 275588.jpg Troy Ind. - $34.99
Stainless steel (no grade listed), "black oxide finish"
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimage ... 123230.jpg DSA - $28.99
"Steel with nitride finish"
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimage ... 261465.jpg Double Star - $31.99
1045 steel, no finish information
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimage ... 425385.jpg Midwest Ind. - $37.50
4140 steel, no finish information
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimage ... 240297.jpg Sadlak - $26.49
"carbon steel alloy," parkerized ("manganese phosphate finish")
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimage ... 287094.jpg Daniel Defense - $64.00
416 stainless steel, black oxide coated - used by NSWC-Crane on MK12 Mod 1 SPR, M4A1, and M4A1 CQBR
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimage ... 673353.jpg PRI - $54.99
"high strength steel," no finish information
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimage ... 261284.jpg Wilson Combat - $44.99
No material or finish information, listed as "Made to military specifications and dimensions."
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimage ... 697921.jpg Badger Ordnance - $59.99
"heavy-duty steel," parkerized. "The Badger Ordnance MK 12 Low Profile Gas Block for the AR-15 is an exact replica of the gas block specified by Special Operations Command on the MK 12 Special Purpose Rifle (SPR)."
And, though they're not listed at Midway, it is at BCM:
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/v/vspfil ... 0pro-2.jpg Stag Arms - $34.00
No material or finish information
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/v/vspfil ... lock-2.jpg KAC - $88.95
No materials or finish information - used by NSWC-Crane on MK12 Mod 1 SPR, and presumably some have found their way on to M4A1s and M4A1 CQBRs
I didn't really do any research on these with regards to steel used, ect., nor did I comparison shop the prices, I've just listed them. Anyone that knows a little bit more about them, feel free to chime in, and/or if you've used any of them, please comment. Probably be helpful for others looking to do builds as well.
~Augee