Anyone ever cut down thier own Gas tubes?

[XC700116]

I'm currently amassing pieces and parts for a 300 Blackout upper and the barrel I'm looking at uses a pistol length gas tube. Problem is, I can't seem to find a pistol length gas tube. Seems like every other length isn't that hard to find so I'm considering just buying a carbine or middy gas tube and cutting it down to fit.

Is there anything I'm missing here or some reason it can't just be cut down? Like internal diameters or something? It just doesn't seem like it should be a big deal.

I'm planning on using an adjustable gas block so it's somewhat "tunable" as this will eventually be suppressed at some point, so I would think that would help as well.

[Great-Kazoo]

Swage or flare the end correctly and it might work. i have a double flaring tool if you want to try on some tubing b4 hand.

[Lurch]

What size barrel are you using?

[20X11]

Getting the bends correct will be the toughest part..and of course if it is off, it will cause function problems.

[XC700116]

I have tubing cutters/flaring tools, etc for doing brake lines and whatnot so that shouldn't be a problem.

I'm going to use a 16" Bergara barrel that uses a pistol length gas system.

I'm not overly worried about the bends as I'm planning on trimming the tube after the bends but not sure how it will work out. I would think as long as I keep it straight, and debur everything nicely The barrel nut and the upper receiver should hold it in good alignment.

I guess, worst case scenario I'd be out a total of about $18 out of it if I screw up a Carbine Gas tube trying to do it and I just wait for a pistol length one to come in stock. I guess my biggest question is if the internal diameters are the same. If so I'm confident I can make it work.

[XC700116]

Update, I've ordered the parts, and have everything in hand but the Troy alpha rail and the BCG. I put the barrel in the upper receiver and measured everything out with the carbine length gas tube in comparison to my other uppers (all measured extremely close to each other) and I cut down the gas tube to the correct length. The bend is just soon enough to clear the barrel nut and everything else seems to look like it's going to work perfectly.

Now just waiting on the rail and I'll be able to assemble it all and test with one of my other BCG's.

I will update again when the rest of it gets here.

[XC700116]

Well, it's finally complete, and I'm taking it to the range this weekend [Beer]

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj197/XC700116/2013-03-04_20-00-02_482_zpsa46c0e2e.jpg

[XC700116]

Well, after having it out at the range, with a couple small adjustments to the PRI adjustable gas block, it cycles factory ammo with no issues, supersonic hand loads run great, with the exception of one that had a bad case and stuck like a bastard. Then it also cycles fine with my subsonic loads that were loaded with 1680.

[davsel]

Not sure if you added the "bulb" type flare to the end of your tube. I did not, and it really increased the carbon fouling on my bolt. I was in the same boat as you and cut down an "intermediate" length tube for a midlength 5.56 rifle. It ran flawlessly, but dirty. Glad it worked out for you. Won't it be nice when these inexpensive parts are back to regularly being in stock?