Wow. Michael, I can’t even begin to thank you enough for your superb, informative videos and meticulous testing. I’ve learned a ton from your vids. The fact that you created an enlarged model with PVC tubing and wooden pole to demonstrate gas block bleed off made me say to myself, “Now here’s a guy who really loves what he does.” THANK YOU THANK YOU, MICHAEL!
I was always confused by the instructions SA includes with these. But your explanation makes perfect sense and now I understand how to use these. So back to the range I go to dial in my rifle!
Good video I liked it. One issue that nobody mentioned either on the video or comments. The cyclic rate between the control and bleed off. This is huge. The bleed off SIGNIFICANTLY lowers the cyclic rate and that is critical for suppressed and full auto weapons. It also tells you that the bleed off is working far better than indicated in the video as the gas in the restricted flow is increasing the cyclic rate and pushing the gun harder...from what I can see at least 10 percent. With the bleed off there the cyclic rate for suppressed and unsuppressed would likely be similar. This is big just for that but also there is likely no need to change the gas setting when you plunk a can on there. I have been using a heavy-azzed MicroMoa gas block just for that reason. This is probably a better (lighter) solution...at least for me.
I've watched a number of your videos, and they are all excellent. I have a brand new, adjustable gas block from another company sitting in my parts box. However, I watch this video everytime I get ready to do a build and decide that I just have to order another one of these or my build just won't be up to snuff. Superlative should ask to host your vids about this product. I'm not sure why they go to the trouble to make such a unique device and then completely fail to explain the advantages in using it. I've looked at numerous videos about this item, many don't even touch on the bleed off feature. Your production is by far the best on the subject. The pipe and dowel setup that you made is an excellent visual aid.
This information is gold. I was having all manner of function issues (ftf, fte) with a new rifle that has the SA adjustable gas block. Thanks to your videos, I now understand how the gas block works and … more importantly … a process to adjust the bleed off. It was horribly overgassed, putting way too much energy into the BCG. 30 minutes later, the rifle now runs like a sewing machine; just enough gas to function but not too much.
Can’t thank you enough for this great explanation. I left the range a few days ago scratching my head over this gas block because i couldn’t get the gas dialed in. Shame on me because I didn’t read the instructions before setting off to adjust it. I just assumed it worked like every other AGB and the bleed off just happened in conjunction. Then when I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t get the system adjusted and did read the instructions, I didn’t t really understand the bleed off concept. Now that I’ve watched your video everything I saw at the range all makes sense. Going to now watch your follow in video to see if you show how to adjust it. Thank you for a very informative video. I haven’t found a video this helpful in a looong time.
I use these gb on my 556 guns and soon to be my 308 build. Excellent illustration of the bleed off mode, I have to explain this to customers at the range fairly often.
WOW! What a GREAT vid!!! Your detailed explanation of not only the install but actual function of the gas block has me totally sold and will be on my order for my 308 build. Your calm demeanor makes your videos easy to follow. As it happens, my first build has the older version of this gas block and was extremely satisfactory, so I've got total confidence now. THANKS!!!
The enlarged model saved my sanity. I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t get my rifle to cycle properly. I had it “wide open” which was causing too much bleed off. Which I assume caused insufficient pressure. Time to rebuild the rifle a 3rd time. It pays to understand the products ur using!!!
Thanks for this man. My Superlative Arms AGB just came in the mail today, I installed it, but now I was really unsure how to adjust it. You cleared everything up very well. Thanks again, man.
I'm a very visual person and while your camera work and lighting isn't the best, your explanations and mock up visual more than make up for it!!! I learned a lot from your video and greatly appreciate you sharing your knowledge and expertise!! Well done!!!!!
I really like your attention to detail, especially on the 2nd part to this SA gas block video. I have this exact gas block for a Aero 308 build. 18 inch barrel, rifle length gas system. I appreciate the time and effort you put in your videos. thank you. I am subscribed now, btw. Keep up the good work.
I did not know why the instructions said to continue turning ccw once at the max gas (4.5 turns out). Great video I know understand how the gas block works. I was restricting the gas and not actually letting it bleed off. Great explanation thank you!
I enjoy the fact ur vids are always factual and I guess I would call it a scientific and objective approach to ur videos . Keep them coming!! Thanks Darin Kleen
Great video! I can't see how you don't have more subscribers. Love the attention to detail and examples. You sold me on this for my Aero M5 build. Thanks for taking the time to do this!
Btw….Luth ar has an adjustable gas block for $17!!! From the reviews I’ve read, the “detent screw is in the back of block facing shooter, and is extremely hard to adjust with any fore rail. But, the price discrepancy makes me believe it’s complete crap! But, I have a “extra” 16” upper that I’m building for long range….i will be running it suppressed (ocl polonium) 99% of the time. I believe I’ll throw $18 to luth ar to see how it goes. Adjust it with rail off and keep it that way. Maybe find a sweet spot between canned and uncanned
Excellent video! I just bought one of these gas blocks and it came with zero instructions. I went to their website and there are no instructions there either. I'm baffled why they'd make such an awesome device and then not support it one bit. This was extremely helpful. Thank you! I too wondered about increased perceived sound with a can. I didn't think to wonder about bullet velocity, but I was wondering if there would be any flash from the vent.
Thanks for watching. My review was objective but positive because it seams to work very well. I wish I could get them to support the videos with an affiliate link but no response from them on that issue.
Michael, this is a fantastic video. Thank you for really good thorough information! I want to talk to you about every gun question I have! Lol Really great content sir!
Thank you so much for explaining how it works. The instructions while yes it tells you what to do but for someone new to a bleed off block, I so hate to admit it but it had me scratching my head. Iiterature is so contradicting, states “patented bleed off system, bleeds instead of restricts” in a nutshell. But yet states turn counter clockwise 4.5 turns to “fully open” maximum gas pressure... then at first I misread and thought you’d naturally turn clockwise to decrease gas and counter clockwise to increase. Which from here yes clockwise would decrease because it restricts gas, however counter from there also decreases .... now I understand this is where bleed off starts... so in essence it does act as a conventional restricting gas block up to 4.5 turns out and then bleeds off thereafter fully open.... Haha I feel like an idiot but seeing your video before my first time out with it really would’ve saved me a lot of headache! They should state that inside 4.5 turns is restriction and outside 4.5 turns is where bleed off starts. That alone would explain a lot. Either that or I am an idiot but bleed off gas blocks being brand new to me I had no idea how it worked.. Thank you again for clearing this up! 2 years later and still helping people understand!
You're not the only one man, I have had to retune my can like 3x now and I finally understand how it works. It was worth it but their instructions are vague to say the least.
Great videos Mike! I just completed a 300 black out upper with the set screw version of this gas block. The installation instructions that came with this gas block say "Carefully slide the gas block towards the shoulder, allowing for a .025 gap (use feeler gauges) between the shoulder of the barrel and the back of the block. This will locate the gas hole in the barrel with the gas hole in the block." I noticed you pushed yours all the way up to the shoulder, and have had no problems. I also pushed mine to the shoulder, but haven't test fired it yet. Do you have any feedback on this? Thanks, keep up the good videos!
In the video you say you can run the block in restrictive mode if you choose to. While that is true, just FYI, I just talked with Superlative yesterday because I had some questions and they informed me that the block is designed to always be run in bleed off. The only reason the restrictive part is there is for the option to completely close off the gas if needed or wanted. Just thought I'd pass the info along.
Understood. I was doing it for testing purposes. The whole design patent is based on offering bleed off, otherwise this is "very similar" to the SYRAC design.
Thank you for all that you do! My question is….what’s the value of a “clamp on”? In my particular case…I want to add it on to a manufacturer built rifle (iwi Zion 15) and I’ve noticed my existing block is the set screw style, meaning it’s most likely pre dimpled for the block. In which cases would a person prefer the clamp on (besides a non dimpled barrel…wouldn’t you want to use the set screw and just mark and dimple your barrel? Seems like the best way to confirm gas hole alignment.
I really enjoy your in-depth video reviews. Add another person to your "subscribed" list! How would you compare the Superlative Arms Direct Impingement Bleed-off Adjustable Gas Block to the Superlative Arms Piston Conversion kit for anyone looking to build a highly reliable custom AR-15? Are either products something that you would trust to install on a rifle that you might need to bet your life upon (my particular usage is home/self defense)?
I like the piston better. I think with the piston kit you maximize the benefits of the bleed-off design. I would trust my life with this system if the rifle did not have to be fired 10,000 rounds. I have not tested it enough to know what the longevity is. So far there appears to be no issues at about 1,500 rounds.
Yesterday, I spoke with Rob Mccue from Maligator Tactical. Rob has EXTENSIVE knowledge/experience with the Superelative Arms Piston kits. Some of his firearms have over 15,000 rounds through them using the Superelative Piston kits. Rob reports zero malfunctions with the system. Maligator Tactical (Rob's company) also builds/sells complete uppers using the Superelative Piston kit products for the general public, as well as many law enforcement personnel. Rob will openly state that he would bet his life on it and that he wouldn't sell it to anyone else if he thought that it might be an unreliable addition to a firearm. Between your reviews and knowledge sharing and talking with Rob (for over 2 hours on the phone), I am sold on the product.
Also, another thing in verbiage that gets confusing is “clicks” vs “turns”. You say 4.5 turns gets to bleed off function. Meaning 4.5 times around “the clock”….how many “clicks” does 1 turn equal. (Just asking as I’m waiting for mine to ship from optics planet…yes, it was “in stock” lol) and am gathering as much info as possible for my install/operating of device.
Great review, also you used the wrench to tighten the barrel nut, I have the same handguard and the with on the 1 1/4" nut won't fit any wrench's I have, they run on a taper towards the inner part of the wrench, at the end of the wrench it's .457 and towards the inside it's .578, the width just a little ways up the jaws. Where did you get the one you used with your socket ratchet ? Looks like I can even make one on my mill from 3/8" flat stock. Well done video, 👍👍👍👍👍👍 Thanks so much Michael
just subscribe to your network.....I do my field testing by brain logic, and now with your videos I can save myself from some heavyweight migraines. I am reviewing ALL your videos/ they are fantastic..... thank your for your time.. I am trying to accomplish the same results as a adj. block but with buffer weights and springs (giving gasses time to exit) using the dwell distance and muzzle exit distance from block ( using mid. and rifle gas ports) as the main factor... QUESTION: do you think I'm wasting my time.. ...all black rifles matter..
I have a wide variety of buffers and springs to tune different systems as I go. Sometimes changing ammo causes issues. If you can asses whether there is too little or too much pressure you can change the buffer or spring and fix the issue on the spot. In this video ...ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kiRybiOHB8k.html... I ran into an under gassed situation with the wolf .223 in full auto with a heavy spring and buffer. Tuned down both and ran smooth as silk.
regarding the slide lock charging handle. i had one on my .308 build and nearly every shot the handle would cycle back when firing and after maybe 35 rounds the charging handle broke. mega replaced it fast but I do not plan on ever using it again
Wow. This is some of the best in depth research I’ve seen on RU-vid. So with a 16 inch mid length un suppressed would you recommend to use the restrictive settings or the bleed off settings with this gas block on a DI 556 ar
I purchased a block but couldn't figure out how to align it since it doesn't have the standard bottom two allen screws, then he talked the video to death blew pass the install!
Great video man! I have a ar10 243. So if I back mine out all the way I'll be at full bleed off right? I'm using a supressor. My thinking is to back it out all the way an start turning it in till I can eject 3 o'clock an lock back on one bullet. Basically the exact opposite of using the restricted part of the block.
Here is the field test...ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UwHA9pvkgYA.html If you get a chance please check out my channel I have about 140 review videos so far.
On the hearing test. Which test point did you use for test , front left of gun or at shooters ear? I know what industry standard is , military is said to have moved tk shooters ear.
Hi, great videos, would you say it’s worth installing this on 11.5 inch sbr which will always be used with a suppressor. Brand is Daniel Defence ddm4- 7s.
How does this clamp on do as far as being a secure attachment method to the barrel??? Meaning have you had any problems with it walking, rotating, or coming lose is some way? Im looking for a good adjustable gas block for a 6.5 Grendel Proof Research barrel that I'm building a rifle around and I've never used a clamp on before I always dimple my barrel for set screws... Great video just subbed...
Great informative video! I was curious if you could give me a little more info on the handguard? I just purchased this gas block and am having trouble finding a handguard that has enough clearance. All of the UTG Pro ones I've looked at dont seem to have enough room
By the way would you mind sharing how many rounds you have through a Single Superlative Arm bleed off block? Reliability to me is #1 priority and it does concern me to have more moving parts in a gas block.
Awesome video. I have this and a snach charging handle and still get domed with a decent amount of gas. My system also fails to completely cycle sometimes. Would allowing more gas allieviate both of these issues?
Yes. Any adjustable gas block will decrease the amount of hot gas that goes into the operating system. This will make things cleaner and cooler. The difference between bleed-off and restriction comes in when you are suppressed. The bleed-off gas block has an advantage over a standard restrictive gas block when there is a suppressor on the end of the barrel.
Thanks Michael. I thought that might be the case. If you get a chance when you get ready to field test this block, could you try and show the difference (if any) on how the BCG differs with respect to soot and grime from restrictive or bleed off ?
Yes, I was packed and headed out yesterday and a thunderstorm moved in while we were on the way to our property ("bullet creek" the name the kids came uo with). I thought I might take the go pro up close to the ejection port and do a mag dump with restriction vs bleed-off to see if you can see any difference in the amount of smoke and debris coming out of the ejection port during a 40 round full auto dump. I thought this might be a way to demonstrate a difference between the two techniques of adjustment. Plus it will be FUN. Going out in boat today but my truck is packed and ready to go out in the field Monday if weather is OK.
I just stumbled upon your site, and I have to say, you have a real gift for clearly teaching and demonstrating. I'm new to the AR world, and I want to upgrade my Ruger AR-556 and an incoming S&W MP10. What is the bar that you placed the upper receiver in to do your build? The piece that is held by your vice? I'm sure that is a dumb question, but I'm shopping for tools for the AR platform, and I notice that there are multiple ways to secure the upper receiver for working on it. Seems like AR-15 and AR-10 tools and builds are really interchangeable?? Thanks in advance.
Great video, but i actually I have another question for you. Their website says "the gas adjustment screw does not restrict the gas flow; therefore there is no erosion or seizing of the screw". Did they change the design because in this video the screw does restrict the gas flow for the first 4.5 turns. I emailed them but I'm not sure if they'll reply. Thanks!
No they did not change the design. With bleed off it does not restrict. This is one statement they make that I do not agree with. The screw is still exposed to the exhaust gasses.
