[JDRussell]

I’m making some bushings for my mini 14 (.223 gb 186 series) I’ve got the specs for size (.295x.186x.040) & for material I’ve got a pieces of scrap barrels in 416ss or 410ss, i could also just buy a small SS bolt & make it from that.

What would you guys recommend? I definitely don’t want it so hard it ruins my barrel but i know it’s not gonna last if it’s dead soft either.

 

[kwg020]

I really don't think you can make it too hard. Your biggest task is finding a tool hard enough to cut it. I know that some guys have used drill rods in the past and then heat treated them after drilling the holes. I would think the easiest would be a stainless bolt. Knowing how to anneal and then re-heat treat would be a skill you might want. If you don't want to use stainless steel a grade 8 bolt might be hard enough to last.

kwg

 

[JDRussell]

I thought too hard a bushing could/would ruin the barrel?

 

[Sparkie]

Ruining the barrel not likely, If the bushing is to long and very hard it will leak hot gas, gas at these hot temps will erode steel.
The reason I say not likely is you will probably have many failures before much damage is done. Remember the gas block is torqued to 25 inch pounds equal spacing if possible. Some gas blocks are not machined so the blocks can be evenly spaced some are.
I have used roll pins cut to size with the seem tig welded.
Good luck.

 

[JDRussell]

Thanks for the help guys

 

[JDRussell]

Got my new Hogue stock, feels awesome! Now to fab up a bushing & install a couple of buffers!

 

[kwg020]

Ruining the barrel not likely, If the bushing is to long and very hard it will leak hot gas, gas at these hot temps will erode steel.
The reason I say not likely is you will probably have many failures before much damage is done. Remember the gas block is torqued to 25 inch pounds equal spacing if possible. Some gas blocks are not machined so the blocks can be evenly spaced some are.
I have used roll pins cut to size with the seem tig welded.
Good luck.

How are you tig welding he roll pins ?? Are you talking about a roll pin inserted into a factory gas bushing or making the gas bushing from roll pins ??

 

[JDRussell]

I turned my bushings down yesterday, .186 dia & just over 1in so i can cut several bushings from it…. I’m planning on buying a new mini in .300 & I’ve got enough parts (minus a barrel) to build a mini so I’ll be using them soon enough (Good Lord willing)

 

[Sparkie]

Making gas bushing from roll pins. Tig weld the seam then mill to length.