If you are talking . . . directly to the bottom of the gas block . . . it WILL effect accuracy. Your gun will shoot high and possibly R or L depending on the bottom load on the block.
I also would guess that this could loosen the gas block. ---- SAWMAN
Rifleman 101... never let anything touch the barrel, if possible, when shooting. With the bi-pod attached to the gas block, you will certainly flex the barrel upwards, as mentioned above, when loading the bi-pod.
Anything that touches the barrel affects barrel harmonics which is the vibration waves that occur during firing. This normally produces a negative effect which is the main reason for fre floated barrels. Occaisionally, a contact pressure point is added to change harmonics in search of a sweet spot to improve accuracy.
The second point is structural strength of how the of the gas block is mounted to the barrel. Stress on the gas block when "preloading" the bipod (pressure), stress the bipod puts on the gas port during recoil (in contact with ground an when dangling/unsupported). If diving into the dirt to get a prone position, your adding impact (shock) forces.
You won't know if it bother barrel harmonics unless you test it and compare POI results using the bipod and also with it "dangling" unsupported.
If you want to try it, you could use "Slip Mark" which will allow you to easily check for movement. If it cracks it moved. Pic shows Slip Mark on scope mounting.
Yeah,I was gonna say,but didn't want to sound snotty . . . Ever heard of FREE FLOATED BARRELS. Why do you think that they are free floated ??..?? ---- SAWMAN
I thought it was not a good idea. Moot point now cause the deal fell thru. But as usual I learned something good and am now better informed. Thanks fellas.