what does the gas blocks on AR's actually do?

[ThatPunkGirl]

I have never really understood what a gas block does on the firearms?
What purpose does it serve and does it effect recoil, the firing mechanism or the actual shot?

Newbie here, be nice
thanks in advance

 

[donr101395]

It helps regulate and direct gas to the bolt carrier group.


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[Bowhntr6pt]

It provides for a transition point for the gas to get from the barrel into the gas tube... kind of like an exhaust manifold on an engine that facilitates the exhaust going from the cylinders into the exhaust pipe/muffler.

 

[Crabbyguy]

Time stamp 4:25 (gas block,gas tube function)

 

[Uilleam]

It's also called Direct Impingement.

 

[Raven]

It's also called Direct Impingement.

Most commonly called "direct impingement", but high-end AR's (and some surplus rifles that are not AR's, like FN49's and Yugo SKS's) have adjustable blocks, for use with gas pistons instead of gas impingement. The adjustable blocks are generally better, although that is debatable. It allows for adjusting the gas level on the fly, often without tools, just a twist of a knob, for use with different projectile weights, powder loads, suppressors or even grenade launchers

 

[ramoecronk]

There are some very accurate simulation videos on youtube. I can't access where I'm currently at or would post a link. Pictures/videos worth a thousand words.

 

[FrommerStop]

It provides for a transition point for the gas to get from the barrel into the gas tube... kind of like an exhaust manifold on an engine that facilitates the exhaust going from the cylinders into the exhaust pipe/muffler.

That is the right answer since many gas operated guns are not ARs, but the gas block is often there in some form.