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I have built several complete AR-15’s Uppers/Lowers. I have always purchased dimpled barrels to avoid having to buy a dimpling jig and having the trouble of doing it myself. This time I goofed and bought a barrel that wasn’t dimpled.

While it’s probably not absolutely necessary I do think that it is better to have a dimpled barrel for the extra ease of lining of the gas port on the barrel with the gas hole on the gas block but probably more importantly having extra assurance that the gas block is more secure to the barrel.

For this application, it’s not a fighting rifle but it’s purely going to be used for precision/competition purposes (20”, 1/8, .223 Wylde) .

Does anyone have any experience with an AR-15 without a dimpled barrel for a bolt on low profile gas block?

Should I complete the build without dimpling? Buy a dimpling jig and do it myself? Pay a professional to dimple it for me?How much difference does it really make one way or the other?

Doesn't the dimples just make them "cuter"?

I had to repair a build for a friend, his gas block had shifted so much it sheared the gas tube roll pin, and blocked about 70% of the gas port causing cycling failures. I will always dimple my barrels.

Are you near ft worth? I have an SLR dimple jig thats worked great, i can help dimple it if needed.

FastCarry wrote: ↑Mon Aug 19, 2024 11:05 am I had to repair a build for a friend, his gas block had shifted so much it sheared the gas tube roll pin, and blocked about 70% of the gas port causing cycling failures. I will always dimple my barrels.

Are you near ft worth? I have an SLR dimple jig thats worked great, i can help dimple it if needed.

I appreciate the offer but I’m in the Houston area. I’ve seen the SLR and KAK dimpling jigs online. Is there any other or one particular brand that is better or recommended as tool investment vs a one time use?

LSUTiger wrote: ↑Tue Aug 20, 2024 8:48 pm

FastCarry wrote: ↑Mon Aug 19, 2024 11:05 am I had to repair a build for a friend, his gas block had shifted so much it sheared the gas tube roll pin, and blocked about 70% of the gas port causing cycling failures. I will always dimple my barrels.

Are you near ft worth? I have an SLR dimple jig thats worked great, i can help dimple it if needed.

I appreciate the offer but I’m in the Houston area. I’ve seen the SLR and KAK dimpling jigs online. Is there any other or one particular brand that is better or recommended as tool investment vs a one time use?

The SLR has worked for me, ive used it probably 15 times at this point.

I think a set of good drill bits and maybe a vise or drill press is more important than a better jig.


I do it with a handheld drill and clamp the jig in a vise but a press is probably ideal.