The freeze plugs are made from a zinc plated soft steel

I heated them up to red hot with a propane torch and quenched them in salt water. I did this twice. then I heated them up to red hot and quenched them in used motor oil

I did this because it is suppose to harden the steel and provide a longer life by reducing the erosion that occurs in a silencer

doing some research myself. You used stainless tube. It weighs roughly 1lb/linear foot. I also see they sell aluminum tube. The weight is 1/3 for roughly same wall thickness and diameter. 2/3 for double the wall thickness.

http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant...=71&top_cat=60

did you do any research on whether the aluminum tube in these thickness was up to the task. There is a substantial weight savings for the thin was. still some for the thicker stuff. Just curious.

Mike

Love the way that rifle looks!!! I'm planning on doing something similar when my docs (Form 1 sent Feb. 19) and parts finally get hear.

Can you show us a pic of the hand guard where you access the gas block? I have been interested in the YHM had guard and wondered how well it worked out with the tp555 adjustable block.

Thank you
jonblack