Best Gas Tube?

I've made threads about requests on advice for other parts for my AR15 build. But now I want to get the "best" high quality gas tube out there.

This might sound really funny and sorta like a "n00b" question. But who makes the best quality gas tubes?

How would you tell?
Unless someone has something specific just go with one of the suppliers that have a good reputation.

I think they're all pretty much the same but someone makes a black coated gas tube. Spike's tactical maybe?

Spikes melonite treated tubes are the best.

See pics here:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_2_282/218226_Where_are_all_the_melonite_gas_tubes_.html

Are the Kies melonite any good?

i am a faithful ST guy, but if you need it you need it.

i have a YHM black tube on my latest. it works, and it's black

The 'black' or melonite does nothing for the performance or longevity of the gas tubes, properly maintained they will last as long as the weapon.
Buy from any reputable supplier and you're good to go.

A standard gas tube is high quality stainless steel. Melonite on stainless is not going to do much but look different.

It's a commodity part that can't really be improved on.
Buy from a reputable dealer and go shoot.

personally, i just wanted the tube to be less noticable. functionally, yes. they're the same as any of the others from any reputable company.

Melonite on stainless lowers the corrosion resistance. Why I've really questioned the idea of melonited gas tubes.

So who has them in stock in all sizes?

joeboboutfitters had all but pistol yesterday

That doesn't address applying the process to stainless. Adding carbon and nitrogen to stainless may case harden it, but I don't see how it can add to the corrosion resistance of the metal. From a "seat of the pants" perspective, it seems like doing anything to stainless that affects the structure among the various elements within the alloy could easily impair the corrosion resistance, rather than enhance it. (Not a metallurgist, didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, etc.)

Link

Scroll down to the picture of the cracked gas block and melted sights.

I'm not saying my rifle will ever get that hot but it's nice to know I have a quality gas tube.

I see that and immediately think *bullshit* there is a lot going on there that the poster either didn't understand or didn't know about.
I've done magazine dump after magazine dump on dozens of AR/M16's and M4's and NEVER have seen a gas tube fail. Something was weak to begin with
or was being abused to cause that.

If you want a black gas tube, buy one, but don't think for a minute it'll last a bullet longer than a standard one barring any other differences.
Nothing wrong with Melonited tubes, but don't believe the sales pitches either.

Not that I would ever shoot enough rounds to cause that kind of damage, but I'd rather replace a gas tube than a gas block. I'd rather the weak link be something cheep.

Actually a very valid point. Touche'

You will not be holding the gun long enough to get it hot enough to melt the plain stainless tube unless your shooting with welding gloves on.
but good luck trying.

Melting Range Stainless Steel Types

1325-1400 254SMO 1
1370-1480 440A, 440C
1375-1400 316, 316L,
1385-1445 22051
1400-1420 301,
1400-1425 330, 321, 347,
1400-1440 17-4PH
1400-1450 201, 304, 304L, 305, 309, 310,
1425-1510 430, 446
1450-1510 420

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