Hand placement on piston ARs

[KTKlaus]

I recently finished off a build from an Adams Arms lower and upper acquired from Ozark and FNH and run into a little question before I shot it. Does anyone know/experience where you should put your off hand when dealing with piston systems? I usually wrap my left hand around the entire handgun on my direct gas guns when using a full length/extended length handguard, which happens to be right were the gas block is. The gas is pretty much contained in the gas block and tube but now run into the question with a piston gun: since the Samson 9EX handguard is relatively exposing the gas block and piston, will I have an issue with the excess gas coming out and maybe dealing with hot gases and burns?

(I get the argument on using a different gun, it was a build using parts I got off prize tables).

[DaveTimm]

I run my hand just back from the block. As long as your hand isn't on the block or the gap where the exhaust is you'll be fine. I just finished a 2000+ round carbine course with a piston gun and evo rail. Lots of high round fast drills, Evo rail did a great job with heat, got warm but nothing uncomfortable. I did brush the gas block once though, that was really hot so don't touch that :-). And for those who will argue about accuracy etc, I've had no issues with accuracy, in fact my rifle is my most dependable, accurate piece of 3 gun gear I have. I never worry about it, it always runs and shoots great. It's priceless for me not having to worry about a piece of gear.

[Bryan 45]

Kurt, I have a couple Adams piston guns. You're going to love the Evo on it. My 16" w/ 9-ex Evo weighs 6.4# without optics.

The only gas issue I've had is dead straight up right at the back of the gas block. I've intentionally kept my hand away from this location because I don't need to find out if it will burn you or not. But, this is the only spot I've seen in cleaning a AA upper after firing that has evidence of gas exhaust.

[Amerflyer48]

wrap a sheet of paper around the handguard,.. that will tell you where to not put your hand or if it is an issue paper ok hand will be ok paper gets hole blown in it then you know..

[9X23Guy]

I have a LWRC which is a little different than a Adams Arms but I have my hand at the end of a 12.37" Samson, usually right over the gas block. I get black marks on my hand from gas and fouling but have never been burned. The dangerous hot gases hit the piston and what I'm getting is the residual. Your mileage may vary.