Why is the cylinder in the photo split just below the front sight?
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Why is the cylinder in the photo split just below the front sight?
It is called "saw cut". It is intended to tighten the gas cylinder to the barrel. When the front sight screw is tightened it clamps down on the barrel. There were two types of cut; straight and diagonal.
SA goofed on the barrel specs, rather than scrap the barrels (there was a war on afterall), the 'saw-cut' modification was done. Doesn't hurt either the barrel or the gas cylinder. Only thing to remember is that if you have one, you should loosen the front sight screw before removing the gas cylinder from the barrel.
saw cut SA cylinder with front sight seal