Staking gas key question

[DEAGLER]

Still new to rifles. I recently picked up an AR15 and there is little to no staking around the screws that hold the gas key down. The AR15 came with a semi new BCG not sure of brand. But previous owner is willing to swap out the original BCG that has better indentures around the gas key screws. Should I swap him for the old BCG? Or stakes around the gas key isn't that important?

[cstone]

Take your BCG and upper to BP Tactical. He can check the headspace and stake your gas key properly.

[kwando]

i have not personally had problems with gas keys, but staking is important. If those fail it can cause major problems.

[brutal]

i have not personally had problems with gas keys, but staking is important. If those fail it can cause major problems.

Unless it's a YM, they use Permatex and torque theirs to spec. Staking their key voids their warranty. But I suspect this is not the case here.

[mutt]

The gas key is suppossed to be properly staked. Since you're in Aurora, take your existing one to Bowers Tactical and have them stake it. They're right off Arapahoe and Yosemite in the DTC.

[DEAGLER]

The gas key is suppossed to be properly staked. Since you're in Aurora, take your existing one to Bowers Tactical and have them stake it. They're right off Arapahoe and Yosemite in the DTC.

Any Idea of cost?

[mutt]

Any Idea of cost?

You'll have to ask them. They're upstanding guys. Any cost is going to be quite reasonable.

[MarkCO]

There are actually several manufacturer's who do not stake gas keys. A sealed and torqued gas key is LESS likely to fail than a staked key. I have seen bolts sheared off due to "too aggressive" staking. Also, with the chisel in the side method, many gas keys actually leak. Over time, the gas cutting will eventually lead to malfunctions. Make sure you know what you have before you go ruining what may be a better assembly than the "hallowed" mil-spec.

If you are going to get it staked, get it done by someone who uses two side indendations/per bolt, made at the same time. This method is less likely to fracture bolts and allow leakage under the key.

[mutt]

Most manufacturers who don't stake their keys are simply cutting corners. While there are a few who don't stake for a reason, like YM, I think most are just simply not doing it for expediency. A properly staked gas key is an important detail. I agree doing it wrong can cause issues, like fractured bolts, but done right (with a moaks tool) it serves an important purpose. There's a reason the likes of Colt, DD, BCM, etc stake their keys and it's not just blind adherence to 'mil-spec'. Keeping those bolts from backing out is important.