Aaaaannnnnnddddd it broke

[TheBelly]

Well, I guess it's time for some new gas rings. ~2k rounds, about half with a suppressor.

Seeing as its a factory bolt, carrier, in a factory built rifle. This seems like a pretty low round count for broken gas rings. Meh, maybe they melted.

[BuffCyclist]

Just out of curiosity, how did you find that? Were there malfunctions associated with it or were you simply deep cleaning?

I only ask because I don't recall the last time I've taken my BCG apart for a real cleaning... I did it the first few times, then got lazy and now my rifle just gets a bore snake a few times, BCG sprayed with CLP, shooting range, wipe off outer dust and back in the safe.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Well, I guess it's time for some new gas rings. ~2k rounds, about half with a suppressor.

Seeing as its a factory bolt, carrier, in a factory built rifle. This seems like a pretty low round count for broken gas rings. Meh, maybe they melted.

I gotta say... to many folks' annoyance... Piston AR does not have this issue

[jerrymrc]

Gas rings worked there way into alignment. Then the first one broke a piece and started the avalanche. There is a reason that the TM says to rotate them in thirds. All that force tried to make its way through the path of least resistance.

Now all that said I have seen GI rings bend into the gap but not break like that.

[BPTactical]

Just out of curiosity, how did you find that? Were there malfunctions associated with it or were you simply deep cleaning?

I only ask because I don't recall the last time I've taken my BCG apart for a real cleaning... I did it the first few times, then got lazy and now my rifle just gets a bore snake a few times, BCG sprayed with CLP, shooting range, wipe off outer dust and back in the safe.

Gas rings are considered a consumable item. When they lose tension they are sacked and should be replaced. A quick test will tell: extend the bolt in the carrier and set it on a hard surface boltface down. If the rings have sufficient tension the bolt will hold the carrier up in the extended position. If it drops, replace the rings.
The carrier/bolt will get crusty and fouled. You need to keep it relatively clean. I always coat the carrier and backside of the bolt with Tetra or a similar SYNTHETIC oil. It helps to keep the carbon from sticking as badly.
Hell, I have worked on a couple of them that were so bad I had to soak them overnight in Berrymans carb cleaner overnight.
Some "Smiths" and owners insist on polishing the back of the bolt thinking it will prevent carbon from sticking. Wrong, it is still going to stick and now you have taken off the parkerizing which is essential for corrosion resistance.
If Eugene Stoner would have thought it best to polish it he would have designed it that way.

[TheBelly]

Just out of curiosity, how did you find that? Were there malfunctions associated with it or were you simply deep cleaning?

I only ask because I don't recall the last time I've taken my BCG apart for a real cleaning... I did it the first few times, then got lazy and now my rifle just gets a bore snake a few times, BCG sprayed with CLP, shooting range, wipe off outer dust and back in the safe.

after every moderate to heavy firing cycle, I take it apart and inspect for wear. This firing cycle was not excessive due to amount of rounds (less than 250) but rather due to the knowledge that a suppressor increases the heat, pressure, etc. in a DI gun. I checked the gun, lubed it up a lot, then started firing. Then, when I got home, I checked the equipment.

Then I cried a little because it was broken.

[TheBelly]

. A quick test will tell: extend the bolt in the carrier and set it on a hard surface boltface down. If the rings have sufficient tension the bolt will hold the carrier up in the extended position. If it drops, replace the rings.

This is the test that I did to see if it was working right. When I break the gun down, I set it on the bolt. The carrier immediately dropped down. I thought, "Well, I guess those need replacing."

[TheBelly]

I gotta say... to many folks' annoyance... Piston AR does not have this issue

I don't have to deal with carrier tilt, and gas rings are much less expensive than a new lower receiver extension. Most other piston systems have the bolt and carrier on some rails, right?

like Bert said: if Stoner wanted it that way it, he woulda made it that way.

[BuffCyclist]

Gas rings are considered a consumable item. When they lose tension they are sacked and should be replaced. A quick test will tell: extend the bolt in the carrier and set it on a hard surface boltface down. If the rings have sufficient tension the bolt will hold the carrier up in the extended position. If it drops, replace the rings.
The carrier/bolt will get crusty and fouled. You need to keep it relatively clean. I always coat the carrier and backside of the bolt with Tetra or a similar SYNTHETIC oil. It helps to keep the carbon from sticking as badly.
Hell, I have worked on a couple of them that were so bad I had to soak them overnight in Berrymans carb cleaner overnight.
Some "Smiths" and owners insist on polishing the back of the bolt thinking it will prevent carbon from sticking. Wrong, it is still going to stick and now you have taken off the parkerizing which is essential for corrosion resistance.
If Eugene Stoner would have thought it best to polish it he would have designed it that way.

Thanks for explaining BP, I might have to take mine apart now and do a more thorough cleaning. It hasn't been cleaned in at least 3k rounds. I had forgotten about that test with setting it bolt side up. I know I have a spare set of gas rings, so I'll be covered anyways.

after every moderate to heavy firing cycle, I take it apart and inspect for wear. This firing cycle was not excessive due to amount of rounds (less than 250) but rather due to the knowledge that a suppressor increases the heat, pressure, etc. in a DI gun. I checked the gun, lubed it up a lot, then started firing. Then, when I got home, I checked the equipment.

Then I cried a little because it was broken.

Thanks, good to know. Might just have to spend a little time cleaning it tomorrow.

I bet by your whining that you don't have a spare set of gas rings to use?

[TheBelly]

I bet by your whining that you don't have a spare set of gas rings to use?

Its a Daniel Defense rifle. The bolt is already on its way back to get fixed. (Yes, I know I can do this myself, and yes it's easy. I'm in no hurry, and I'd like to see their thoughts on the whole thing.)

oh, I've got a spare rifle or two to take care of business until this comes back.