DoubleTapDrew
Member
I watched an episode of Tac-TV and they were going over the HK 416. One of the features was an integrated strike block (or something like that) for the piston rod to hit, in the place where a DI AR would have the gas key. It was touted for it's superior strength vs a removable one. Other piston rifles may be similar (I think the ruger SR556 is).
It got me wondering, since it's important to keep gas keys tight (and everyone wants to make sure theirs are staked properly), why are they a separate piece screwed into the BCG in the first place rather than integrated? Are they supposed to be user-serviceable? Is it stronger than having a one piece bolt carrier? Are they just cheaper to make the way?
I've never heard of someone replacing a gas key before, just the entire BCG.
It got me wondering, since it's important to keep gas keys tight (and everyone wants to make sure theirs are staked properly), why are they a separate piece screwed into the BCG in the first place rather than integrated? Are they supposed to be user-serviceable? Is it stronger than having a one piece bolt carrier? Are they just cheaper to make the way?
I've never heard of someone replacing a gas key before, just the entire BCG.