Charlie98
Member
Yes, dumb question...
I've got my original AR build... a lightweight RRA upper with an aftermarket NiB coated BCG. This rifle has always been 100% reliable for me. I decided to just shoot the thing until I started having problems with something... so I've got about 5000 rounds through this thing without a serious cleaning... just a little wipedown of the BCG and a few squirts of CLP.
Both at Christmas, and this past week, I started having ejection problems. A few stovepipes, and brass scattered from 12 O'clock back to about 5 O'clock, which is unusual... normally it drops them in a nice tidy pile at 4 O'clock.
I brought it back and tore it down. I made a bet with myself that the gas rings were worn or damaged... but no, they looked fine. No other issues I could immediately see. The bolt and carrier cleaned up easily, no massive carbon buildup anywhere, no nothing. I even pulled the gas block and tube to check for obstructions or misalignment... nada.
So... my question: Even with the super slick NiB coated carrier and bolt, do gas rings arbitrarily wear out? Is there a general round count where you replace them, or start to expect issues? Other than the gas rings, I can't think of anywhere else to point a finger at for 'all of a sudden' cycling issues, other than the things I've already checked for.
I've got my original AR build... a lightweight RRA upper with an aftermarket NiB coated BCG. This rifle has always been 100% reliable for me. I decided to just shoot the thing until I started having problems with something... so I've got about 5000 rounds through this thing without a serious cleaning... just a little wipedown of the BCG and a few squirts of CLP.
Both at Christmas, and this past week, I started having ejection problems. A few stovepipes, and brass scattered from 12 O'clock back to about 5 O'clock, which is unusual... normally it drops them in a nice tidy pile at 4 O'clock.
I brought it back and tore it down. I made a bet with myself that the gas rings were worn or damaged... but no, they looked fine. No other issues I could immediately see. The bolt and carrier cleaned up easily, no massive carbon buildup anywhere, no nothing. I even pulled the gas block and tube to check for obstructions or misalignment... nada.
So... my question: Even with the super slick NiB coated carrier and bolt, do gas rings arbitrarily wear out? Is there a general round count where you replace them, or start to expect issues? Other than the gas rings, I can't think of anywhere else to point a finger at for 'all of a sudden' cycling issues, other than the things I've already checked for.