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7/14/2014 3:59:25 PM EDT
While staking a gas key properly is crucial, how come the bolt carrier and key are not manufactured as one piece?
7/14/2014 4:14:04 PM EDT
[#1]
Keys can break/wear out...it needs to be replaceable.
7/14/2014 4:46:37 PM EDT
[#2]
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Quoted:
Keys can break/wear out...it needs to be replaceable.
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Exactly. The Carrier Key is a load bearing, wear item. Making it a separate component makes maint. and replacement costs MUCH cheaper than having to replace the entire Carrier.

A Carrier Key with 2 Grade 8 fasteners is about $22, a Carrier is about $100-120...
7/14/2014 4:55:25 PM EDT
[#3]
They are 2 pieces because I think it would be near impossible to machine out the carrier key tract and into the carrier if they were one piece so I say its 2 pieces for manufacturings sake.As far as costs for replacement parts that doesnt figure into what the government pays for spares wich is way cheaper but before that contracts include not only rifles but provisions for spare parts covered under contract stipulations im sure.Anyone ever replace a key on a colt carrier after you break the stakes and remove the fasteners theres the permatex gasget sealer under the key thats as hard as rock and a pain to heat to a point where the key can be taken off.
7/14/2014 5:17:22 PM EDT
[#4]
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Quoted:
They are 2 pieces because I think it would be near impossible to machine out the carrier key tract and into the carrier if they were one piece so I say its 2 pieces for manufacturings sake.As far as costs for replacement parts that doesnt figure into what the government pays for spares wich is way cheaper but before that contracts include not only rifles but provisions for spare parts covered under contract stipulations im sure.Anyone ever replace a key on a colt carrier after you break the stakes and remove the fasteners theres the permatex gasget sealer under the key thats as hard as rock and a pain to heat to a point where the key can be taken off.
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Great info MK, thanks
7/14/2014 11:18:16 PM EDT
[#5]
If it was a one piece design, we wouldn't have anything to talk about. Is this BCG properly staked?
7/15/2014 6:23:23 PM EDT
[#6]
Sure is...just wanted to know why no company made a carrier like that.
7/15/2014 9:24:16 PM EDT
[#7]
Think about it bro. How is anyone going to machine that?



They aren't. It's impossible.
7/15/2014 11:20:55 PM EDT
[#8]
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Quoted:
Think about it bro. How is anyone going to machine that?

They aren't. It's impossible.
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Iconel and 3D printing is highly possible but they would be very expensive.
7/16/2014 5:39:12 PM EDT
[#9]
I doubt its impossible...probably costly and in light of explainations from ARFCOM users understandable but nowhere near impossible.
7/16/2014 6:02:48 PM EDT
[#10]
Would you use a 3D printed carrier?

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Quoted:


Iconel and 3D printing is highly possible but they would be very expensive.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Think about it bro. How is anyone going to machine that?

They aren't. It's impossible.


Iconel and 3D printing is highly possible but they would be very expensive.

7/16/2014 6:39:54 PM EDT
[#11]
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Quoted:
Would you use a 3D printed carrier?


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Quoted:
Would you use a 3D printed carrier?

Quoted:
Quoted:
Think about it bro. How is anyone going to machine that?

They aren't. It's impossible.


Iconel and 3D printing is highly possible but they would be very expensive.



I might if it worked and it wasn't a million bucks. They're making muzzle devices out of the stuff. I don't know if the technology is there yet for something like a 3D printed BCG but I believe it will be in the future.
7/16/2014 7:30:59 PM EDT
[#12]
Difficult to machine, can be easily bent.
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