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Posted: 5/24/2010 8:48:32 AM EDT
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I think I need a new gas ring for my bolt. My rifle is a Bushmaster 20" A3 Hbar and I took it out shooting last weekend and didn't have time to clean it until last night. Normally I clean my guns the day I get home from the range, but this was a rare exception. So anyway, while I'm looking at the three gas rings on my bolt I notice that the gap in the ring in the front is about 3 times the size it should be. It almost looks like one of the ends bent back behind the others. I'll try to get pictures of this up sometime this week, but I'm curious about what could have caused this problem and what I can do to prevent it in the future.
The ammo I was using was handloaded ammo that isn't even close to being considered "hot". While at the range last time I did experience some feeding problems, but that was diagnosed by myself and few other witnesses as a bad magazine. I'm at a loss, but in the mean time I plan on buying some new rings and replacing all three. I've never done it before but it doesn't seem like a job that a pair of pliers couldn't do. For now, the rifle is all put back together like nothing is wrong. It's oiled up and when I pull the charging handle it still functions. Any suggestions? |
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It could be that the old rings are substandard, and it's also possible that there is some type of irregularity inside the bolt carrier where the bolt rings contact the inner cylinder. There may be some other causes, too.
In any event, make certain that your replacement bolt rings are of high quality. The one-piece McFarland rings have mixed reviews. Some users say that they are great, others have had problems. Some claim that the problems are with low quality knock-offs. If you get one, test it. |
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good news... bad news...
good news is that I got theold rings off and the new ones on pretty easily. bad news is that the bolt is now catching in the bolt carrier. I tried pinching the rings to tighten them up but that didn't work either. I can't flik the bolt carrier and have the bolt slide at all. Any ideas? |
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I never noticed any burrs inside the carrier. as many rounds as i've put through it I didn't think that would have been an issue. my home internet is down this week so no pics for now.
is there a procedure for putting on new rings? I just got one end started and sort of rolled it on. |
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I had a carrier that would eat rings. 300-350 rds and it would start short stroking and the rings would be worn to nothing. I tried std and the one piece rings. The solution was to replace the carrier. I am not sure what brand it was and I never got a look inside, but getting another one solved my problems. |
| I've been thinking about getting a new bolt carrier assembly, but I don't think I should have to. I paid over $900 for this rifle and that may not be a lot by some people's standards, but for my money I expect equipment to work right out of the box. I'm going to contact bushmaster. |
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Quoted:
is there a procedure for putting on new rings? I just got one end started and sort of rolled it on. You installed it correctly, and helps to use your finger nail instead of a tool since you don't want to balloon the ring outwards, just roll it into our out of the channel with a little side way flex. |
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new rings are supposed to be tight in the carrier. they will wear in after a few shots. just oil and install. just like piston rings on a car. if they fit easily going in, they would be worn out a lot quicker.
per the tm, to test the bolt rings extend the bolt out, invert the BCG upside down and hold it by the locking lugs. if the weight of the carrier pushes the bolt into the closed position your rings are worn. |
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Quoted:
So.... did you test fire your rifle with the new gas rings before you sent it to Bushmaster? The day the gun had the problem it was cleaned up and the problem was found. Then I ordered some gas rings myself, but the bolt didn't cycle freely or feel like it should at all and I took them off before sending the upper in. It got back and seems to be working fine. |
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