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Posted: 2/24/2004 12:46:35 PM EDT
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Does anyone know the approximate life expectancy of the gas rings in the bolt of an AR? What would be signs that they are going bad? How would one go about replacing them? Thanks in Advance |
| If the bolt will fall out of the carrier under its own weight when the carrier is held upside down, then it is time to replace the gas rings. Obviously to do this you need to remove the firing pin and cam pin as well. Replacing the gas rings will also more than likely change your zeros a bit if you keep up with those. To replace them, just pry them off with a small screwdriver or knife. Take the new ones and just slide them back on. Make sure you oil them every time you take the bolt out of the carrier. It also helps to apply a little oil through the gas vent holes in the side of the carrier when you do not take the bolt/carrier apart. Lubing them will add to their life. |
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I'd say 15,000 - 25,000 rounds, depending on how you maintain the rifle. I seriously doubt MOST civilian shooters will wear out a set of gas rings. rebel_rifle has the right advice for making them last longer. The entire bolt system od the M-16/AR-15 series of rifles were designed to shoot thousands of rounds on full-auto before requiring any service at all. Keep it all cleaned and lightly lubed, you'll be fine. |
| Thanks guys. The reason I ask is because I'm trying to figure out if the upper that was on the pre-ban I bought is safe to fire or needs any maintainance. The upper looks about 15 years old, and the bolt is pretty loose in the carrier. I'll go try and see if the bolt will fall out on its own. As far as lubing them, I always do that on my post-ban gun, and the gas rings are still tight and smooth. |
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Quoted: I'd say 15,000 - 25,000 rounds, depending on how you maintain the rifle. I seriously doubt MOST civilian shooters will wear out a set of gas rings. I guess I don't belong in the MOST civilian shooters category! [;)] I've burned through a few myself. No need to replace the gas rings until they fail. Always keep spare parts on hand (I have a tool box I take shooting that can fix most any problem). Changing out gas rings would take all of 5 min. to replace. Just have a new set ready to go when your rifle starts short-stroking. That's the first sign your rings have failed. Until then, shoot the hell out of it. |
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