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Posted: 4/16/2011 6:32:58 PM EDT
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Got a couple of questiona about the part of the gas tube that sticks out about an inch in the upper. I never really knew this had to be cleaned, so I have been neglecting it during my cleaning. I have only put about 300 rounds through, but not until today gave it attention. Here are my questions:
1. Is the black color shown in the picture below never coming off? Is this mean its damaged? 2. How do you clean this part, is their a special tool or technique you all use? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks. 
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I can't see the pic (most likely stripped on my end) but discoloration of the tube i normal; the tail of your bolt and a few other parts are going to become discolored and/or get some Carbon deposits on them eventually.
Most of the guys I know don't do anything for the tube; we have contact cleaner.that I squirt thru it every once in a while (way more than every 300 rnds). I used to be pretty anal about cleaning ("ARMY TRAINING, SIR!") but not any more. |
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I will drop a wet patch in the upper reciever and work it under the portion of the gas tube there with the small end of the GI cleaning brush to remove powder fouling. Doing that on a regular basis normally prevents any excessive build up.
Some darkening of the metal is not a problem as long as it is not builing up to the point it obscures the tube. In some cases, you'll see portions of the gas tube (normally closer to the gas port) that take on the nice bluish color associated with tempered steel.. That's not a bad thing. Excessive effort to clean the portion of the gas tube inside the upper receiver can be a problem. The tube needs to be straight and centered in the receiver so it cleanly enters the key on the bolt carrier. If it gets off center, you'll have issues with reliability and accuracy. So if you feel the need for major cleaning, tap the pin out at the gas block end and remove the tube for a thorough cleaning. |
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Thanks for the help. I think the best advice I've gotten is...don't touch it, just replace it. I can certainly do that.
However with that said, would everyone agree that it is important to clean the inside of the part on the bolt carrier that fits on the gas tube? Sorry, not sure the name of this piece. I was told to just use a liberally lubed wire brush, similiar to the one I use for my barrel. Is this correct? |
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GI Manuals show using a worn bore brush to clean both the end of the gas tube and the inside of gas key on the bolt carrier.
Here's both USGI manuals for the M16 and commercial Colt owner's manuals. NOTE: See the username and password to use at the top of the page. http://www.biggerhammer.net/manuals/ http://stevespages.com/page7b.htm |
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Quoted:
GI Manuals show using a worn bore brush to clean both the end of the gas tube and the inside of gas key on the bolt carrier. Here's both USGI manuals for the M16 and commercial Colt owner's manuals. NOTE: See the username and password to use at the top of the page. http://www.biggerhammer.net/manuals/ http://stevespages.com/page7b.htm Thanks alot, great information. I liked the Marine Corp M16 manual, much more thorough than I need, but I was able to take a lot away from it. |
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