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Posted: 8/22/2012 12:46:36 AM EDT
Im relatively new to AR's, and was just wondering. On average, how long do gas rings usually last, and when should they be replaced? Thanks for any info. 
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There is a checking procedure in the TM.
You should also know that there have been a number of posts about rings that failed the test, but the weapons were not exhibiting any short stroking. IMO the mathematical average is meaningless as service life can vary greatly between weapons. Rings are cheap I usually replace them every 3k. |
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The test is to remove the bolt and carrier from the rifle and disassemble it.
Insert the bolt into the front of the carrier and hold it bolt down. If the bolt slides down or out, the rings need to be replaced. Another method I've seen used is to stand the carrier and bolt up on a table, bolt down. If the carrier slides down the rings are bad. Ring replacement is done by sliding the rings, one at a time, up over the "tail" of the bolt until they snap into the groove. They aren't installed by pushing the ring sideways into the groove, this ruins them. |
Here is a good video I found on youtube with a test and replacement of the gas rings 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oak_jd9e8c |
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When the military paid for me to go through the Colt armorers school, they proved that a properly cleaned and lubed rifle will fire full auto without gas ring one. They also showed us that if it fails the test (extend the bolt, sit the BCG on the table. If the weight of the carrier causes the bolt to retract into the carrier then the gas rings are bad) you can switch the rings around and chances are it will pass.
They are cheap though, I keep a few packs in my range bag just in case. But at work (military firing range) we go through millions of rounds a year per training rifle and replace maybe once every couple years. |
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We carried Bushmaster on our PD. During a shooting course at a stone quarry, I had ONE gas ring blow and it wouldn't cycle the action. I finished that evolution by manually racking a round into the chamber after each shot.
Luckily the armorer was there and was able to swap it out. Ran good as new. I had blown one before when I was in the Corps, but it was only when we returned to the rear and were doing weapons maintenance that I noticed it. Maybe it was a BM thing with their tolerances being different than USMC-issued, I don't know. Either way, they're cheap insurance. Pick up a few and have some peace of mind. 
My brother still has his originals in his Colt from 1997. YMMV |
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