I was cleaning the Bushy after a workout at the range today. I pulled the handguards off to clean under them. I NEVER Clean under them ...EVER....

Found that the upper heat shield had a small amount of soot or carbon on it right up against the Front sight base, where the gas tube connects. Is this normal to have a small amount of "Blow By" in this area?

I have thousands of rounds through this weapon without any malfunctions, barring the Wolf Incident. This is the First time I have looked under the handguards since initial cleaning of the weapon when it was new...

I have seen this before. I don't even bother to clean it off.

Carbon fouling escapes from the gas block / barrel interface and the gas block / gas tube interface.  It's fine as long as your gun runs.  

-z

Good deal fellas. IT SKEERED ME!!!!!