AR15 cleaning/maintenance

[Chris.Cal]

I took down my AR to clean and noticed a piece of one of the gas rings is broke off. I usually take care to space the gaps before re-assembly. What would cause this to happen? Its a Stag arms model 1 and at most have about 500 rounds through it. I assume I can order these anywhere online and just pop them back on?!?

Also, any tips on cleaning the inside of the bolt carrier? Are there any tips, or tools to make this easier or do you just get what you can with a rod and patch and call it a day?

 

[reveille]

If there is a piece of each one broken off (3), thats the way its supposed to be. Its like piston rings in a motor. If not here is a link http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Gas-Rings-p/gas rings set of 3.htm

I was looking for a good cleaning kit myself and cam across J.Dewey, has everything you would need to clean the AR.

 

[Another_David]

First, you do NOT need to align the gas rings--that is a myth. A properly built AR should function with only ONE gas ring.

Gas rings are probably the biggest wear item on the AR. Buy two sets: one for now and one for later. You just pry them off with a pick or a small screw driver. Clean the bolt while they are off. Then gently pop the new ones on one at a time. Don't try and reuse them--they weren't designed to go on and off. Make sure your bolt and carrier are properly lubed.

Fractured pieces are a sure sign of needing replacement. You can also gauge their new/worn-ness by how easy the bolt slides in the carrier. There is also a somewhat subjective "test" some people use whereby you clean the bolt and carrier then insert the bolt into the carrier and stand it upright with the bolt face down on a flat surface. The bolt should be able to support the weight of the carrier without retracting when new. I'm not personally convinced they need to be replaced if it won't support the carrier but they should be "snug". Like "1/4 grunt" torque spec tight.

 

[Chris.Cal]

Thanks, great info so far. Is it recommended to replace them as a set or should I only replace the one the is damaged? I haven't noticed any difference in the way it cycles with the damaged ring. It also sounds like it would function with two rings if needed, just while I wait for the new ones?!?

 

[diesel112]

I would replace the entire set and like Another_David said, buy two sets. I have a Stag model 3 on mine and i have about 1000 rnds thorugh it and never touched the gas rings. I also never line the gas rings up when I clean it

 

[Chris.Cal]

I would replace the entire set and like Another_David said, buy two sets. I have a Stag model 3 on mine and i have about 1000 rnds thorugh it and never touched the gas rings. I also never line the gas rings up when I clean it

Interesting, I wonder what would cause mine to break with such a low round count. It was always tough getting the bolt back into the the carrier after cleaning. I'm not sure if that is normal.

 

[Another_David]

Interesting, I wonder what would cause mine to break with such a low round count. It was always tough getting the bolt back into the the carrier after cleaning. I'm not sure if that is normal.

There shouldn't be any problem running it as is until you get the replacement set--provided you're not going off to war anytime soon. I would replace them all--they're just too cheap to not do them as a set.

As for why they wore faster than you expected, one could speculate on many, many possibilities but it's like trying to determine where the dust under your bed comes from. How old is the gun? Even though you only shot 500 rounds if it's been sitting around for a decade that's not helping. Bottom line is the less you mess with the rings the better. Spray some CLP on them and if you must clean them further use a soft tooth brush on them *gently*. And keep it lubed.

 

[diesel112]

There shouldnt be a lot of resistance it. I mean there will be a little because the rings need to make a seal, but i wouldnt call it tough