AR-15 Gas Rings

shoota said:
What's every ones experience for how many rounds before they go? I had one go at 1450 rounds.
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That seems premature, is the inside of the carrier where the rings ride polished smooth?
Are you sure the problem is the rings? I've had AR's continue to cycle after there was almost no resistance at all sliding the bolt in and out of the carrier.
Is the gas key still tight? If the gas block is a clamp or set screw type has it shifted?
 
cr5 said:
That seems premature, is the inside of the carrier where the rings ride polished smooth?
Are you sure the problem is the rings? I've had AR's continue to cycle after there was almost no resistance at all sliding the bolt in and out of the carrier.
Is the gas key still tight? If the gas block is a clamp or set screw type has it shifted?
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I will check these things, the rifle was still cycling, just noticed 1 of the rings was very loose and seemed to have popped out, this was noticed after a take down and cleaning.
 
shoota said:
I will check these things, the rifle was still cycling, just noticed 1 of the rings was very loose and seemed to have popped out, this was noticed after a take down and cleaning.
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How on earth would it pop out? They should fit loosely around the bolt when the bolt is removed from the carrier but the carrier will squish them down as the bolt is inserted.
Gently and carefully remove the rings from the bolt and then slide the bolt into the carrier. Slide it in and out noting the amount of drag then reinstall the rings and repeat. You should notice a difference in resistance sliding the bolt in and out, as long as you feel resistance caused by the rings they're working.
Can you post a picture showing what you mean?
 
cr5 said:
How on earth would it pop out? They should fit loosely around the bolt when the bolt is removed from the carrier but the carrier will squish them down as the bolt is inserted.
Gently and carefully remove the rings from the bolt and then slide the bolt into the carrier. Slide it in and out noting the amount of drag then reinstall the rings and repeat. You should notice a difference in resistance sliding the bolt in and out, as long as you feel resistance caused by the rings they're working.
Can you post a picture showing what you mean?
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I have put new rings on, so no picture of the issue but yes one of the rings seemed really loose, I will have to take your suggestions and diagnose the issue.
 
The way I was instructed in checking the rings was with the bolt, carrier, and rings clean and lightly lubricated pull the bolt head out fully, then invert it with the head to the bottom then if the head slides out on it’s own the rings are considered done. —-Dieseldog!
 
The only proper way to check gas rings is like dieseldog said, it has to be the bolt acting on it's own weight (remove cam pin/firing pin).

If it falls out, the rings are done. If it doesn't (no matter how much or little drag you feel by hand), the rings are good.
 
I don't see how worn rings could become loose. Usually when they are worn, they get compressed and actually get tighter on the bolt. Maybe when you removed the bolt from the carrier, one of the rings dragged on the carrier and popped a leg out of its groove on the bolt?

Like the two previous guys said, that's the official way of checking the ring wear. I, personally, do the same as they described but I hold the bolt head and use the weight of the carrier to check the resistance. This way you will catch the ring wear a little sooner. Call it a mid life check. lol
 
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