what are signs that your gas rings are worn out?

[jdman]

Like the title says, what are the signs? black on cases that have been fired? Like all the way to the base almost? Im talking about an AR15

 

[Runningfool]

I always assumed that the bolt would slide out of the carrier if the rings were worn out...not sure about signs on the cases. Extra black on the cases for me just means I'm shooting dirty ammo

 

[rivetc78]

If there is no friction when you slide the bolt back and forth into the carrier, the rings should be replaced.

 

[dieseldog]

Stand the bolt up on its locking lug end with it pulled out of the main bolt body and if it collapses under its own weight its a good sign it needs new rings.Thanks--Dieseldog!

 

[Gurkha]

Stand the bolt up on its locking lug end with it pulled out of the main bolt body and if it collapses under its own weight its a good sign it needs new rings.Thanks--Dieseldog!

This man speaks the truth.

 

[jdman]

Stand the bolt up on its locking lug end with it pulled out of the main bolt body and if it collapses under its own weight its a good sign it needs new rings.Thanks--Dieseldog!

thanks for the help guys, i will try this. i am sure it will collapse though, i noticed today how easy it was to shake back and forth.

 

[Conte]

Worn rings are handy to have if you ever want to play with piston conversion kits.

 

[C77]

Piston conversion kits are good to have if you want to play around with worn upper receivers.

The manual says to hold the bolt carrier, key down and insert the bolt. If it falls out, they are N/S.

Gas rings are cheap. Why wait till they wear out. I replace my competition guns every year and never have to worry about them.

 

[Petrock]

Piston conversion kits are good to have if you want to play around with worn upper receivers.

The manual says to hold the bolt carrier, key down and insert the bolt. If it falls out, they are N/S.

Gas rings are cheap. Why wait till they wear out. I replace my competition guns every year and never have to worry about them.

Sage advice.

 

[Leibermuster]

Are you not suppose to replace them every 5000rds or so?

 

[jdman]

ok, so how do you get them on/off? never replaced any before.

Also is what i am describing a rings issue, or am i experiencing something else?

 

[SA85M1]

Pretty simple to remove and replace,....search it on youtube....easy to see it,and do it.....I picked up a bolt assy on the EE that seemed to have issues,..started out by replacing the gas rings and viola,...works great now....

 

[SA85M1]

Could be a gas ring issue....easy and cheep to fix..

 

[D_]

So cheap yet your rifle is so dependent on its condition. Anybody run a McFarlane into failure? Seems like a great idea but I find them too finicky.

 

[C77]

Are you not suppose to replace them every 5000rds or so?

Factory endurance tests are 6k no change. Colt Armourer course says once a year is more than enough depending on how much you shoot.

 

[C77]

Use a jeweller's screwdriver or a dental pick. Take the rear most one off. Push with a finger on the side opposite the gap. Pry up one end up and over the back, and then push around the ring until the whole ring is off. 3 X.

Put on end of the new one in the groove and gently push around the ring until the other end is in. 3 x.

Only takes a minute or two.

AR works best with a tiny drop of oil in rings - particularly in the cold.

ok, so how do you get them on/off? never replaced any before.

Also is what i am describing a rings issue, or am i experiencing something else?

 

[jdman]

Thanks C77!, rest of you guys! i shall get on ordering some rings, anyone know where to get any? wolverine I imagine carry these, anything closer to BC?

 

[CanAR15]

Thanks C77!, rest of you guys! i shall get on ordering some rings, anyone know where to get any? wolverine I imagine carry these, anything closer to BC?

Brownells.....that's where I got mine. I bought enough to last me 10 years.

 

[carbonrod]

So cheap yet your rifle is so dependent on its condition. Anybody run a McFarlane into failure? Seems like a great idea but I find them too finicky.

Mcfarland? I have lots of rounds through mine. Not sure what is finicky about it. It is just a gas ring. with the original 3 stack, there is already redundancy.

 

[C77]

Mcfarland? I have lots of rounds through mine. Not sure what is finicky about it. It is just a gas ring. with the original 3 stack, there is already redundancy.

They are not gas rings, they are machine clips that someone noticed were about the same size. Known to cause stoppages and are not used in military weapons.

The gaps allow for thermal expansion and for irregularities and wear in the carrier. They work well and they 3 cents. They are designed to wear out so the carrier doesn't.

Brownell's is very good, but takes a week or so to see them. Just order a bunch.