If the rifle has proven to be reliable, and passes a function check after a breakdown and cleaning, odds are it'll keep on running. If you're replacing parts, then it might warrant at least throwing a couple rounds downrange. In your case, replacing gas rings pretty much falls in the breakdown and cleaning category. Could they be defective and cause a failure? Anything is possible. Is it likely they'd be defective and cause an issue? Not at all.
Personally, I'd rather be safe than sorry. So, I'll generally test as much as the situation allows. If you can easily walk outside and fire a few rounds, what are you waiting for? If testing it won't be that simple, what level of inconvenience would it require to be able to fire those test rounds? If the hassle isn't worth the minuscule risk of a failure, I wouldn't lose sleep over it in your given set of circumstances.
"I actually managed to figure this one out: you've got to find a woman who loves God more than she loves you -- albeit just barely."
-Army Chief
I did not know the man quoted above, and joined this Forum after his passing. He seemed to be a leader of men; both spiritually and physically. Someone we'd all be proud to emulate.
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