Time to change my gas rings?

**ryder021970** · 01-04-18, 20:36

Guys
I'm new to the forum and just got my first rifle; its an Elisco M16A1. I check the bolt and its gas rings by standing it on its end and the BCG slides down about 1/8 of an inch before it stopped. My friends all say its time to change out the gas rings or I'll have malfunctions.
Is that true? Or do I still have a little way to go before I have to change them out? Am okay either way as I have bought a set already anyway. I'm just eager to learn. Thanks!
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**user** · 01-04-18, 21:16

Welcome friend. Really like your rifle. I believe you might have a bit more life in those rings as described. How’s it shoot? Function ok?

**LoboTBL** · 01-04-18, 22:09

Welcome!

Nice rifle! As long as the carrier doesn't go all the way down when you stand it up on the bolt, you're fine.

How does it shoot?

**ryder021970** · 01-05-18, 00:17

Originally Posted by user

Welcome friend. Really like your rifle. I believe you might have a bit more life in those rings as described. How’s it shoot? Function ok?

Thanks, User. I haven't taken her out to the range yet; was busy giving her some much needed TLC. The front sight post has some pitting already as the rifle was stored in a carton box under a bed for some time ( !!!!! ) and there was some surface rust on the outer surface the barrel. The internals seem okay though. Anyway, range time will show how well - or bad - she shoots.

**ryder021970** · 01-05-18, 00:23

Thanks, LoboTBL.
I was hoping you'd say that as I believe there cannot be 100% seal unless the gas rings are brand new. And I read somewhere before that with this much play, I could still shoot her reliably for a good while. I will take her out to the range as soon as I can.

**GH41** · 01-05-18, 07:37

Ryder, just out of curiosity... What does something like that cost in PH?

**bamashooter** · 01-05-18, 12:09

Welcome to the forum. It never seizes to amaze me what Filipinos can build, mod, or restore on items ranging from firearms to off-road vehicles.

**RHINOWSO** · 01-05-18, 12:13

Originally Posted by bamashooter

Welcome to the forum. It never seizes to amaze me what Filipinos can build, mod, or restore on items ranging from firearms to off-road vehicles.

I was watching a show on the local firearm industry in the PI. Amazing how many make all sorts of firearms, from handguns to machine guns - much like we have car audio shops, they have local firearm manufacturers!