What do you think of this LMT gas key situation?

[Veracity]

Guys,

I'm doing a build project with an LMT Defender lower I bought from Grant a while back, some Magpul stuff, and this NIB LMT upper I just bought off gunbroker.com.

Here's the thing:

The upper arrived today complete with an LMT BCG. Upon close inspection of the gas key, I saw that the tip of the key, the rim--the part that would meet the gas tube--is a bit distorted, for lack of a better word. It's sort of worn away a bit on the starboard side.

This "distortion" doesn't make the key opening more narrow or wider...it just looks like the world's smallest rodent gnawed off a tiny bit of the steel. Well, there's actually two tiny burrs inside the lip on the starboard side.

I'm trying to take a picture, but my camera isn't cooperating.

Because it's gunbroker, I can't see myself sending it back to LMT. I'm not the initial owner....

I don't know how tight the tolerances are.

a) Do the two burrs need to be removed in order for the key to function properly? I would assume so.

b) Is the mere fact that the rim is not 100% perfect going to be a problem?

Thanks.

[spamsammich]

Your gas tube is most likely not centered perfectly. LMT should warranty this if it is indeed NIB. You can also try to correct it yourself by gently prying the tube into proper position. Make sure your screws on the gas key are torqued adequately first though. I'd probably just shoot the shit out of it unto the key needed or gas tube REALLY needed replacement, I like wrenching.

[RD62]

If the burrs keep the carrier from freely sliding or if they are contacting YOUR gast tube I might would try to remove them, or contact LMT to see if it may be covered under warranty.

If they don't and your gas tube is properly centered and is not contacting the gas key, and the rifle's running fine I'd probably leave it be.

-RD62

Edited to add: Upon rereading your post, I'm not sure I was following correctly. If both the upper and BCG are NIB, I'd send it back to LMT or contact the seller for return, replacement, etc. If the BCG is used, I stand by my first statement.

[Blankwaffe]

If you think its a problem I'd just contact LMT and let them take a look at it.Ive done that on a couple items and they are fast to respond.
If LMT says its good just run it and see.

[Veracity]

Was in direct contact with LMT today.

They said they'd replace it free of charge because, "several left the factory like that."

So far, all is well in the land of LMT customer service.