View Full Version : Fixing "blast to the face" with gas-defeating-charging-handle
I didn't know that was an issue. Not experienced it or heard of it. A solution in search of a problem or something you have experienced?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIiq0URkxCo&t=94s
https://www.guns.com/news/2022/02/10/silencerco-developed-a-gas-defeating-charging-handle-that-actually-works?
This is just their version of it, but these have been around for a while. I remember in 2010ish seeing Ricky Recon guys with PRI's at the range, https://www.precisionreflex.com/charging-handles/727-m84-gas-buster-charging-handle-with-big-flat-latch.html
I didn't know that was an issue. Not experienced it or heard of it. A solution in search of a problem or something you have experienced?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIiq0URkxCo&t=94s
https://www.guns.com/news/2022/02/10/silencerco-developed-a-gas-defeating-charging-handle-that-actually-works?
Gas to the face is a problem with most suppressor/barrel combos.
I used to put some silicone along the rim of the charging handle to make a seal between the CH and the upper receiver.
Absolutely a problem. I agree with GTF425 that the easiest way to solve the the issue is silicone or gasket sealer around your existing charging handle.
Another ridiculously oversized charging handle. Great.
As others have said, a legit issue for many suppressor users.
I have had good results with the DIY silicone mod.
Diamondback
02-14-22, 15:24
IIRC they're also generally not suitable for southpaws--the features that deflect the gas away from an RH shooter's face apparently also deflect it right INTO a lefty's.
Another ridiculously oversized charging handle. Great.
Sent you an email
IIRC they're also generally not suitable for southpaws--the features that deflect the gas away from an RH shooter's face apparently also deflect it right INTO a lefty's.My same experience.
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titsonritz
02-14-22, 15:52
IIRC they're also generally not suitable for southpaws--the features that deflect the gas away from an RH shooter's face apparently also deflect it right INTO a lefty's.
You talking about the PRI?
"Gas to face" can be an issue if the overall gas drive is not addressed.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?234129-SBR-suppressed-charging-handle
ETA This design appears to use a replaceable o-ring on the bottom side to "seal" in gasses.
Diamondback
02-14-22, 16:42
You talking about the PRI?
Exactly, and whatever derivatives of it there may be.
As others have said, a legit issue for many suppressor users.
I have had good results with the DIY silicone mod.
This. IMO the DIY silicone method works better than anything else I’m aware of. It’s cheap & very easy to do. The best video I’ve found to do it is this one:
https://youtu.be/wancMz8ZDg8
This wack-a-do hack works eh??? I'm going to watch this video at home... thanks.
(dude is sealing his CH with no damn stakes on the castle nut)
This. IMO the DIY silicone method works better than anything else I’m aware of. It’s cheap & very easy to do. The best video I’ve found to do it is this one:
https://youtu.be/wancMz8ZDg8
This non-video guide works well also.
http://www.03designgroup.com/technotes/do-it-yourself-gas-buster-charging-handle
Gas to the face was an issue with really hot High Power Rifle Competition loads decades ago. A little RTV at the rear of the charging handle took care of it.
"Gas to face" can be an issue if the overall gas drive is not addressed.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?234129-SBR-suppressed-charging-handle
ETA This design appears to use a replaceable o-ring on the bottom side to "seal" in gasses.
I guess I have not shot enough suppressed ARs to experience that one, and or, they were gassed properly.
I guess I have not shot enough suppressed ARs to experience that one, and or, they were gassed properly.
Yeah. Some guns will just gas you out in 3 or 4 rounds.
donlapalma
02-14-22, 22:33
Gas to the face was an issue with really hot High Power Rifle Competition loads decades ago. A little RTV at the rear of the charging handle took care of it.Maybe I didn't do mine right but it still sucks pretty bad.
The brt gas tube hits the source.
These CH are just bandaids.
Gas to the face was an issue with really hot High Power Rifle Competition loads decades ago. A little RTV at the rear of the charging handle took care of it.I definitely had this issue after I installed a new barrel, it only happened at the 600yd line with my hot 80gr load.
Quite a pain in the ass, I tanked that match with my eyes burning and suddenly found myself flinching in anticipation of the "hi temp eye wash" I was getting under my not so protective knoblochs.
The RTV works a treat, usually lasted a full season. I would reapply it anyway, just in case. Never had any break loose and get into the action either. I used the orange color they once had, so any stray bits would be easy to see and remove.
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I definitely had this issue after I installed a new barrel, it only happened at the 600yd line with my hot 80gr load.
Quite a pain in the ass, I tanked that match with my eyes burning and suddenly found myself flinching in anticipation of the "hi temp eye wash" I was getting under my not so protective knoblochs.
The RTV works a treat, usually lasted a full season. I would reapply it anyway, just in case. Never had any break loose and get into the action either. I used the orange color they once had, so any stray bits would be easy to see and remove.
Sent from my BE2028 using Tapatalk
Using orange RTV is a great idea.
I definitely had this issue after I installed a new barrel, it only happened at the 600yd line with my hot 80gr load.
Quite a pain in the ass, I tanked that match with my eyes burning and suddenly found myself flinching in anticipation of the "hi temp eye wash" I was getting under my not so protective knoblochs.
I'm curious if in a pinch, for a short string of fire where you don't need to run the CH, would a quick piece of tape work over the back of the upper?
If you watch the video closely, you'll see the majority of the gas comes from the bottom of the charging handle.
If you watch the video closely, you'll see the majority of the gas comes from the bottom of the charging handle.
If you look at the contour of the underside of a charging handle, that makes sense. I've felt some gas come over the top of the charging handle when shooting with nose to charging handle. I had considered adding a vent hole to the right side of the upper receiver to vent gas away from the head when someone suggested the RTV trick.
Packrat1947
02-18-22, 12:44
Hmmm. I don't doubt any of the posters that have posted sincere recollections of irritations.
However, I got my SP1 in the late '70s and had it converted to a "match rifle" and shot it in High Power at CP, and other places for 18 yrs. I quit in 1998, and only backyard plink now - I've had a suppressor for about 5 yrs. I normally use 4895, H322, and Vihtavuori powders. I use Unique in my reduced loads - 1900 fps.
I have never been disabled by gas irritation. Perhaps the winds are always favorable in Ohio - or safety glasses divert bad gasses away. Just my thoughts. I'm 75 yrs. old next month. Plinking Ron
Packrat1947
02-18-22, 12:44
Hmmm. I don't doubt any of the posters that have posted sincere recollections of irritations.
However, I got my SP1 in the late '70s and had it converted to a "match rifle" and shot it in High Power at CP, and other places for 18 yrs. I quit in 1998, and only backyard plink now - I've had a suppressor for about 5 yrs. I normally use 4895, H322, and Vihtavuori powders. I use Unique in my reduced loads - 1900 fps.
I have never been disabled by gas irritation. Perhaps the winds are always favorable in Ohio - or safety glasses divert bad gasses away. Just my thoughts. I'm 75 yrs. old next month. Plinking Ron
I'm curious if in a pinch, for a short string of fire where you don't need to run the CH, would a quick piece of tape work over the back of the upper?That probably would have worked for long enough, wish I had thought of it. May not have had tape but I did have rolls of pasties in the bag.
Didn't seem so much of a blast to me, more of a puff. So I don't think it takes much to redirect it and I doubt it has the force to blow tape off.
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I'm curious if in a pinch, for a short string of fire where you don't need to run the CH, would a quick piece of tape work over the back of the upper?
A piece or two of tape running from the bottom of the safety glass lens on the dominant eye side works. I never tried applying tape to the rifle to divert gas.
This is just their version of it, but these have been around for a while. I remember in 2010ish seeing Ricky Recon guys with PRI's at the range, https://www.precisionreflex.com/charging-handles/727-m84-gas-buster-charging-handle-with-big-flat-latch.html Ironically, this is one of the least Ricky Recon charging handles on the market today. I use the ones with the small “hot dog” latch, and they’ve aged well.
Gas to the face was an issue with really hot High Power Rifle Competition loads decades ago. A little RTV at the rear of the charging handle took care of it. Damn, how hot were those loads? I’d be worried about getting Super Face at that point.
I didn't know that was an issue. Not experienced it or heard of it. A solution in search of a problem or something you have experienced?
Known and prevalent issue on suppressed guns. But it's 2022 the more intelligent among us are aware of application specific barrels for suppressed use like what Clint is doing over at Black River Tactical.
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