I am taking the 5.45x39mm plunge! updated 09-23-09

[Jay Cunningham]

http://www.jobrelatedstuff.com/forum...f=216&t=162783

[Heavy Metal]

Frankly I am not worried about it at all. Let me ask you - what metal is the gas tube made from? Is this metal known to easily corrode?

Just hit the parts with boiling water and some WD-40, then lube as usual.

Unless I am missing something, militaries around the world used corrosive ammunition for a very long time in firearms that were much more susceptible to corrosion than modern AR's and they all did okay...

Sometimes I think people worry too much.

Dude, try some Ballistol. This is an application that is BEGGING for it!

[decodeddiesel]

http://www.jobrelatedstuff.com/forum...f=216&t=162783

Encouraging. Too bad there isn't a 5.45 Pmag for the AR

[Jay Cunningham]

Dude, try some Ballistol. This is an application that is BEGGING for it!

I have heard that before but honestly I don't think Ballistol will really do anything to the corrosive salts that a flush with hot water won't. I know some guys come up with their own special blend of water/Ballistol but I think they are just performing mental masturbation. It couldn't hurt, I suppose, but I would only still use the Ballistol after I flushed with hot water and purged with WD-40. Even then, there's no need to put a lubricant/rust preventative on a stainless steel tube that gets super hot, nor do I think Ballistol would hold up real well on a hot bolt. I'll stick with a WeaponShield lube afterwards.

At least this is what I plan on doing - we shall find out soon if it is adequate.

[Heavy Metal]

Ballistol has properties where it binds with any trace residual salts and neutralizes them. It is a more forgiving product. It is also cheap when mixed with water.

[Heavy Metal]

I also use weponshield as my primary lube. I have had no cause to use ballistol on an AR but have used it many times on an AK that has fired corrosive.

I also use it to clean my truck gun, an M-44 carbine. I clean it on the spot for about 15 minutes and put it back in the truck. No rust ever.

[Ron3]

I just ordered a few mags about three days ago. Hope I get the "newer design" ones.

I haven't fired my rifle yet.

I plan on spraying out the breach, barrel, and gas tube with hot soapy water before cleaning.

That should do it.

Ron3

[Jay Cunningham]

Ok, I received my upper today.

Observations upon initial inspection:

M4 cuts highly polished and very distinct - not anodized with the rest of the receiver

Bolt carrier is properly staked

hammer spring "upgrade" included (I guess for harder Berdan primers?)


So far so good. I hand cycled several dozen rounds through my CP mags and there were no hang ups on the feed ramps which is a good sign. I hope to get this to the range tomorrow to test fire. I will try it without the hammer upgrade first because I have doubts about the necessity.

Pics and updates and I can provide them...

[Littlelebowski]

If I bought the full 5.45 S&W, would the lower work as a general purpose/5.56 AR lower or is it made especially for the 5.45?

[Jay Cunningham]

Apparently the only difference is the hammer spring.

I think.