How Much Bolt Carrier Staking Is Enough?

[26 Inf]

Brownells does offer a staking tool if you've got one that isn't up to snuff. I have one bolt carrier in a parts box somewhere that could probably benefit from this:

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...content=Social

That looks like a good item, the Cadillac's of staking tools are found here, though:

http://www.m-guns.com/tools.php click on MOACKS PLAIN @ $85.00 or the MOACKS II @ $165.00 (functions as staker, bolt tail carbon scraper, and gas tube clamp).

Made by member Ned Christiansen.

[mark5pt56]

Brownells does offer a staking tool if you've got one that isn't up to snuff. I have one bolt carrier in a parts box somewhere that could probably benefit from this:

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...content=Social

That's the one I use, solid piece. It's heavy I can tell you!

[Pappabear]

You can touch it up if needed. But I think even the weak one would work, but nobody has to live with weak. I would touch up weak ones and leave medium alone.

PB

[GH41]

As long as the material displaced by staking impacts the serrations on the cap screws equally on opposite sides I am OK with it. All three examples appear to be GTG.

[lysander]

As long as the material displaced by staking impacts the serrations on the cap screws equally on opposite sides I am OK with it. All three examples appear to be GTG.

^^This^^

Over aggressive staking runs the risk of unequal loading of the screw head, and cracks in the screws.

[tehpwnag3]

No doubt, but I believe a broken screw is the only way you can discern "over aggressive" from plain old "aggressive", which seems to be the standard amongst the more reputable brands. In other words, the "good" example is what they are doing, right or wrong, with seemingly no ill effect.

^^This^^

Over aggressive staking runs the risk of unequal loading of the screw head, and cracks in the screws.

[titsonritz]

Just don't it Jake style...

[6933]

MOACKS is way to go.

[alx01]

MOACKS is way to go.

I'd love to buy it, but at $85 for the cheapest version (and almost $200 for a full version) seems a bit unreasonable unless you have more than 5 ARs you need to fix (or you're fixing ARs all the time).
For $40 I'd totally go for it, for $85 - I'd use a punch or get a complete new ToolCraft BCG with the bolt and full warranty and have them fix it if it breaks.

At this price point it seems to be marketed towards a professional or part-time (i.e. department) gunsmiths and not DIY'ers.

[grizzman]

A person could always make a post requesting to borrow the tool if their staking is inadequate.

My Pocket MOACKS has led a pretty relaxed life so far.