What do you look for before replacing your gas rings?

[Eurodriver]

I’ve never replaced gas rings in any Bolt I own. I suspect my oldest, a 1B1B6 BCG which was...found... probably has over 15,000 rounds through it. There is zero resistance when it is placed in the Carrier.

But the gun shoots. So I leave it alone.

I guess if it started short stroking I’d trouble shoot but I’d also like to replace them before it got to that point.

Related question: have you ever had gas rings wear out to the point your rifle no longer worked reliably?

[just a scout]

See if they hold up the bcg when you stand it on the bolt. If not, replace.


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[TomMcC]

I’ve never replaced gas rings in any Bolt I own. I suspect my oldest, a 1B1B6 BCG which was...found... probably has over 15,000 rounds through it. There is zero resistance when it is placed in the Carrier.

But the gun shoots. So I leave it alone.

I guess if it started short stroking I’d trouble shoot but I’d also like to replace them before it got to that point.

Related question: have you ever had gas rings wear out to the point your rifle no longer worked reliably?

Nope, but I'm sure I dont shoot as much as you. Never even seen a broken one.

[Circle_10]

See if they hold up the bcg when you stand it on the bolt. If not, replace.


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I replace my rings if they fail this check, however I've never had a gun malfunction due to worn out gas rings. It's just something preventative that i do.

[mark5pt56]

I once had a Colt 14.5 that was my primary which ran so well. We had a bad snow one night and the mil students didn't show so the boss said maintain your gear and go home (glad we got paid by the day back then) When I took it apart, it had one gas ring left in it. It ran 100% prior to, so I removed the last sliver, put three new ones in and drove on. I don't recall if I tested the rings on this rifle or not. Testing is more stringent than the mil version, fully assembled big, bolt extended and placed bolt face down, has to support own weight. Of course I had to go out in the min 1foot of snow and melt some with brass.

Believe it or not, I had a factory new Bushmaster Shorty AK, long ago, logged between 23-25 K through it, would still pass a 40 round Qual and hit 12x12 steel at 400 when I sold it with disclaimer of round count. I could count malfunctions on one hand and never replaced a single part. This was around 2003-4

[vicious_cb]

I’ve never replaced gas rings in any Bolt I own. I suspect my oldest, a 1B1B6 BCG which was...found... probably has over 15,000 rounds through it. There is zero resistance when it is placed in the Carrier.

But the gun shoots. So I leave it alone.

I guess if it started short stroking I’d trouble shoot but I’d also like to replace them before it got to that point.

Related question: have you ever had gas rings wear out to the point your rifle no longer worked reliably?

I could argue that a very well used gun could probably run without any gas rings under normal conditions. You can but you shouldn't since a set gas rings costs less than a dollar.

[ST911]

There are several valid checks of bolt rings. My most common is putting the assembled and lubricated bolt in the unassembled carrier and holding it vertically by the bolt. If the carrier falls off, replace all 3 rings.

A properly manufactured gun will run on one ring. I've seen broken rings both stay in place until disassembled, and get bobbled up inside stopping the gun. Stuff happens.

When in doubt, just replace them.

[Eurodriver]

Thanks for the replies.

There are several valid checks of bolt rings. My most common is putting the assembled and lubricated bolt in the unassembled carrier and holding it vertically by the bolt. If the carrier falls off, replace all 3 rings.

A properly manufactured gun will run on one ring. I've seen broken rings both stay in place until disassembled, and get bobbled up inside stopping the gun. Stuff happens.

When in doubt, just replace them.

I guess I was waiting for a failure to replace one, but I think every AR15 I own would fail that test. Most have absolutely zero resistance between the bolt and carrier. Frankly, I thought that was normal. I don’t really “inspect” my rifles, but I probably should.

[arptsprt]

I have a fairly new BCM 11.5 that I placed a new BCM BCG in. They have been mated together from day one.

While no malfunctions, I noticed after routine inspection after about 900 rounds, it failed the test. So, I replaced the rings. Tightened it up. However, I noticed after only about another 500 rounds, it again failed the test.

What would cause the rings to wear so quickly? Again, it shoots fine but is that indicative of anything I need to be aware of? Never had this scenario with other bolts and gas rings. Thx.

There are several valid checks of bolt rings. My most common is putting the assembled and lubricated bolt in the unassembled carrier and holding it vertically by the bolt. If the carrier falls off, replace all 3 rings.

A properly manufactured gun will run on one ring. I've seen broken rings both stay in place until disassembled, and get bobbled up inside stopping the gun. Stuff happens.

When in doubt, just replace them.

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[docsherm]

I’ve never replaced gas rings in any Bolt I own. I suspect my oldest, a 1B1B6 BCG which was...found... probably has over 15,000 rounds through it. There is zero resistance when it is placed in the Carrier.

But the gun shoots. So I leave it alone.

I guess if it started short stroking I’d trouble shoot but I’d also like to replace them before it got to that point.

Related question: have you ever had gas rings wear out to the point your rifle no longer worked reliably?

If it stops working replace it. If it works then it is good. Don't over think it.