As I wait for my barrel to return from LMT I have too much time on my hands to fondle the rest of the weapon. While examining the design of the weapon I began to pay real close attention to the barrel capture are, just below the gas port tunnel which houses the gas tube. While looking through the notch on the bottom of the receiver (between the two bolts) I came across what appeared to be a scratch on the face of the barrel capture recess. I put my NDI (non destructive inspections) skills and soon found out it was a small crack. This is how I determined it was actually cracked.
1st. I blasted the area with powder blast, removing all traces of oil/lube.
2. due to the location of the scratch/crack being only visible on one side of the weapon ( from the bottom) I dint know if it when all the way to the other side (gas tube tunnel hole). So I placed 3 drops of oil through that hole.
3. waited about 3 minutes, the oil immediately began to puddle around the scratch, which confirms its deep enough to go from the inside of the barrel capture area(thin side) to the gas tube tunnel.
the gas tube port area in the receiver is scary thin and close to the barrel capture area, look at it from the front of the gun with barrel removed obviously. I almost wonder if there are more out there with this issue. So my request to you all besides some sound advice is to take your barrels off and check that area out. Here are some pictures of what it looks like and what you should be looking for:
Heres a pic of the crack are free of lube/oils:
Heres a pic of the crack after oil was aplied on the other side via the gas tube tunnel, you can see the puddle building up,indicating it goes all the way through:
It seems like I have had nothing but bad luck with my MWS, first the nick on my barrel feed ramp, and now this. I need you guys advice, do you think this is even an issue? I think I am already on LMT's bad side, since I am making them give me a new barrel for a small issue, so I am hesitant to call them.
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