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Thread: Carrier Key gas leak

  1. #1
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    Carrier Key gas leak

    Took my carbine to the range this weekend. Everything seemed to be functioning fine up until I was getting ready to pack it in. On my last magazine the BCG didn't seam to be cycling fully to strip the next round. I would cycle the action, chamber a round and end up with a single shot. I inspected the rounds in the mag, Lake City 55gr, M193; no issues there that I could see so I packed up the rifle until I could get home and give it a proper look-see.

    Upon disassembly I could see that the carrier key was visibly and physically loose, even with what appeared to be adequate staking. It appears to me that I was bleeding way too much gas, causing the cycling issue.

    Here is my question, should I remove and re-torque the existing key and re-stake or should I replace the key and screws and then re-torque and re-stake. What say you guys?

  2. #2
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    if there's enough meat left to re-stake, you could re-use it if you wanted... but make sure the screws didn't strip out thread or sheer off

    personally, i'd replace all of the above, being sure to clean off the contact area.

  3. #3
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    Get a new key and new screws at a minimum. Remove the old key and inspect your bolt carrier to make sure it's still OK. If the mating surface or threads on the carrier are screwed up, replace that too.

  4. #4
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    Who makes the BCG? I would remove the key, clean the area real good and possibly use some very fine sand paper. If everything is good then torque the screws and restake correctly.



    Owner/Instructor at Semper Paratus Arms

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  5. #5
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    New key and screws have been ordered. I am also ordering a new carrier assembly from BCM and will relegate this one to "spare" status; it never hurts to have a back-up. For now it has been cleaned, reassembled, and re-staked per IG's instructions as I am now curious to see how many rounds it will go and if it will work loose again.

    I bought this one before I found this site and became "educated". The company who made it, Anvil Arms, is no longer in business so no recourse there. As I intended this build to be educational it is clearly serving that purpose. Thanks for the responses.

  6. #6
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    If staked properly then it will hold up. I am more than familiar with the Anvil Arms debacle.

    Can you show us a pic of the new staking?

    Quote Originally Posted by kmrtnsn View Post
    New key and screws have been ordered. I am also ordering a new carrier assembly from BCM and will relegate this one to "spare" status; it never hurts to have a back-up. For now it has been cleaned, reassembled, and re-staked per IG's instructions as I am now curious to see how many rounds it will go and if it will work loose again.

    I bought this one before I found this site and became "educated". The company who made it, Anvil Arms, is no longer in business so no recourse there. As I intended this build to be educational it is clearly serving that purpose. Thanks for the responses.



    Owner/Instructor at Semper Paratus Arms

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SemperParatusArms/

    Semper Paratus Arms AR15 Armorer Course http://www.semperparatusarms.com/cou...-registration/

    M4C Misc. Training and Course Announcements- http://www.m4carbine.net/forumdisplay.php?f=141

    Master Armorer/R&D at SIONICS Weapon Systems- http://sionicsweaponsystems.com

  7. #7
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    Both of my cameras are at the office. I'll get a pic up before the weekend. Thanks again.

  8. #8
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    Thanks for sharing. A classic example of what we talk about here every day. Stake that key down GOOD. In this case you say it appeared to have been well staked. Not sure if you are still able to show this original staking job, but if you can share a pic?

    I know BCM gas keys are staked very well as are the castle nuts. Looks like a Gorilla did the staking. You'd need a 6' cheater bar to get those screws out!

  9. #9
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    Just a friendly reminder to torque them to proper spec - lubed before staking.
    Torquing a bolt dry can give you false readings from gauling...
    ---------------------
    Ron C. Terry

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by ronterry View Post
    Just a friendly reminder to torque them to proper spec - lubed before staking.
    Torquing a bolt dry can give you false readings from gauling...
    red loctite should be the only lubrication on the threads

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