Question on AR-15 Gas Tube

[Odd1]

Bought a cnetury AR-15.

Took it to the range and had no problems, groups well.

I was home a few days after the range and noticed the gas tube is bent and the bolt will not go forward. The bolt carrier is striking the gas tube. Looking at the gas tube it is clearly bent.


I see I can buy a mil spec gas tube from brownells for 9 bucks.

It looks easier to replace, just one pin.

Is there anything else to know before I replace the part? Any little secrets or is it as easy as it looks?

Thanks.

 

[nicholst55]

It's pretty simple on a rifle (20" barrel); a bit more trying on a shorter barrel. Just the one pin.

However, you may not need to replace it - just bend it so that it doesn't strike the bolt carrier key. Usually the bolt carrier key gets ate up before the tube does. You'll need a plain old flat tip screwdriver for that job.

Wish I had $10 an hour for all the time I spent tweaking them so they didn't bind in the Army! I could easily afford another rifle, anyway!

 

[J. Jay]

But why did the gas tube get bent in the first place? The gas tube might have some carbon on it and be a little stiff to remove.

 

[briansmithwins]

But why did the gas tube get bent in the first place?

The bent gas tube is a symptom. I suspect it didn't bend itself.

Go here: http://www.box.net/shared/9qm9l5oplv for the long manual in .pdf

and here: http://www.box.net/shared/9qm9l5oplv for the short manual

Do the checks in the manuals and find out why your gas tube got damaged. The long manual also has instructions for removal of the gas tube. Throwing parts at a problem is fun, but tends to eat time and money. BSW

 

[Ridgerunner665]

I'm betting the carrier key came loose...and bent the gas tube.

Its a common problem when the keys are not properly staked...I guess its too late to tell you now...but AR 15's should always be closely inspected before firing.

 

[Onmilo]

I'm betting that most carrier keys that come loose do so because the gas tube and barrel nut are misaligned to the receiver channel.

First thing to check is that barrel nut/gas tube alignment, fix this if it needs it and then replace the gas tube along with carrier key and screws.

Since the gas tube is mashed up, the carrier key will also be mashed up.

 

[Odd1]

Okay, thanks good advice. I am glad I have tomorrow off.

 

[onebigelf]

Go here: http://www.ar15.com/content/page.html?id=122 and find out about properly staking the gas key.

John