jad0110
Member
I mentioned this problem briefly in another thread I created, but decided to make a dedicated thread as a sort of "public service announcement" for other AR newbies out there. If I'd known what I know now, it could have saved me some trouble.
As the title says, the gas key on my AR-15 Del-Ton mid length upper came loose, after less than 400 rounds through it. For reference, this is a 5.56, direct impingement 16" flat top HBAR 1x9 with A1 front sight post and gas block and Del-Ton Bolt Carrier Group (I konw, Del-Ton doesn't actually make the BCG - I think it is CMT or RRA). Basically, gas keys can come loose generally either because the screws holding it to the BC aren't torqued enough and/or the key wasn't staked properly or not at all. By staking, the goal is to move some metal into the carrier key screws. The link to m4carbine.net below explains this in much greater detail.
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6993
Turns out, my Del-Ton gas key as NOT staked at all. From what I've been reading, I don't think any Del-Ton gas keys are staked, at least not until very recently.
If the gas key loosens, at best you will have a single shot rifle (not enough gas will make it to the BC to cycle the action enough to throw out a spent case or pick a new one up off the mag). That's at best, which needless to say would suck if you are using the rifle for defense. Mine also jammed up something fierce, as the gas key struck the gas tube just enough off center that it got hung up on it. After researching this, I found a story in a thread below concerning a Del-Ton that experienced a far worse failure; sounds like the gun fed a live round without ejecting the spent casing and the weapon fired before the round seated fully, blowing the remaining ammo out of the bottom of the magazine and cracking the bolt. If that happens while you are defending yourself, hopefully you've got a backup within reach.
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/archive/index.php/t-297603.html
I don't mean to pick on Del-Ton, lots of other popular brands have poorly staked gas keys (or no staking at all). This seemingly minor issue can potentially create big problems. But it is very easy to correct (see 1st link above). If I knew what I know now, and given my tight budget when I first assembled this AR kit, I would have either staked the gas key myself, or forgone the Del-Ton BCG and spent a little extra on a BCM, LMT, Colt, Daniel Defense, etc.
I know this is news to the pros, but it bears repeating for those here on THR that are just starting out. If you aren't sure, pull 'em out and check them against the 1st link above.
A gunsmith friend of mine did retighten my gas key, and he staked it with a punch, free of charge
. Though I've been wanting a pencil barrel middy in 1x7 anyway, so this was a good excuse to order a complete upper and headspaced BCG (sans rear sight and handgaurds) from Bravo Co 
.
BTW, I am by no means an AR expert. Those that are more knowledgeable than me, please feel free to add to or correct what I have stated. I would appreciate it!
As the title says, the gas key on my AR-15 Del-Ton mid length upper came loose, after less than 400 rounds through it. For reference, this is a 5.56, direct impingement 16" flat top HBAR 1x9 with A1 front sight post and gas block and Del-Ton Bolt Carrier Group (I konw, Del-Ton doesn't actually make the BCG - I think it is CMT or RRA). Basically, gas keys can come loose generally either because the screws holding it to the BC aren't torqued enough and/or the key wasn't staked properly or not at all. By staking, the goal is to move some metal into the carrier key screws. The link to m4carbine.net below explains this in much greater detail.
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=6993
Turns out, my Del-Ton gas key as NOT staked at all. From what I've been reading, I don't think any Del-Ton gas keys are staked, at least not until very recently.
If the gas key loosens, at best you will have a single shot rifle (not enough gas will make it to the BC to cycle the action enough to throw out a spent case or pick a new one up off the mag). That's at best, which needless to say would suck if you are using the rifle for defense. Mine also jammed up something fierce, as the gas key struck the gas tube just enough off center that it got hung up on it. After researching this, I found a story in a thread below concerning a Del-Ton that experienced a far worse failure; sounds like the gun fed a live round without ejecting the spent casing and the weapon fired before the round seated fully, blowing the remaining ammo out of the bottom of the magazine and cracking the bolt. If that happens while you are defending yourself, hopefully you've got a backup within reach.
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/archive/index.php/t-297603.html
I don't mean to pick on Del-Ton, lots of other popular brands have poorly staked gas keys (or no staking at all). This seemingly minor issue can potentially create big problems. But it is very easy to correct (see 1st link above). If I knew what I know now, and given my tight budget when I first assembled this AR kit, I would have either staked the gas key myself, or forgone the Del-Ton BCG and spent a little extra on a BCM, LMT, Colt, Daniel Defense, etc.
I know this is news to the pros, but it bears repeating for those here on THR that are just starting out. If you aren't sure, pull 'em out and check them against the 1st link above.
A gunsmith friend of mine did retighten my gas key, and he staked it with a punch, free of charge
. Though I've been wanting a pencil barrel middy in 1x7 anyway, so this was a good excuse to order a complete upper and headspaced BCG (sans rear sight and handgaurds) from Bravo Co .BTW, I am by no means an AR expert. Those that are more knowledgeable than me, please feel free to add to or correct what I have stated. I would appreciate it!
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