AR guys: how important is a rattling gas tube?

[1KPerDay]

Completing (finally) my first build and the gas tube is perfectly aligned and rattles UNTIL I close the bolt. I removed the bolt from the BCG and I can feel some resistance as the tube enters the gas key. I can't see well enough to tell which way the tube needs to go. I don't really want to take this NIGHTMARE project apart again... the redneck in me says I should be able to tweak/adjust/bend the end of the gas tube in place, but I'm sure there's some really expensive and convoluted way to do it properly...

Or should I just shoot it and see if it runs? :banghead:

 

[frankenstein406]

Takes twice as long trying to cut corners is my experience.

 

[1KPerDay]

Well it seems to run fine... so that's good.

 

[45_auto]

I've built dozens of AR15's and always used the Marine Corp Technical Manual (TM 05538C-23) as a reference. All ran perfectly and I've never seen any mention of having a "rattling gas tube'" when the bolt is closed.

 

[1KPerDay]

Thanks

 

[RussellC]

Havent had one rattle, and cant really see why it would? Loose at the gas block? If no funky stuff evidencing gas leaking in that area I guess its ok, but what do I know, I just started!

Russellc

 

[1KPerDay]

pinned tight at the gas block, but flexes enough at the other end to rattle against the nut/receiver if you push on it.

Some say it should rattle with the bolt forward but none of mine do and they all run fine.

 

[RussellC]

If it runs, I guess its ok. I didnt like the way my gas was pinned, and I freaked out, worried and so forth, all for naught. Like yours, it ran fine.

Russellc

 

[rcmodel]

Just insure the end of the gas tube isn't rubbing off-center in the gas key.

That will eventually lead to wear, and problems.

rc

 

[1KPerDay]

How do I check for that? examine the scratches at the bulb at the end of the tube?

 

[rcmodel]

Yes.

rc

 

[DT Guy]

RC, is there a gun design you DON'T know all the in's and out's of? Seriously, you're encyclopedic in your knowledge, and I, for one, learn a lot from all your posts.


Larry

 

[Nappers]

RC, is there a gun design you DON'T know all the in's and out's of? Seriously, you're encyclopedic in your knowledge, and I, for one, learn a lot from all your posts.

I've learned a lot from him too!

He is the Jedi Master, his midichlorians are off the chart!

 

[1KPerDay]

Ran some more through it yesterday, no malfunctions. The wear on the gas tube bulb appears to be symmetrical as far as I can see.

thanks!

 

[AlexanderA]

The gas tube shouldn't rattle. Either the hole in the front of the upper receiver is too large, or the outside diameter of the gas tube is too small. (If it rattles, there's a possibility that the tube would be misaligned as it enters the gas key as the bolt carrier closes.) Try another gas tube and see if that solves the problem. Or, turn the barrel nut just slightly to take up the play.

 

[1KPerDay]

No.

 

[amusthj]

I'd rather have it rattle than to be too big.

I just encountered a no-go fit using a Melonited gas tube and Melonited gas key. Apparently the tolerance stack was too great. A replacement stainless gas tube solved my problem.

 

[Owen]

interesting. melonite only adds .0001 -.0002" thickness. odd that it would cause a clearance problem. I suspect the parts wre out of tolerance before they were finished.

 

[Arizona_Mike]

As long as the tube is not resting against the barrel nut or hole in the receiver, there should be enough play to accommodate a tiny gas key misalignment. If it is significant and your parts are in spec, your gas tube is almost certainly bent. You can straighten them carefully.

Do you use a dimpling gauge to precisely align your gas block? I have found the gas port on some high quality barrels to be a few degrees off. I have taken a small round file to the top of the barrel nut to get a best compromise alignment before.

Mike