Bushmaster Bolt Carriers
- Thread starter kcmarine
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Bartholomew Roberts
Member
[strike]Bushmaster does stake the keys; but they used to stake them improperly (chisel or screwdriver across the top of the screw instead of on each side).[/strike] I can't remember now whether the rifles I am thinking of were originally Bushmaster BCGs or CMT. I may be wrong on that issue. Search for one of the several threads on this subject if you would like to see examples of proper and improper staking.
I have not bought or seen a recent Bushmaster BCG, so I do not know what they do now.
They also had an issue where they improperly set the torque on the machine that did carrier keys and they released a whole bunch of BCGs with loose gas keys onto the market around 2005. I imagine most of those have been spotted and corrected by now though.
I have not bought or seen a recent Bushmaster BCG, so I do not know what they do now.
They also had an issue where they improperly set the torque on the machine that did carrier keys and they released a whole bunch of BCGs with loose gas keys onto the market around 2005. I imagine most of those have been spotted and corrected by now though.
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Frog48
Member
I have a Bushmaster that I bought new in Jan '07. On mine, the gas key appears properly staked, and doesnt seem loose. As far as I can tell, everything is as it should be.
I could take a picture, if that would be any help...?
I could take a picture, if that would be any help...?
Bushmaster carrier keys are staked heavy enough to prevent the key screws from coming loose.
I don't care for them because they mill the firing pin support web away on the semi-auto bolt carriers and I like more material in this area.
Note the Mil-Spec carrier screws and the material bracing against the screw head knurling.
This is what I don't like about the Bushmaster semi-auto carriers, not necessary, it is a manufacturers attempt at CYA in case some dufus decides converting a semiauto rifle to full auto might be a good idea and it weakens the carrier.
I don't care for them because they mill the firing pin support web away on the semi-auto bolt carriers and I like more material in this area.
Note the Mil-Spec carrier screws and the material bracing against the screw head knurling.
This is what I don't like about the Bushmaster semi-auto carriers, not necessary, it is a manufacturers attempt at CYA in case some dufus decides converting a semiauto rifle to full auto might be a good idea and it weakens the carrier.
Kind of Blued
Member
I've read multiple novellas on properly staked gas keys on this website and never once read anything about why I should give a crap. 
walking arsenal
Member
Because if they come loose your rifle wont work.
Mine are staked correctly and have never come loose.
My best friends gun has had his come loose though.
Mine are staked correctly and have never come loose.
My best friends gun has had his come loose though.
Ridgerunner665
Member
Onmilo,
That is NOT a properly staked carrier key...you must have metal moved over the top of the carrier screws...like this one on my S&W...
Bushmaster does NOT properly stake their carrier keys or castle nuts.
That is NOT a properly staked carrier key...you must have metal moved over the top of the carrier screws...like this one on my S&W...
Bushmaster does NOT properly stake their carrier keys or castle nuts.
Ridgerunner665
Member
Because they can and do come loose...thats why.
Which can cause other more expensive problems.
Yeah,,,,,,I have over 5000 rounds on that bolt carrier before it was replaced and it wasn't because the bolt carrier key came loose,,,,,,,,,,,,
If somebody feels the carrier key screws aren't staked properly, it is an easy fix with an 6 ounce hammer and a center punch.
The screws on that bolt carrier key don't look mil-spec either.
If they aren't knurled or coin edged they may very well need that much staking and a good dollop of Loc-Tite to keep them in place.
If somebody feels the carrier key screws aren't staked properly, it is an easy fix with an 6 ounce hammer and a center punch.
The screws on that bolt carrier key don't look mil-spec either.
If they aren't knurled or coin edged they may very well need that much staking and a good dollop of Loc-Tite to keep them in place.
Ridgerunner665
Member
That is an LMT carrier....its mil spec.
You are right about it being an easy fix...it is...but for Pete's sake, don't try to sell "scratches" as proper staking.
You are right about it being an easy fix...it is...but for Pete's sake, don't try to sell "scratches" as proper staking.
Gary G23
Member
I haven't owned a Bushy in about five years but on the last one I owned the carrier key screws would work their way loose in about 200 rounds and the gun would malfunction.
kcmarine
Member
Is there any way to stake them yourself?
SpeedAKL
Member
I don't have the gun with me right now, but I've never had a problem with them coming lose. To answer the question technically, I'd have to drive about 3 hours and get it
You can easily stake the carrier key yourself with a center punch and a 6 ounce or 8 ounce hammer.
I use an 8 ounce crosspane hammer for a little better control.
If the key is prestaked and you want to hog the metal down just place the center punch in the indents and begin tapping to start diaplacing the metal in the direction you want it to go.
Once you get the starter indent formed a couple good whacks will form it over the top of the screw.
There is a tool on the market that fits down on the key assembly that uses screw pressure to displace the metal evenly on both sides of the screw hole.
Very neat appearance but the tool runs about $125.00
I use an 8 ounce crosspane hammer for a little better control.
If the key is prestaked and you want to hog the metal down just place the center punch in the indents and begin tapping to start diaplacing the metal in the direction you want it to go.
Once you get the starter indent formed a couple good whacks will form it over the top of the screw.
There is a tool on the market that fits down on the key assembly that uses screw pressure to displace the metal evenly on both sides of the screw hole.
Very neat appearance but the tool runs about $125.00
Bobarino
member
i can't seem to get my camera to cooperate but mine looks nearly identical to Ridgerunner's. there is metal over the top edge of the screws.
frankly, i don't really care what it looks like or if its "mil spec". i just want it to work properly. i really couldn't care less if its "mil spec". if the screws don't come loose, i'm happy. Bushy does not stake their castle nuts.
Bobby
frankly, i don't really care what it looks like or if its "mil spec". i just want it to work properly. i really couldn't care less if its "mil spec". if the screws don't come loose, i'm happy. Bushy does not stake their castle nuts.
Bobby
Bushmaster doesn't stake the castle nuts to allow the owner to change out the stock easier if they choose.
Like the carrier key, staking or restaking a castle nut is an easy fix if it isn't done to the owners satisfaction by the manufacturer.
An AR15 owner should care that the parts and assembly meet Mil-Spec because this will ensure that everything is built to, well, specification, and if that is done we don't need long winded threads about this sort of stuff.
Like the carrier key, staking or restaking a castle nut is an easy fix if it isn't done to the owners satisfaction by the manufacturer.
An AR15 owner should care that the parts and assembly meet Mil-Spec because this will ensure that everything is built to, well, specification, and if that is done we don't need long winded threads about this sort of stuff.
That depends on the type of Loctite used.
Someone mentioned Loctite on the carrier key. I asked about this and it's a no-go. The carrier key gets incredibly hot and would effectively melt the Loctite. There are some types of Loctite specifically designed for high-heat, but they're not common.
+1 on a center punch and a hammer.
SSN Vet
Member
is not defined by 10,000 individual opinions (that's a 'subjective' standard that will change with the weather).
like any other manufacturing standard, it must be defined by an engineering standard that is published and approved by a designated authority.
Can anybody out there show me a DOD approved print, ECN, or process instruction for staking the bolt carrier? If so....compare that to your specimen and you'll have your answer.
It's called an "objective" standard....and all the internet opinion and brand loyalty just aint the same thing.
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