Gunfighter

Semper_Fi

A shooter's AR-15 was cycling slowly and he asked if I could tell what was wrong with the weapon. The Bushmaster seemed well maintained and the shooter had fired 'over' 10,000 rounds of Remington and Black Hills ammo through the weapon.

After disassembling the weapon I tried inserting a pipe cleaner into the gas tube and the mystery was solved.

Bottom line, when a gas operated AR-15 is fired, small particles of partially burned gun powder build up in the gas tube and, over time, can cause a reduction in the AR's cycling speed.

About every 2,000 rounds, I pressure wash the inside of AR-15 gas tubes using Super Tech Carburetor Cleaner (Wal-Mart $1.97 per can). The plastic tube fits just right into the gas tube and a few 5 second bursts of cleaner keeps the gas tube clean and the AR cycling just fine.

ScottM · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 23

Does a piston gun stay cleaner? BTW...that's a great tip, I think every AR I've got will get that treatment. Especially any of the ones that have been shot with a can mounted. They're fun, but filthy!

Liam · Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 86

Remember that piston guns recoil more and with a different impulse. That is from the movement of the piston. This vibration can also effect accuracy by adding to the natural harmonic vibration of the barrel produced by the blast and the friction of the bullet running down the barrel. Any differences in theory that make the two systems look attractive have to be judged by actually shooting the guns.

Semper_Fi

The Magpul Masada and Sig 556 are piston operated AR's and have a completely different cycling feel (harmonics) than do gas system AR's.

Liam's points are on the money and for smoother harmonics and slightly faster cycling speed I prefer gas system AR's while piston systems get the nod for fewer parts, cooler operations and far less cleaning time.

Plenty of excellent AR's on the market.

Morris · Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 103 Location: Seattle Metro Area

Gas tubes aren't that expensive. Just replace them.

garum · Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 22 Location: Hill Country, TX

thanks for the advice! Carb cleaner is cheap and easy to find. Did it make a major mess in the barrel though? Was the tube almost closed?

wichaka · Joined: 27 Jul 2007 Posts: 80 Location: Washington State

With an AR platform gun, just keep the bolt carrier wet......and all is well.