Archived Posts » 59,646,491
NM M1A gas plug question
2/22/2012 9:26:41 PM
Just pulled my pride and joy out of the safe for a look over, as I do about every so often. I haven't shot the NM in probably a year I'm gonna guess. When I do take it out, it gets a light cleaning, as I normally only shoot 50-100rnds or so a sitting, and i don't like to pull it out of the stock, as it's bedded.
I pulled the gas plug, which seemed to be a bit tighter than I remembered it (I have witness marks on it so it gets torqued the same every time) No problem, just old carbon probably. Screwed out the plug, and seen a bit of light surface rust on the threads on the plug and in the gas cylinder. Piston looked ok, pulled it out and wiped it off, no oil whatsoever on those parts as per mil spec. Cleaned up the threads with a brush, and a patch, dried everything off.
What I was wondering, since I seemed to be getting a bit of rust on the threads of the plug, and cylinder, and it made it a bit tougher to get out (even using my wrenches made for it) would it be ok to put some rifle grease on the plug threads, as kinda of a never seize and rust preventative??? It's all I have on hand, and I don't really get happy about rust in my $1700 toy. Or should I look into getting a little thing of actual never seize from the store?
Sorry for the long drawn out question, just wanna make sure my baby is in top form
I pulled the gas plug, which seemed to be a bit tighter than I remembered it (I have witness marks on it so it gets torqued the same every time) No problem, just old carbon probably. Screwed out the plug, and seen a bit of light surface rust on the threads on the plug and in the gas cylinder. Piston looked ok, pulled it out and wiped it off, no oil whatsoever on those parts as per mil spec. Cleaned up the threads with a brush, and a patch, dried everything off.
What I was wondering, since I seemed to be getting a bit of rust on the threads of the plug, and cylinder, and it made it a bit tougher to get out (even using my wrenches made for it) would it be ok to put some rifle grease on the plug threads, as kinda of a never seize and rust preventative??? It's all I have on hand, and I don't really get happy about rust in my $1700 toy. Or should I look into getting a little thing of actual never seize from the store?
Sorry for the long drawn out question, just wanna make sure my baby is in top form
2/22/2012 10:23:18 PM
A very light film of rifle grease on the gas cylinder plug threads is okay.
2/22/2012 11:18:01 PM
Originally Posted By Different:
A very light film of rifle grease on the gas cylinder plug threads is okay.
A very light film of rifle grease on the gas cylinder plug threads is okay.
Thanks, Didn't think it would hurt, since that part wouldn't be exposed to fouling, and wouldn't have to worry about anything gumming.
I may get a hold of some never seize for the next time though, probably would work a bit better.
2/24/2012 7:11:36 AM
You are not supposed to lube the plug in any way. I did once before a "match" and about 15 rnds. in couldn't stay in the black. Got disgusted and DNF". Back at the house I discovered the gas plug has loosened and was about to fall out. Should have remembered my training.
2/24/2012 8:17:19 AM
Use grease for now or choke tube lube, but get some anti-seize for the next time.
poster above, I've lubed the threads of the plug for years, it is always tight when I got to break it down at the end of the season (about 600 rounds).
poster above, I've lubed the threads of the plug for years, it is always tight when I got to break it down at the end of the season (about 600 rounds).
2/24/2012 9:52:00 AM
I use anti seize grease on the threads of my M1 and M1A rifles.
It will also protect against rust.
Choke tube grease will work as well.
Continue to torque the plug in place, anti seize grease will not cause the plug to loosen with use.
It will also protect against rust.
Choke tube grease will work as well.
Continue to torque the plug in place, anti seize grease will not cause the plug to loosen with use.
2/24/2012 11:51:52 AM
Loc Tite makes small tubes of anti sieze that are perfect for appling a small amount to the threads. That's what I use on My M1A Loaded.
2/24/2012 3:08:31 PM
Originally Posted By M1AJAS:
Loc Tite makes small tubes of anti sieze that are perfect for appling a small amount to the threads. That's what I use on My M1A Loaded.
Loc Tite makes small tubes of anti sieze that are perfect for appling a small amount to the threads. That's what I use on My M1A Loaded.
I use a 25 year old can of C5-A. It is like a never ending supply.
2/24/2012 10:25:38 PM
Originally Posted By phonejack:
You are not supposed to lube the plug in any way. I did once before a "match" and about 15 rnds. in couldn't stay in the black. Got disgusted and DNF". Back at the house I discovered the gas plug has loosened and was about to fall out. Should have remembered my training.
The grease had nothing to do with the situation. If you had tightened it down as you were supposed to it would not have loosened up.
You are not supposed to lube the plug in any way. I did once before a "match" and about 15 rnds. in couldn't stay in the black. Got disgusted and DNF". Back at the house I discovered the gas plug has loosened and was about to fall out. Should have remembered my training.
You will ALWAYS find rust on these threads if you keep them dry. Also if you tighten it to spec it will not back out no matter what sort of grease you use.
2/25/2012 8:06:39 AM
Originally Posted By M1AJAS:
Loc Tite makes small tubes of anti sieze that are perfect for appling a small amount to the threads. That's what I use on My M1A Loaded.
Loc Tite makes small tubes of anti sieze that are perfect for appling a small amount to the threads. That's what I use on My M1A Loaded.
This is what I use on my loaded, you can pick up packets at the counter of any auto parts store.
2/27/2012 5:23:45 PM
Regular grease, torque it, and I've never had mine back out or rust up.
