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Posted: 11/26/2011 2:50:40 PM EDT
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Who makes the best Chrome BCG and why?
I'm looking at Young's and Spikes and would love to hear reports on both. As an aside, I could have sworn that BCM used to make them. Am I crazy? |
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Thanks for the replies. I know Young's doesn't stake their gas keys, but does Spike's stake their version of it?
I want one because they're easier to clean, and I personally am honest enough to say that I think they look cool. That's more than enough reason to get one 
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Quoted:
Thanks for the replies. I know Young's doesn't stake their gas keys, but does Spike's stake their version of it? I want one because they're easier to clean, and I personally am honest enough to say that I think they look cool. That's more than enough reason to get one And here is what Dan Young has to say about that, and I quote; "Staking the gas key on the AR-15 and M-16 carrier. There has been a lot of talk about the pros and cons of staking the gas key on the carrier. Here is our opinion and why Young Manufacturing will not stake keys. We have been making carriers since 1991. The US Mil Spec. assembly drawing requires the carrier key to be staked. Contrary to some popular opinions staking does not “SEAL” the gas key. Staking keeps the screws from backing out Period. If you do not properly torque the screws to 56 inch pounds you will be staking a screw that is loose or one that is over torqued and prone to breakage. We have seen plenty of staked screws that are loose or broken. The Mil Spec. also calls for the gas key bottom surface to be “SEALED” with Permatex gasket sealer. Something no one does to our knowledge. Here is our procedure for installing a gas key. First clean the oil from the gas key and the mating surface on the carrier. Then clean the oil from the screw threads. We use break cleaner for this. Next use a very light coating of Permatex high strength thread locker gel on the bottom of the key. PN 27010. This is much easier to use than the Permatex gasket sealer. It comes in a plastic twist dispenser. Make sure you don’t use so much that it squishes into the gas port hole. The cure rate is 60 minutes. Next coat the screw threads with the same gel. Install the key and torque the screws to 56 inch pounds. Should you decide to remove the key for some reason don’t use the old screws when you put the key back on! You will most likely break them during installation or when you fire the rifle. Go to the local hardware store and buy new 10-32 x ¼” SHCS. If you feel the need to stake the screws spend the money and get one of the staking tools from Brownell that uses a screw type system to swedge the material into the top of the screw. Don’t use a hammer and a punch! You can stretch the thread on the screw and now you have a loose screw that will eventually break if the gun even fires. We will not warrantee a carrier with a staked key no matter who staked it. You will be charged for a new key and any labor required to remove broken screws. Good Shooting! Daniel H Young President" Bill |
| I've seen that in another thread. I never thought that staking was meant to seal the gas key––just to keep the screws from backing out. It seems like as long as it is properly torqued (not too tight or loose), it's a good idea to also stake it so they can't come out. |
| I have a bunch of them. Young, Baer, DPMS, Colt, and Rock River. The only ones that have given me the slightest problem are two of my Rock Rivers. On the face of the bolt carrier, right around the opening where the bolt goes in, there is some slight flaking taking place. It does not extend to the edge of the bolt opening and are just pin-holes, but those two from RR are the only ones that have given me any concern at all. I have three or four other RR chromed BCs that are just fine. |
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