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Posted: 8/27/2007 5:51:07 PM EDT
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Are the carbine length gas systems on an m4 carbine make it less reliable and cause more wear? just been reading a few posts and seems like some ppl dislike the carbine length gas system because of those issues. iv never had any major problems with my rra entry tac, not to say i wont in the future but is it true it causes more internal wear on the bolt/bcg ? just trying to find out, thanks -Russ |
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From what I've read from the posts of some obviously very well informed people here, seems like the extractor upgrade and a getting a heavier buffer helps a lot at rather low expense. I have both upgrades, going to the H buffer to see how it works and heavier if necessary. Seems like the ammo fired is important as well. This may be problematic, since all I can get presently is the .223 Rem rather than the military 5.56mm. |
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Here's my take... The AR likes to have the gas port to muzzle distance the same no matter the gas system. This means a 14.5" carbineM4/military, 16"mid-length, and 20" rifle. All things being equal a 16" carbineM4rgry/civilian will overgas. Combining this with a semi-carrier only compounds "abuse". The "fix" is a H-buffer and full auto carrier. As far as the military goes, I bet the M4 gets more rock and roll time....more wear. edited for spelling 
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Gas is in the system from the time it passes the gas port hole until it leaves the muzzle. You are altering this distance(approx. 6.7") with a 16" carbine gas system(8.2"....1.5" more than a 14.5" carbine or 16" middy or 20" rifle) To visualize, a 16" carbine won't mount a bayonet a 14.5" carbine, 16" middy, and 20" rifle will. That's the difference |
| Pretty much the only wear I notice when I clean my Bushmaster M4gery with a 14.5" barrel is on the buffer face. I clean the carbon off the internals and upper receiver and it still looks like new. I have at least 2000 rounds through it, no detrimental wear on anything. I also have to say that it's almost as reliable as my AK, the weak link is the mags. |
Would you say your preference is affected by weight, gas system difference, velocity? I only have one Colt, a 6920...but could have had a 6921. |
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I run regular everything in my 14.7" upper right now with no issues but I plan on upgrading the extractor spring and adding an O ring. If you are really worried you could add a heavier buffer which will help the longevity of your weapon. Always use good ammunition, at least that is my thinking. The M4 is a very reliable weapon system, a mid-length is a bit less violent on the recoil of the bolt but the carbine length gas system is a fine design. |
| An LMT enhanced carrier will cut down on fouling..increase dwell time until chamber pressure is at almost zero like a 20" rifle wich makes extraction easier...aside from that ive never had any reliability problems before upgrading I just have more piece of mind knowing the parts ive chosen help make it more like a full size rifle performance wise and I like that because the 20" rifle is what the original design is based on...its nice to have the more violent carbine system operating within the same parameters as the rifle. |
What do they do to it to enhance dwell time, increase the weight?? |
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My M4 has a 14.5" barrel, "Enhanced" Carrier, H-Buffer and that't it. It runs on everything I have ever fed it. From hot 5.56mm to underpowered Wolf. That rifle has never failed to cycle. Please keep in mind that the Military is not restrained by NFA. They can request weapons in whatever configuration they want, then put them through hellatious testing. They are only concerned with function and dollars. They are not going to deploy a weapon system that beats itself to death. |
You will never get that carbine lenght gas rifle to the point of heat induced wear on components. the carbine length cause more wear, but not to the point a avg. civilian shooter will need to worry about. as long as you use quality parts your carbine will serve for years to come. I have components that have more then 10k rds throuogh them, hard shooting abusive rds. they still tick reliably. |
I second that. My M4gery went over 15,000 rounds before even the bolt broke. I think maybe the hammer spring got weak around 10k. Other than that it ran like a champ. |
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