[Commander47]

Been shooting these things for over 30 years and never had a short stroke.

After going to the range and wondering why the old AR starting short stroking, not ejecting, but cocking and then reloading the spent brass I took out the gas tube.

err, this can't be right

 

[blackrifles]

Commander,

Upper been on an M-16 (used?) or bump fired a lot? If not, you just got a defective tube.

 

[Pvt.Joker]

Chewing gum ain't gonna fix that one...

 

[Commander47]

haha, how bout a little J B weld?

I was really surprised to discover this. Actually, surprised but relieved at the same time. I'm glad that's all it was, and I'm glad it didn't ruin the weapon.

It is in such an odd place. Just about right under the barrel nut. I was looking for a burr or something that might have beeen biting or chafing it, but couldn't find anything.

The gas tube itself looks practically brand new except for that GAPING HOLE.

I always seem to read on the AR 15/M 16 forums where people have short cycles issues and have always been happy I never had that problem.

My recommendation to anyone would be to check the bolt first, then just take out the gas tube. It's only 10.00 for a new one. So not even that much damage to my wallet.

Just can't get my Blimpie today.

 

[57Strat]

Is that gas tube a factory Colt gas tube, or was it aftermarket?

 

[Commander47]

this is a factory Colt gas tube from a new upper. It is an old upper, but was new nonetheless. This must have had a crack in it is all I can figure.

 

[Dubiousone]

Don't it was fluid like solvent or something in the tube. Wrong kinda hole. That looks like a crack that got blowed bigger by the gas or maybe it was really really hot and failed. Wierd. Ain't never seen one do that before!

I've seen M-16's shot so much the handguards melted and the gas tube was RED HOT but never had one go BOOF like that!

 

[mjlynch71]

gas tube

I took my PD M4 full auto out a while back, and after a beta mag, and four, 30 round mags one after another to see it it would stand up to it, the handguards melted together, and the gas tube up near the front site, got glowing red that it melted and looped down to the side of the barrel. After it cooled down enough to hold the barrel, I fired another mag thru it and still fired. It now has a new gas tube. It was an upper I had laying around that I put on the full auto lower.