07-26-2011, 10:50 PM
I think the aligned gas rings on the bolt is a well-debunked myth, since the rings collapse when the bolt is forced into its slot in the bolt carrier. It's something that barracks lawyers have passed-on from Drill Sergeants and who knows who else.
While on the subject, your gas rings should be replaced every 2,000-4,000 rounds in a 5.56 gun if you shoot high-volume. You can test the serviceability of your gas rings and BCG by extending the bolt all the way in its most forward position, and place the BCG vertically on a flat surface, with the bolt face down, so the whole unit stands on the bolt face. If the bolt rotates and pushes into its recess from the weight of the bolt carrier, you need new gas rings.
While on the subject, your gas rings should be replaced every 2,000-4,000 rounds in a 5.56 gun if you shoot high-volume. You can test the serviceability of your gas rings and BCG by extending the bolt all the way in its most forward position, and place the BCG vertically on a flat surface, with the bolt face down, so the whole unit stands on the bolt face. If the bolt rotates and pushes into its recess from the weight of the bolt carrier, you need new gas rings.