Staking An AR

Shotgun693 · August 7, 2012, 08:34 PM

I was told to stake, or check the staking, on a part in my new AR. Of course I didn't have a clue as to what they were talking about. Can someone tell me and or show me?

Creeper · August 7, 2012, 08:47 PM

It's not super uber critical for a civilian rifle, but there is a right and a wrong way to stake the gas key screws. A proper stake job will look something like this Colt BCG.

While this Rock River is pretty weak.

Of the two... which do you think is most likely to have a screw loosen?

Cheers,
C

DnPRK · August 7, 2012, 08:52 PM

Remove the magazine and clear the chamber.

Remove the bolt carrier group.

On top of the bolt carrier, there is a gas key held in place by two allen screws.

A properly staked gas key displaces metal to keep the allen screws from loosening.

bigkrackers · August 7, 2012, 08:58 PM

Staking is done to the screws on some AR parts to prevent the screws from backing out.

Some AR makers properly stake the screws and other don't. Just depends on the quality of the gun maker.

Why were you told to check?

YouTube has video and google had pictures.

Shotgun693 · August 8, 2012, 10:46 AM

I mostly mess with the older guns and clones. I got an AR for Home Defense and to shoot Zombies. Not knowing the gun means I ask opinions from those that do.

Shotgun693 · August 9, 2012, 10:27 AM

I pulled the bolt out last night and the screws were properly staked, at least they looked ok to me.
Thanks Guys

tobnpr · August 9, 2012, 06:49 PM

When buying parts for our first build, the FFL we were buying some parts from said to just get the BCG with the gas key already installed (and staked). Just not worth the couple of extra dollars to screw with having to stake the screws he said. Though it doesn't look like a big deal, I'm sure it's easy enough to slip and screw it up...

August 7, 2012, 08:34 PM	#1
Shotgun693 Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2011 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 959	Staking An AR I was told to stake, or check the staking, on a part in my new AR. Of course I didn't have a clue as to what they were talking about. Can someone tell me and or show me?

August 7, 2012, 08:47 PM	#2
Creeper Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: Woooooshington Posts: 1,797	It's not super uber critical for a civilian rifle, but there is a right and a wrong way to stake the gas key screws. A proper stake job will look something like this Colt BCG. While this Rock River is pretty weak. Of the two... which do you think is most likely to have a screw loosen? Cheers, C __________________ Shoulder Drive Nicholson Club

August 7, 2012, 08:52 PM	#3
DnPRK Senior Member Join Date: August 24, 2001 Location: LC, Ca Posts: 1,917	Remove the magazine and clear the chamber. Remove the bolt carrier group. On top of the bolt carrier, there is a gas key held in place by two allen screws. A properly staked gas key displaces metal to keep the allen screws from loosening.

August 7, 2012, 08:58 PM	#4
bigkrackers Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 117	Staking is done to the screws on some AR parts to prevent the screws from backing out. Some AR makers properly stake the screws and other don't. Just depends on the quality of the gun maker. Why were you told to check? YouTube has video and google had pictures.

August 8, 2012, 10:46 AM	#5
Shotgun693 Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2011 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 959	I mostly mess with the older guns and clones. I got an AR for Home Defense and to shoot Zombies. Not knowing the gun means I ask opinions from those that do.

August 9, 2012, 10:27 AM	#6
Shotgun693 Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2011 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 959	I pulled the bolt out last night and the screws were properly staked, at least they looked ok to me. Thanks Guys

August 9, 2012, 06:49 PM	#7
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	When buying parts for our first build, the FFL we were buying some parts from said to just get the BCG with the gas key already installed (and staked). Just not worth the couple of extra dollars to screw with having to stake the screws he said. Though it doesn't look like a big deal, I'm sure it's easy enough to slip and screw it up...