AR pistol shrapnel

[Not the ATF]

I just built an AR pistol (legally) and I'm having trouble when firing. About once every 2 to 3 shots I'm getting shrapnel to the face. Could this be the type of ammo I'm using, the cheap BCG, over-gassing, or is it something I should just get used to with a short barrel (7.5" with a KAK blast forwarding device)?

[Devilmonkey89]

Have no clue, but nice user name haha

[Calico1404]

Sounds like gas, are you shooting left hand?
That KAK makes the gas blow forward.

Did you check your spent casings for damage? Is the rim being ripped off?
Are you sure you are not just feeling the blast since your face is only 14"-18" from the KAK? Did you build the upper or buy it?

Standby for the experts.

[Not the ATF]

I was thinking gas, might need to buy a pigtail tube. I'm shooting right handed, the casings look normal with no extraordinary wear and tear (so to speak). I built my own upper (per CA regs), and I bought the KAK after I shot it the first time with just a birdcage, I thought it was just the blast too, no change but better sound mitigation (I recommend it). One other thing to note was the BCG, the extractor broke my most recent trip to the range, which is why I think you're right about gas.

[Calico1404]

Was your barrel a builder barrel? Just a standard run of the mill? I have experienced the ports not being wide enough. Perhaps if you are going to mess with your gas set up you may consider an adjustable block, be able to regulate the pressure yourself. I also run a heavy T2 buffer in my pistol, it seems to reduce the bounce back as well.

Again, standby for the pros, there are a few really knowledgeable smiths/builders on this forum.

[Nguyen]

I just built an AR pistol (legally) and I'm having trouble when firing. About once every 2 to 3 shots I'm getting shrapnel to the face. Could this be the type of ammo I'm using, the cheap BCG, over-gassing, or is it something I should just get used to with a short barrel (7.5" with a KAK blast forwarding device)?

Thank god you said you made it legally. I was about to call 911 to make a report.

[Not the ATF]

Thank god you said you made it legally. I was about to call 911 to make a report.

Whew! Man that was a close one.

[CoopsDad]

You can buy a PRI GasBuster charging handle that'll stop the thing from spitting gas in your face.

[Skip_Dog]

GasBuster is a go... Do not want gas in the face.

[Jaybird]

Just wear a welding mask. GTG.

[CoopsDad]

Or just close your eyes when you're firing.

[jimbo74]

GasBuster is a go... Do not want gas in the face.

youtube it, you can make your own with rtv for free

[SoldierLife7]

I was thinking gas, might need to buy a pigtail tube. I'm shooting right handed, the casings look normal with no extraordinary wear and tear (so to speak). I built my own upper (per CA regs), and I bought the KAK after I shot it the first time with just a birdcage, I thought it was just the blast too, no change but better sound mitigation (I recommend it). One other thing to note was the BCG, the extractor broke my most recent trip to the range, which is why I think you're right about gas.

[Quiet]

I just built an AR pistol (legally) and I'm having trouble when firing. About once every 2 to 3 shots I'm getting shrapnel to the face. Could this be the type of ammo I'm using, the cheap BCG, over-gassing, or is it something I should just get used to with a short barrel (7.5" with a KAK blast forwarding device)?

Thank god you said you made it legally. I was about to call 911 to make a report.

Whew! Man that was a close one.

If the OP built it legally, then it wouldn't have a functional gas system since it would need to operate as a bolt-action single-shot pistol or as a break-open single-shot pistol. [PC 32100(b)]

[Beelzy]

Might be unburned powder, especially if it feels like particles hitting you.