BCG issue

[N3Hd3LS]

Went to the range on Sunday. Cleaned the guns today after work then noticed this on one of the BCG's. The bolt head snapped off.

I've emailed the manufacturer.

What would have caused this?

[technique]

That's actually quite common.

It could have been many things, but since you didn't mention anything out of the ordinary happening while at the range and only noticing later-
most likely a faulty screw. Possibly over torqued upon installation, possibly under tightened and movement in the key caused it to shear.

Without a MOACKS to re-stake, I'd wait to see what the manufacturer says or offers-

[technique]

If you note anything else out of place (gastube, the portion within the upper) it may be something else entirely. If not, probly like I said above.

[miwxq]

Which mfg.?

[GM4spd]

That's one I haven't seen in almost 50 years of using ARs. Pete

[Nathan Krynn]

It could have been many things, but since you didn't mention anything out of the ordinary happening while at the range and only noticing later-
most likely a faulty screw. Possibly over torqued upon installation, possibly under tightened and movement in the key caused it to shear.

Without a MOACKS to re-stake, I'd wait to see what the manufacturer says or offers-

What he said.

BTW see what the manufacturer says when you contact them before throwing them to the wolves. Remember there are only a handful of places that actually make anything and everyone else re-brands it so this most likely is not their fault.

[alks207]

Which manufacturer?

[Heretodaygonetomorrow]

Over-tightened when torqued, defective screw, dropped?

Who knows or can tell for sure?

Get two new screws and drive on.

[Nathan Krynn]

What he said.

BTW see what the manufacturer says when you contact them before throwing them to the wolves. Remember there are only a handful of places that actually make anything and everyone else re-brands it so this most likely is not their fault.

P.S. I do not make BCG's nor sell them, but do know how.

[Munny$hot]

What he said.

BTW see what the manufacturer says when you contact them before throwing them to the wolves. Remember there are only a handful of places that actually make anything and everyone else re-brands it so this most likely is not their fault.

Your make all the "Top Tier" fan boys cringe when they hear the truth.

[N3Hd3LS]

Over-tightened when torqued, defective screw, dropped?

Who knows or can tell for sure?

Get two new screws and drive on.

Getting two new screws doesn't exactly solve the problem. I'd rather not tackle the problem on my own without confirming if there was error on my part. I wouldn't even know how to remove the other half of the bolt still screwed into the gas key. Hence the reason I brought it to the forum looking for advice.

The manufacturer did respond this morning and is in the process of sending me the return information. As far as repair or replacement I don't know yet.

Thanks everyone for your help. I'll update as necessary as this progresses.

[Nathan Krynn]

Your make all the "Top Tier" fan boys cringe when they hear the truth.

Exactly.

Take for instance the company with the M-16 .mill contract FN. They make barrels. They do not make BCG's, uppers, lowers, etc, etc. I know where the first three are made (not me). The BCG's we used to sell were made at the same facility as FN's.

Also I read the FUD that some companies don't pay to have the "extras" done like HPT or MPI, that is 100% not true. For instance I make/made lowers for over 170 companies, some small and some of those "top tier" companies I read about but if a mom & pop shop asked me to not QC stuff to make it cheaper we tell them no that's not going to happen. No other manufacturer is different as we all talk to each other.

It makes me laugh every time I read "top tier" as most of them do not make a single thing or if they do its one or two components.

EDIT: BTW I am not saying some places do not source crappy parts (like from china), so typically the "top tier" companies sources good American high quality suppliers.

[Nathan Krynn]

Getting two new screws doesn't exactly solve the problem. I'd rather not tackle the problem on my own without confirming if there was error on my part. I wouldn't even know how to remove the other half of the bolt still screwed into the gas key. Hence the reason I brought it to the forum looking for advice.

The manufacturer did respond this morning and is in the process of sending me the return information. As far as repair or replacement I don't know yet.

Thanks everyone for your help. I'll update as necessary as this progresses.

My guess is they will just replace it and then get a replacement from their supplier. That's what I would do.

To fix it you would need to drill/tap out the broken screw and then put a new grade-8 fastener, torque it, then stake it (just to ensure it won't back out if under torqued)

[Heretodaygonetomorrow]

When the head of a screw or bolt breaks off, the stress is relieved and the remaining threaded portion can often be unscrewed without any effort.

Nothing is keeping the remaining threaded portion of the screw in (unless it was locktited). Try putting anything against the end of the threads and turning it out.

[peppermintman]

Went to the range on Sunday. Cleaned the guns today after work then noticed this on one of the BCG's. The bolt head snapped off.

I've emailed the manufacturer.

What would have caused this?

What you guys think of the staking??? I just think it wasnt t orqued or tightened at all.

Who made it