Black Rain Ordnance SPEC15 - AR15 Autopsy (Part 1)

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Owner has decided to use the BRT Gas Tube to correct the oversize Gas Port. All of the parts to make this gun run right will cost about $250. -JP Titanium Firing Pin -Colt FPRP -Colt Receiver End Plate -Sprinco Gas Rings -Sprinco Ejector Spring -Sprinco 5 Coil Extractor Spring -Sprinco Blue Buffer Spring -Sprinco Hammer Spring -SOTAR Carrier Key -SOTAR Spirol Pin Kit -OCKS Carrier Key Screws -BCM Gas Block -BRT Gas Tube

[@seanoneil277]

Thanks Chad. It's interesting how many of those parts you've used, or mentioned, in prior diagnosis and repair videos. Almost as if you know which parts can often be sub-par, and what aftermarket items are best used as replacements! 😉 That shortened buffer spring -- that suggests it was too short to begin, rather than something has compressed it over time, doesn't it? You knew there would be score marks from the BCG striking the lower at the extension tube! This autopsy being so comprehensive, it's almost like a perfect cadaver for teaching the common failure/flaw points. Thanks as always.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

@@seanoneil277 I believe the spring was short for 2 reasons. 1) because it had some use (some cheaper springs can go bad in a few thousand rounds), and 2) it's a cheap spring. Based off of the bore scope (done after the video), the barrel has at least 500 to possibly a couple thousand rounds. It's seen some use, nothing significant though.

[@seanoneil277]

@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle Thank you. I shouldn't be surprised that some assemblers would use a substandard spring, after seeing substandard quality in other parts in your prior videos. Every time I watch one of these autopsies I'm grateful for all that I learned from your SOTAR videos before I assembled my first one. Your SOTAR video library is the next best thing to taking your class, and I took full advantage of the library. These autopsies now feel like confirmation of what I learned from your videos, and how that informed my part choices. Happy 4th to you and your family, Chad. Thanks.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

@@seanoneil277 most companies cut corners with fasteners, roll pins, springs, and buffers. Tungsten for an H buffet is not cheap.

[@silentknights5796]

What BRT gas port size is correct for this rifle? And what do you recommend for a 20" Rifle Length Gas system?

[@immersivecrusader1]

I think the worst thing about this gun is the logo isn’t in enough places. They really dropped the ball there.

[@livefreeprintguns]

The early 90's me would've LOVED all those biohazard logos lmao. 😂

[@AM-en7kx]

Well... It so happen that the buffer is missing the logo. lol Might not be original.

[@luvmechanix]

Utterly clowny

[@operatorsanonymous1741]

I found myself wondering who made it on multiple occasions

[@murphykenji]

😂 underrated comment.

[@NoBrakes23]

Perhaps it would have run more reliably if they had just put a few more BRO logos on it.

[@mikes8948]

They probably wish there were none on this one 🤣

[@EastCoastMan603]

BUT HAVE YOU HEARD OF BLACK RAIN ? YOU KNOW, the popular AMERICAN ORDNANCE COMPANY ?

[@honzordr8517]

If they are anything like horsepower stickers on a car, then I say this is a .338 lapua AR platform

[@DACFalloutRanger]

they were on the verge of greatness

[@willo7734]

LET IT RAIN (chips off of the bolt carrier)

[@chipsterb4946]

To me, the most interesting aspect of this autopsy is how the leaky gas block, loose gas key, and inefficient bolt carrier partially “correct” that gaping gas port. By putting a known-good BCG in the gun, you demonstrated that it wouldn’t run right even with a heavy spring and heavy buffer. This emphasized how the entire system must interact correctly. You also demonstrated how you can chase your own tail unless you understand WHY the gun isn’t running right in the first place. Thanks!

[@seanoneil277]

I like to think of it as a 1-cylinder version of a car engine. If you had a leak in your intake system (carb/manifold interface, manifold/head interface, or along the manifold runs) your engine would be wheezy at best and maybe wouldn't start or stay running if it sparked over. In the AR the gas drives the engine and it needs to be metered properly for all the parts to be happy working together. Otherwise you have a fancy overcomplex bolt gun, with parts meant to work a bit unlike a bolt gun does. Someone up above in a stand-alone comment mentioned the overgassed nature of the huge gas port was offset by the leakage at the wobbly gas key. Either alone would have been a fairly straightforward Dx but together they offset each other and made Dx confounding. Add in the buffer and buffer spring weakness and that's a lawn mower that won't start or won't stay running when it does.

[@willo7734]

heh, I was thinking the same thing right before I read your comment. Interesting how the combo of over-gassed, loose gas block and carrier key is a trifecta of problems that kinda sorta cancel each other out a little. At least it kept the gun limping along for a little while.

[@BARfastauto]

rifle looks used up and the buffer is not factory. No issues here.

[@evokiller3030]

He got the rifle on a trade could it have been abused beforehand or not?

[@Juliankb39]

Damn that charging handle on the detent trick was worth the watch alone. Thank you good sir

[@pythonBlender7]

Can confirm. This channel is a gold mine

[@thomasjtsi]

Right!? Never knew that tip/trick… but it will forever be used now.

[@francislemon7]

Thanks for the comment, I might have missed the tip in the video.

[@annonomis9299]

Time stamp? What trick?

[@ericmckinley7985]

Might be your coolest, most entertaining autopsy yet. Thank you for just running it, br0.

[@bjornegan6421]

Thank you to both of you for doing these. The quality of the content in just production, when the purpose is not to make money, says a lot about both of you; but that the information in these videos is of such a high quality and the result of such investment, and that we can all take advantage of that, thank you very much indeed.

[@onna-day7047]

You're welcome. 😊

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Thank you very much

[@siestatime4638]

42 minutes well spent. The AR is about balance, and learning how minor differences interact is valuable. Thank you.

[@Dukenukem777]

I think the most refreshing thing for me, from this video, was the appreciation for your diplomacy. Most YT gun personalities would have just trashed the maker. You listed your observations , judgement free. That must have been a challenge, so bravo. Happy 4th.

[@mk3driftmotion]

I like how it has BLACK RAIN along the whole handguard as well as every single open space on every part of the entire rifle. LOL

[@seanoneil277]

Always good to brand as "Black Rain" when along comes a QC check to verify it's merely "Pale Drizzle."

[@UrNotThatGuyPal]

Truly a meme tier rifle.

[@Mrgunsngear]

🍿

[@chadh3441]

I really enjoy how thorough you are with your examinations and the detail you go into when describing the issues as you come across them. I always learn something with every one of your videos, and I thank you for that! Cheers

[@craigmccuistion4896]

I learn more watching one of your autopsy videos than I do watching 20, “What is the best AR 15 to buy?“ videos. Thanks!

[@pmorin313]

Great video Chad, I can't image the owner wanting to stay with that barrel...plenty of quality barrels out there that won't break a budget...

[@CplSkiUSMC]

My great appreciation for your expert tutelage. For those willing to learn, the knowledge you present is like food to a starving man. As I continue my journey through custom building and problem diagnostics, your videos serve as my classroom. I have learned a lot about how the gas/BCG/buffer systems work together, but this video just took me up another notch. Friend, you can consider me an apprentice. Thanks again.

[@themightycrixus1131]

"Let it rain".... more like "please let it run!" Thanks for your hard work and sharing your knowledge man. Its extremely valuable.

[@mtnbound2764]

the amount of knowledge displayed here about this particular platform is just astounding! thank you for sharing with us.

[@FreezeFrame175]

bro this is one of the best channels on youtube. such much great info. cheers

[@evnrayash]

“Let it rain” a single drop

[@ravioliformuoli520]

Probably the best video I have ever seen when it comes to trouble shooting an AR, perfectly demonstrates that without the knowledge of how the gas system works and needs to be balanced, you could chase problems on this rifle in a circle. You fix one issue that exacerbates another because how off the balance of the rifle was, I could see this rifle driving someone crazy.

[@TheRealMrBlackCat]

This is so inspiring... I do work on and fab minor parts for my firearms, but I am a general machinist, not a gunsmith. Watching the methods is inspiring, and watching the knowledge/experience involved is humbling. I will continue to apply what I learn from this channel on my existing LR-308's and AR-15 type rifles. I can't wait to compare Colt to Windham to PSA. Thank you for sharing so much knowledge, experience, and wisdom.

[@davenopeapottimus2590]

Impressed that you dont cut away and edit out the little errors. Continuous video says it all when it comes to trusting that someone truly knows what theyre doing.

[@SeattlePaulie]

This is one of your best vids so far! It takes a failure like this to fully understand how all the parts work together and what is required for proper function. Everything clicked when you gauged the gas port...I immediately visualized the entire pathology of the rifle.

[@kanaka118446]

You don't know

[@deltacrew4122]

Loved the video, great insight into how all the parts must come together for a well operating system in the M4 platform.

[@cultcirca]

I gotta say, as a former Naval Architect/Mechanical Engineer who used to work closely with machinists, what you do is exhibit A for why machinists and folks like them are so darn important. Sure, engineers can design something, set tolerances, do fatigue analysis, etc., but if you don't run your design by a machinist or someone who has your type of niche expertise, you more than likely will screw something up. I know because I've done it, to the tune of more money that I will ever admit. All the training and education in the world doesn't compare to hands on no BS experience and the "been there done that" aspect of things. Thanks for sharing this stuff. Now excuse me as I go on to do another AR-15 build with a Nitride BCG!

[@dancarter7009]

Chad, thank you & the Mrs’s so much for another highly informative video! Always love learning more & greatly appreciate the lessons!So excited these videos are back!

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Our pleasure! Thank you

[@dandexinventor]

I lived in Neosho, MO and bought my first AR barrel, a Black Rain. I was hoping for sub MOA accuracy out of it, but it was more like 2 MOA, so I did not buy any more of their products...good thing. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@privatezim3637]

@jaquesrabit8400 probably, but then, statistically, so are you.

[@bethandbillgardner7843]

Thank-you Chad!!! I often “watch” your videos by letting them run in the background (on the TV) while I work on something else. Not this time though! This video helped me identify a problem that I didn’t know I had, and address it BEFORE damage had occurred. When I switched to a Magpul PRS stock on the 3-Gun rifle I use for long-range stages, I grabbed my longest spring and longest buffer out of my parts bin. It was supposedly an “easy” change over… didn’t know my BCG was traveling too far into the extension and the gas key was hitting the receiver. Thanks for the “quarter trick”!!! This is very much one of those “you don’t know what you don’t know” situations. I didn’t serve with the M16/M4 platform and I wasn’t a Gunners Mate anyway. It seemed like an easy change over and it did indeed function. Again, thanks for saving me from woe and damage to the rifle.

[@EarthAltar]

Chad, this is perhaps your greatest video to date.

[@cantgetright4241]

It’s slow at work and these vids get me through the day.

[@marvinbrock960]

After watching an Autopsy… I get paranoid and want to start digging into my builds… measuring everything! 😂 I learn everytime! Thank You brother, for passing along knowledge that you could keep to yourself! A credit to gun culture! 🇺🇸 Less accidents creates less “news”… to be sure.

[@ty1085]

Not sure about everyone else who has one of these rifles but I have one from this company and it’s been an absolute work horse and not once has it given me issues. Maybe I got lucky with a good one but I 100% trust it to work every time I pull the trigger.

[@marvinbrock960]

I appreciate how you show in detail, how tolerance stacking on parts can and will lead to failures..

[@robertfoote3255]

Your evaluation of a entire rifle was Outstanding! So many times you have checked different parts, but this was so much better. It really is the sum of all parts.....good part offset bad.....bad parts make up for the grossly over sized gas port..... Great Stuff! 👍🇺🇸

[@abledemo1]

Learn something new every time I watch one of your videos.

[@ericward9159]

Man, i love watching your autopsy videos. This one had me on the edge of my seat like watching a murder mystery. Cant wait for part 2. Thank you...

[@brian_b_music]

Just got the notification. I wanted a Black Rain Ordinance really bad back in the day, when I first got into AR-15’s. I’m interested to see how this goes.

[@Eastahtata]

Looks like it's a good thing you never got one haha

[@brian_b_music]

@@Eastahtata Yeah that’s what it’s looking like lol.

[@brian_b_music]

@@KeterMalkuthI was a newbie and I was impressed by the roll marks I guess lol. I didn’t really know much about ARs, I just knew I wanted one. Sounds pretty dumb now, that I would have made my whole decision for my first gun on roll marks and advertising. Chalk it up to being young and dumb I guess lol.

[@SouthValleyKnifeCo]

​@@brian_b_musicyep that's exactly who they target for their marketing. Those who don't know better.

[@themightycrixus1131]

"Let it rain".... more like "please let it run!"

[@martinswiney2192]

Learned a lot about AR’s from this video. First how good the guy is that has built all of my AR’s. Never had any of these problems and they all shoot great, at half price of this gun. Plus maybe its more important to spend more time on quality control that on laser engraving the logo on every possible piece of the gun. Thanks for the video.

[@deanormesher7429]

Looking forward to part 2. I do enjoy these videos. Much to learn from them.

[@VRG_HQ]

The mag that comes with this binds up. Mag pull works well and so do the metal ones from the Corps. Great video sir

[@jayborges537]

Top notch video as usual. Love learning about all the small tips and details about these rifles and their components

[@mikecabe6127]

Another great video!! I am one of the guys that tries to learn something from every video and this is no exception. Thanks for teaching us!!

[@ThePatriotParadox]

Thanks for continuing to do these and talk through every aspect of the possible problems and how to fix them....have learned more watching your videos over the past few years than anything except getting hands on!

[@thegoodguy729]

The most satisfying and informative video I’ve seen in ages. THANK YOU.

[@bones1x285]

I've watched a couple of your videos now, and I must say you are a good teacher. I have worked on ak's and other machine guns for 3 years and havent done AR's all that much and want to learn. Its funny that my initial gut reaction to this was to just "tighten the buffer tube", but then I always remembered working on AK's. Usually, its not the part that you SEE thats the issue, its something more. And wow, that gas port is INSANE. Usually ak74's run a .74 or .080 gas port and even that is considered "overgassed".

[@bones1x285]

Also, I live super close to BRO and have heard about working there. Its not bad, but it doesnt pay well.

[@jonesey333]

Tons of info here. Thanks Chad, great break down. I had a PSA that had a .93 gas port, some of the same issues this one had.

[@ronald5439]

Hey I was at a gun show and they had a booth . I liked the way the Plankton Ranger looked and handled but something told me no . I'm 62 so here is a life lessson ,"Never Impulse buy. Thanks for the video 😎

[@davelogan77]

Another amazing video.

[@tommcfarland5368]

The Chad we all strive to be

[@stormshot119]

I love these longer videos. Maximum knowledge and comfort

[@livefreeprintguns]

I'm in the middle of building my first AR-15 with a 3D printed lower receiver and a freedom rifle kit from Palmetto State Armory... videos like this have been super helpful to carry me through, thanks for making!

[@spacecaesar7619]

Wouldn’t bother with the 3D printed lower, longest me and the boys have ever been able to get one to run is about 500 rounds. Past that point, they break at the receiver extension. Just buy a lower off palmetto, they’re like $160. The government knows where you live and what you buy anyway.

[@cmp9338]

The government also loves when people broadcast on public sites that their building ghost guns from 3D printed devices lmao

[@livefreeprintguns]

@@cmp9338 OH NO SO SPOOKY 👻

[@justindawn3428]

​@spacecaesar7619 I think palmetto had a blem lower for Luke 25 dollars over the weekend

[@nickloven6728]

​@spacecaesar7619 yeah but 3d print design account for failure points. The orca AR15 has a 3d printed upper and a lower, those rifles can run thousands of rounds.

[@pjp1184]

Best AR videos on KZbin. Thanks so much for all the information

[@pdx650]

Instructor Chad, Wow. Thank you for opening my eyes to the extended world of AR maintenance. This video was very educational for me. I am not an armorer of any kind and you certainly do have (and need) some specialized tools that make your determinations very black or white. Kudo's to you. Please keep these videos coming.

[@terrytolentino5459]

I think that your wife does an excellent job with the camera work.

[@JackManiacky]

She does. Sometimes I forget someone else is running the camera because she's always focused on what Chad is talking about. I noticed when Chad was listing all the things wrong and was forgetting something, she would focus on that to give him a hint.

[@onna-day7047]

@terrytolentino5459 Thank you! 😊

[@onna-day7047]

@GentlemenBronco We were laughing about me doing that!! 😂

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Thank you. I believe she is the star of the channel. I wouldn't make videos without her help.

[@onna-day7047]

​@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle🥰

[@fireboyrasmussen1976]

I watch these videos to remind myself I have alot to learn. Thanks for the online classes.

[@tac4bravo]

I do really appreciate this very informative content. Also I do like knowing the manufacturer, I find that is very helpful, to better understand the differences in manufacturing as a consumer and user, and what possible issues might arise.

[@formallyknownasj.a.2074]

Great autopsy. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a rifle this poorly made. HAPPY 4th guys!!!

[@malcolmpalm]

Very thorough, thanks for sharing. Looking forward to Part 2.

[@jcarne1015]

Love your videos. I’ve been working with the AR/M16/M4 platform for many years, but always learn something from your presentations.

[@auroraborealis2393]

This video was very educational. It fired me up to become a gunsmith. Highly enjoyable (for people like me). Keep up the good work.

[@bobcroumlich6888]

Great video Chad. If you get any feedback from Black Rain, please let us know. For a company that pretends to manufacture a "higher end" product this was a pretty brutal smackdown that you just handed them, and rightfully so. I've had a personal opinion that BRO makes guns for people who want a flashy gun but don't intend to actually shoot it, and this video only reinforced that idea.

[@seanoneil277]

Not a "smackdown," the point is not to destroy or crush a company but to diagnose problems. What mindset takes you to where "smackdown" is the idea chosen?

[@bobcroumlich6888]

@@seanoneil277 Did you watch the video Sean? This was about as close to a "smackdown" as Chad will ever give. I understand that it's a "sample size of 1" but as a guy who's handled more than one BRO rifle, I have found them to be very unimpressive, especially considering the price point.

[@seanoneil277]

@@bobcroumlich6888 I'm talking about why you want to see it as a "smackdown." Do you have a beef online with someone who touts that brand, or something? What makes you invest this autopsy with "smackdown" qualities? Who are the boxers in the ring of your mind?

[@bjolly8924]

Price point on this rifle is somewhere between $1200.00 and $1400.00. Black rain ordnance deserves a SmackDown for selling this kind of trash.

[@bjolly8924]

​@@seanoneil277 Why do you want to defend a company that is selling a 1400 rifle with this many quality issues? it's disgraceful I mean it's a perfect example of shoddy workmanship.

[@jackieeastom8758]

Learn something everyday! Thank you for your service to our community!

[@brycemeffert2449]

I have a spec 15 and it ran fine only when I field stripped it I had unusual wear on the bolt…checked head space and it was out of spec from the factory. Reached out to Black Rain and they fixed it and replaced the barrel for good measure with a better .223 Winn barrel all under lifetime warranty. I really appreciate the customer service. Seems like a totally different issue than this gun but just saying they stand by their product

[@grantloucks8265]

Thank you so much for your videos. I learn a great deal when I watch every one of them. Thank you for taking the time to teach us time to teach us.

[@TheTigerak]

Chad! I really enjoying way you educate us! Very well spent time to watch! Thank you!

[@vinceburris2538]

Chad, thanks for making this video I am always learning from you.

[@alallan7584]

Thank you ...after seeing this, I am going back and rebuilding all my AR builds.

[@friartuck103]

How could people not like you. I would chill with you. Especially at the range...

[@brandonmumford9409]

Wow, this is a great video. I suddenly want to get a bunch of gauges and check all my stuff.

[@shadoweng15]

Very very informative. I always learn from your videos. More than usual from this one

[@kentuckyboy541]

Chad, have you ever thought about authoring a quick reference guide with specs, troubleshooting etc? I'd definitely buy one....

[@WhiskeyPete]

This

[@jarrett6174]

This again

[@ryand8024]

I'd buy it the day it comes out.

[@muddybranch1678]

I'd buy one also maybe 2

[@1014p]

You know there is books for AR building with that info.

[@US2A]

I bought one of these, the only reason is because i liked the green camo for my wife. Its pretty generic but i haven't had issues. I did a video on mine compared to my 80 build on my channel. my castle nut was loose

[@joesaad3089]

No equivalent content anywhere else on KZbin

[@stephenjohnson6841]

Another very informative video! Happy Independence Day everyone.Thanks to both of you!

[@jcarne1015]

Speaking of gas ports, I just assembled an upper with a Colt replacement M4 style barrel. When I dimpled the barrel for a lo-pro gas block, I found that the gas port was not at 12 OClock. Closer to 11 viewed from the front. First time I’ve seen that. Good thing I wasn’t planning to use a standard FSB.

[@-jimmyjames]

Always enjoy your deep dives. I mean you even gave the chamber a good ole fashioned pap smear.

[@Tom-qx5nl]

Excellent Video!!! Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to part 2.

[@seanhatch4425]

I know this is just one of BRO firearms. But I have to say I'm glad I passed on this brand AR after watching this. I ended up going with the Springfield Armory Saint Victor instead. I've been real happy with my saint victor as well.

[@SouthValleyKnifeCo]

I'm not sure you made a much better choice. The saints have their own host of QC issues

[@A-SavageRedneck]

Alot of manufacturers should get ahold of this guy and get copies of his gauging.

[@isatoyuy]

Your vids are amazing. I wish I knew about you 10 years ago before I moved away from MD. Keep up the good work.

[@enkayFPV]

thank you for these inspections and explanations. Watching your videos It showed me what to look for as far as wear patterns and what parts I need to be more aware of inspecting more often. learned a lot. Thanks again

[@silentseawolf]

Barnes Precision Machine makes a adjustable gas tube. The adjustment is not on the block, far enough back that the intense heat right at the gas block is much less of an issue. Fixed my over gassed issue, with the option to adjust as needed.

[@1Rankhorse]

Very informative, thank you for taking the time to make this video!

[@BorisYeltzin]

I really would like your input on what manufacturers have the most spec failures from your inspections. I feel that a rating list from you would be one of the most trustworthy sources on the planet and would benefit the consumers in such an inlfated economy.

[@Matt-416]

Woah. I'm won't be buying one of those. I feel bad for the customer. Excellent video, great knowledge, and extremely informative. Thank you again keep the vids coming.

[@terryboone3333]

I love your videos. It makes me want to get all of my ar-15's out and check everything. I think that dust cover flopping around would've drove me nuts.

[@ChristianGrest]

Definitely some issues with this one. Thanks for working through the issues with us. Learned a lot, always appreciated

[@Shackleford_Rusty]

Thanks for putting this out Chad, great content as always

[@FergieThunder]

Im actually about to interview with the company. Im excited and hopefully i get it. I havent really known much about their products specifically, but hopefully i get to learn

[@mikebrown4433]

Is this a joke? 😂😂 I

[@FergieThunder]

@@mikebrown4433 yeah they were fucking terrible about responding

[@jeffprice6421]

With the headspace issue and gas port size, it seems like a new barrel is a good option. Killing off multiple problems at once.

[@SeattlePaulie]

Don't forget the rough chamber and the feed ramps! What they did to that barrel made me cry.

[@OreGear]

The most surprising thing is the staking on the castle nut. The store where I work carries black rain rifles and I’ve never seen a single one with a staked castle nut.

[@seanoneil277]

Only staked when not properly torqued, maybe. 😂

[@ToddDobro]

Thanks for posting this. I appreciate the learning experience.

[@jared.hake_]

Very entertaining and informative. Thanks!

[@DutchMDeacon]

The internet: You can't put lipstick on that pig! Chad: No pig left behind.

[@T_bone]

Always outstanding videos. I personally would not keep a rifle that needed many custom or specialty parts. Sending it back to the manufacturer, I assume was not an option.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

The owner does not trust the manufacturer to make it right.

[@T_bone]

@InstructorChad I would insist they send me a knew rifle. I appreciate you are very adamant about not faulting manufacturers as much as possible. I think this would be a situation to do an exchange. Also a great training opportunity for the assemblers at the manufacturer.

[@SeattlePaulie]

The exchange would still have a 0.089 gas port on a carbine length gas system. And probably a tight magwell to boot. The owner wouldn't be any better off.

[@DPBida]

@@T_bone​​⁠as much as he might not wanna fault manufacturers online and in his videos (which I totally understand) there’s a reason companies like BCA and BRO are so cheap. Cause their QC is atrocious. It’s a simple way of cutting costs. Getting an exchange from them will most likely result in another AR with problems of its own

[@mack9107]

I used the BRT gas tube for my ruger 556. It was definitely the right move as my rifle was over gassed but not as bad as that one. In the end good quality parts are always the better choice. My ruger was my first rifle but I learned a lot from owning a cheaper rifle in regards to the issues they come with when you use them.

[@EC-mc7vg]

It would seem to me since you said the barrel had a fair bit of muzzle erosion and knowing the barrel has a far oversized gas port the proper fix would be a new barrel to get the rifle back to "normal" gas operation levels and using a regular carbine spring and buffer. Seems the severe over gassed problem was beating the buffer, spring, buffer tube, lower receiver and gas key to death, along with prematurely wearing the BCG. A new barrel with a proper gas port size would alleviate all those problems.

[@sue_downing555]

very informative for me, with little skill and tech knowledge that I have about ARs. I feel I can carry forward and use this educational experience. Thanks. Where I come from been buying the cheapest ARs I can get and for yrs and yrs they have all run with no problems. all most nothing ever happened to my rifles that I could not clear up in minutes. Cycle just fine, Go bang 99.9 pct . Luck favors a fool.

[@bizzlebeedizzle3910]

I had a gun on layaway at bass pro a few years back. Got to know a few salesmen there. So they would let me hold whatever guns I wanted while i was there. I held 4 black rain guns all different colors and one was large frame 308. Two of the four buffer tubes were loose like in the vid. The 308 wasn’t staked and could be loosened by hand. Gas key wasn’t staked on two of the guns. Idk just example of four i seen had issues. Id avoid these all day obviously. I’m a colt, bcm, fcd, solgw and lmt guy nowadays. Quality over quantity