Staking Bolt-Carrier Key Screws?--FOLLOW-UP PICS ADDED!!!

[blackscot]

Please excuse if this is covered elsewhere, and just steer me to the appropriate thread.

New M&P began short stroking after the first ~150 rounds, which I eventually found to be because the bolt-carrier key had loosened. The key screws had stake marks from the factory, but which obviously didn't hold. A firm twist on each screw was able to seat them about a 16th of a turn deeper than where they had originally been staked. Another 120 rounds were then shot w/o further problem.

The key screws are still holding as re-tightened, but should I re-stake them as well? If so, how?

I'd like this to be a fix-it-n-fergit-it scenario - thanks.

[striped1]

You are in need of the MOACKS.

http://www.m-guns.com/tools.php

this will do it in short order.

[C4IGrant]

Please excuse if this is covered elsewhere, and just steer me to the appropriate thread.

New M&P began short stroking after the first ~150 rounds, which I eventually found to be because the bolt-carrier key had loosened. The key screws had stake marks from the factory, but which obviously didn't hold. A firm twist on each screw was able to seat them about a 16th of a turn deeper than where they had originally been staked. Another 120 rounds were then shot w/o further problem.

The key screws are still holding as re-tightened, but should I re-stake them as well? If so, how?

I'd like this to be a fix-it-n-fergit-it scenario - thanks.

Which model do you have? 15? The BCG is from Stag Arms and they are known for not staking their carrier keys properly.

You need to stake the carrier properly. I do it for a small fee + shipping back if interested.


C4

[rob_s]

Do you mind if I bookmark this thread so that I can direct people to it when they tell me that their half-ass gas key staking is "good enough"?

(nevermind, they'll just think I made it all up just to prove a point)

[blackscot]

You are in need of the MOACKS......

$70 for the "pocket" model, and $155 for the full-magnum -- CHING-CHING ! ! !

A quality tool I'm sure, but seems like a lot to a poor guy for something that shouldn't be a problem in the first place. Can I be a basic shooter without become a cutting-edge gunsmith?

......I do it for a small fee + shipping back if interested......

That seems more do-able -- assuming I opt-out of trying to get S&W to do The-Right-Thing (and not make me wait a year for it.......yeah,right.......).

I may be in contact with you Grant.

[TOrrock]

Randy, I'm going up to visit GotM4 at VA Arms to do some business and hang out.

I'm taking two BCG's to get restaked, if you want I'll take your's as well.

Mine were actually military surplus M16A1's that are MP tested, but the staking job looks like it was done by a blind one armed man......

[Mark/MO]

I can recommend having Grant restake your carrier. He did my M&P15 bolt carrier shortly after I got the gun. My carrier originally appeared to be staked with a chisel or something. Looked correct after Grant was done with it and it runs great. To be honest I did not have any problems before restaking as you did but I feel better about it now.

[BravoCompanyUSA]

Have Grant Mo-Wack it !


We use it here in the BCM shop also.

[blackscot]

.....My carrier originally appeared to be staked with a chisel.......

Mine too, rather than any kind of punch.

[Robb Jensen]

Mine too, rather than any kind of punch.

Send it up with Tim. I'll fix it.