These are the AR carriers I had in our shop at the time. I will add more manufacturers as they ‘come through my hands’ so to speak. Of the brands listed (so far)I would only consider Colt, LMT & BCM 'proper’ staking. Everything else should be restaked with a MOACKS tool by Ned Christiansen. Or at least by using a hammer and punch/chisel moving some metal into the carrier key screws. When the keys shoot loose the AR becomes a single shot or worse as it can try to feed a live round with an empty still in the upper.
Colt
LMT/current S&W have LMT carriers (non-Performance Center models)
BCM carrier
STAG/CMT/early S&W/early Noveske
Bushmaster
Rock River Arms
DPMS
after the use of the excellent MOACKS on Bushmaster carrier
early AR10 carrier where I’ve used a chisel and spring loaded punch to better stake
I’ve had to fix so many of the STAG / CMMG with the top chisel/screwdriver type staking that I just consider them to be witness marks for nothing other than indicating when they’ve moved. Staking isn’t rocket science I just don’t understand why other companies can’t get it right.
Not pictured above but have excellent staking are FN contracted, FN and Alexander Arms.
I just had my smith stake my BM carrier. He just did it with a punch and hammer. It’s not as pretty as ones done with a staking tool, but it’s the same concept.
When in doubt restake. You can’t have TOO MUCH or TOO GOOD of staking on the carrier key, this would be like having TOO MUCH money or TOO MUCH reliability (no such critter).
It sure answered that question for me, Grant – and it helped confirm that my month-old S&W M&P 15 has an LMT BCG with a properly staked key. Thanks, gotM4.
Thanks, gotM4.