Crossed Gas Tube Experiment

msgriff

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Feb 10, 2021
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Does anyone remember an experiment done a number of years ago, where someone (I believe an FFL07) bolted/clamped two identical AR-15s together, then crossed the gas tubes? The handguards were removed and two custom made gas tubes were used so that rifle "L" would cycle the BCG in rifle "R" when "L" was fired, and vice versa. This was done to see if bore pressure was required to cycle the BCG after the bolt unlocked, similar to a blow-back PCC, or if the gas delivered solely through the gas tube was sufficient.
 
Tromix Siamese .223

1692151599962.jpeg



They also did a Trimese
1692151692037.jpeg
 
Tromix Siamese .223

View attachment 8205818


They also did a Trimese
View attachment 8205822
That was it. Thanks!
 
So, the conclusion- as the Siamese m-16 functions(ed)- is that the gas tube imparts sufficient momentum to the system to cycle the weapon in the absence of residual bore pressure.
It would short stroke until the gas ports were opened up, so residual bore pressure does play a role, but not an insurmountable one for that particular set-up.

ETA: the function aspect turned out to be an obstacle to overcome, the original intent of the build was influenced more by beer.
 
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