BamaSteve Posted June 20, 2017 Report Share Posted June 20, 2017 For those who need one.It isn't easy to make and is time/tooling intensive - expensive; due to the material involved but it is available. (Turn your existing parts-kit into a functional/valuable rifle once again).I have successfully made a replacement Op-rod using the existing piston-head and spring out of t304 SS rod and my rifle is now fully functional.Details available to those paid/wanting one made for them.Have a good day.Steve.http://www.xcrforum.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HPRA Posted July 30, 2017 Report Share Posted July 30, 2017 I'm interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted August 2, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2017 Check your PM box. Let me know what you need and I'll look into it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted August 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 3, 2017 UPDATE - 8-3-2017:After testing with milsurp 3300fps and hand-loaded 2700fps 55gr ammo I have determined that the stock RECON gas system is over-gassed as you cannot turn down the gas venting adjustment enough to make the rifle fail to feed.This indicates that the rifle is beating its-self to death.This is why OpRods break (Aside from machining tolerances).I have a solution in the works which will increase the adjust-ability of the gas regulation system so that it actually functions as intended and reduces wear/recoil.If everything goes well, I will have replacement OpRod springs available as a result.This is an awesome rifle; it just doesn't have 50+ years of service and refinement like the AR15 design does.Stay tuned if interested . . .Best!Stevehttp://www.xcrforum.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted August 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2017 I was just-now cleaning the original Op-Rod spring on the RECON kit and it broke-off a piece of spring about a 1/2" from the end while gently running a soft nylon brush on a rod down its interior.This is another indication of being over-gassed as the spring is being crunched against the end-stop travel of the BCG and compressing it beyond its designed travel limits.Good thing I am working on replacement springs at this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted August 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2017 OK, Ive done the experimentation with the FAL OUTER recoil springs and while they can be made to make the rifle function for a while they are too weak for the application.As they are shortened in order to allow the carrier to impinge upon the recoil plate, they yield less spring tension. (Down to around 10 lbs after clipping 11 coils which is far lower than the ~ 15 lbs of the original spring).The diameter of the wire and the pitch/spacing of the FAL OUTER spring provides far less resistance than the original spring and thus, weaker. No Go.I''m going to consult a spring manufacturer next and see what it will cost me to have custom springs made in several spring pressures so we can get these rifles shooting like they were intended.The gas relief/adjustment system configuration at the gas-block has me concerned as it will be difficult to tune due to the gas flow but we obviously need stronger springs.Later.Let me know if there is any interest in this as it will affect the quality of my effort going forward.Steve. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalbert Posted August 9, 2017 Report Share Posted August 9, 2017 There is interest. Thank you for your posts. David Albertdalbert@sturmgewehr.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted August 10, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 10, 2017 Thank-you for your feedback, David. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted August 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2017 Update 8-12-2017:I have been working the spring calcs and have a spring manufacturer involved and we both conclude that the original OpRod spring design was a trade-off between just getting the rifle to function and its reliability. (The gas adjustment system is not effective as designed as it offers little to nothing in the operation of the rifle as far as I am able to determine).The springs as designed are over-stressed for the application, so they are going to fail.They need to be replaced as needed and are a maintenance part - I would suggest that they are replaced after every 4 ~ 5 K rounds fired if they last that long.Frequent and prolonged mag-dumps are going to reduce the life expectancy of the spring due to heat.There is only one solution for this which requires a complete OpRod/Spring assembly redesign which I have conceptualized but the manufacturing of that product will be cost prohibitive.I will, as a hobby attempt to complete the redesign and manufacture the parts for my own rifle but cannot see this limited market bearing the expense to make it worthwhile as something which can be brought to those owning these rifles in any quantity.Too much manufacturing time/tooling/material waste and cost to make a perfect OpRod.So, since the rifle runs (and not optimally) I will focus upon making original replacement copies of OpRods and Operating Springs in the stock/original configuration for general purchase knowing that these parts will need replacing at some regular interval.Best to have extra parts, IMO.The next thing that I see which is going to fail is the Bolt-camming boss and that is not going to be easy to make nor come-by . . .I still need feedback concerning the gas system adjust-ability and its effects upon the rifles' function - post the info as you are able - Can you make it fail to cycle on a setting of "5" on the gas regulator?Tell me, please.Thanks & best wishes,Steve.http://www.xcrforum.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted August 16, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 16, 2017 UPDATE 8-15-2017: I have spent too many hours running calculations in order to match the original RECON OpRod spring characteristics using other materials/spring designs than Piano Wire and it cannot be done.It just isn't going to work.This (Piano Wire) is what the rifle was originally designed around and you cannot make it better (functionally) by substituting a different material.Call my effort "Reverse Engineering" but it is what it is. (Alex is said to be an assh-le - But If I were to have tried and successfully made a new combat weapon for the general public during the Assault Weapons Ban Era and someone got on my back about ANYTHING; I WOULD be an assh-le TOO!) http://www.xcrforum.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.pngThe OpRod spring is a wear/maintenance part and you just have to deal with that. (Keep it clean and dry and it will last).Looks like I can get them made but it is going to cost me dearly to get a run done - If I buy 50 at a time I get a pretty good deal.How much interest is there here or that you guys can help us create?Let me know otherwise I'll hang this effort up . . .Thanks, & Best wishes,Steve.http://www.xcrforum.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalbert Posted August 18, 2017 Report Share Posted August 18, 2017 Do you have a ballpark price? David Albertdalbert@sturmgewehr.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted August 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2017 Do you have a ballpark price? David Albertdalbert@sturmgewehr.com David, I think $20 each plus packaging and shipping costs of $10 for a total of $30 shipped should make it worthwhile. This spring will be made of music wire and yield 14 lbs which should make the gas system adjustable again. Thanks, Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalbert Posted August 19, 2017 Report Share Posted August 19, 2017 I would want one at that price. David Albertdalbert@sturmgewehr.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted August 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2017 Great! I placed an order for 50 and they should be here for my testing in 3 ~ 5 weeks from the manufacturer. I'll keep you posted, here. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted September 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2017 Update 9-11-2017:Springs should arrive early next week for testing/tuning.Stay tuned . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted September 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2017 Update 9-20-2017:50 custom made Recon Op-Rod springs are now here in my hands!They are definitely stiffer than the originals and fit both the original and my newer design op-rods perfectly.Field testing and tuning tomorrow with another update to follow.Best! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted September 23, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2017 Update 9-23-2017:New op-rod springs work splendidly after initial testing.If you need/want to buy one or more, just post here or should I start a new thread concerning payment and shipping details? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalbert Posted September 23, 2017 Report Share Posted September 23, 2017 BamaSteve, Go ahead and post the details in this thread. Thanks! David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted September 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted September 25, 2017 Thanks, David. M96 RECON Op-Rod Springs can be had for $30 shipped via USPS by contacting me using a PM (Private Message) from this board.PayPal GIFT payment preferred. Other options are available. Contact me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrostyEOD Posted October 16, 2017 Report Share Posted October 16, 2017 I'll take 5. I PM'd you.Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted October 16, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 16, 2017 Thanks Chris! When you get these springs and test them would you be so kind as to post back your findings here? Best! Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrostyEOD Posted November 2, 2017 Report Share Posted November 2, 2017 (edited) Here's a pic of the new op-rod, and the original op-rod. Edited November 2, 2017 by FrostyEOD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted November 2, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 2, 2017 Excellent pic and it answers my questions perfectly! Thanks, Chris. Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrostyEOD Posted November 3, 2017 Report Share Posted November 3, 2017 I was guessing at what you would want to see, looks like I got lucky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaSteve Posted November 30, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2017 Looks like the op-rod and springs fit both the early model Carbine rifle gas system as well as the later model RECON system. This is great news! Did you ever take it out and shoot it? I'm still waiting for your results . . . Best! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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