AP M5E1 short stroking, almost there...but

[Beaglepopz]

Hey all thx for the read!

My rifle is the (infamous?) Aero Precision M5E1 DPMS/LR .308, Upper is 100% Aero assembled 18" ssb, stock gas block, port=.089, Ni.Boron BCG, Lower is 100% Aero assembled came w/ carbine set up, 7"tube, 2.5" buffer (3.745 oz.) and an 11" spring. This rifle is all Aero. 

After all the initial diagnostics of gas block, gas key, ammo (3 types), mags(2), lube checked out, I began researching the buffer assembly. I started with the springco orange, highly recommended it caused further cycling problems, as it measured 11.25". I tried the H and H3 buffer,  both 2.5". Finally found an AR10 spring from LUTH-AR at 9.75", running the H3 buffer, I got good cycling.

It functions but is it right?, I know AR10 "specs" vary so to that I ask...1. Is the (no logo)AP NiBoron bcg longer than the Nitride ones? 2. Is the gas tube length short? Some say the AR15 mid length is .25" +/- shorter than the AR10 mid length tube. 3. What are signs of failure with my current set up? Just run it? BTW the charging handle pull on the stock spring installed by AP was extremely heavy to begin with. AP is being difficult and just shrugs and spews the DPMS platform crap. Again, this rifle 1000% Aero parts and assembly. Thoughts?

 

[Sharpshooter]

You say it functions. I'd say if it's feeding, firing, and ejecting reliably then run it. If it's not, then what's the problem?

[98Z5V]

On 6/18/2020 at 9:18 AM, Beaglepopz said:

 I know AR10 "specs" vary so to that I ask...

 

AR-10 Specs don't vary.  They're exactly the same every time.  The problem is - all this other stuff on the market is not on the Armalite AR-10 Specs. 

Nothing about your rifle is following an AR-10 spec. 

The terminology matters. 

[Beaglepopz]

Thanks for clarifying, just pursuing knowledge and understanding. Thanks for adding yours.

[Beaglepopz]

21 hours ago, Sharpshooter said:

You say it functions. I'd say if it's feeding, firing, and ejecting reliably then run it. If it's not, then what's the problem?

In my limited knowledge, I want to be sure that I haven't made a mistake. Thx for your time!

[Sharpshooter]

@Beaglepopz, you asked for the signs of failure with your current setup. Signs of failure would be:

1. Misfitting parts, so much so that the gun can't work. A mag that won't seat or remain in the rifle would be one example.

2. Failure to feed, either first round or any subsequent round. Lots of different reasons why this could happen.

3. Failure to fire a fed round. Again, lot of different reasons why this could happen.

4. Failure to eject a fired round. You guessed it, lot of different reasons why this could happen.

5. Failure to lock bolt open after last round in the magazine is fired. Lots of different reasons, yada yada yada.

Rather than tell us what you've got and ask what possibly could go wrong (that's a very long list), why don't you tell us what the problem is?