How to Tell Type of Gas Ring

[tda003]

I heard that Smith changed the gas ring from yoke to cylinder and back to yoke during the 10-8 series. How can I tell which I have by looking?

I can't find anything in the book.

 

[armorer951]

I've posted photos of the different styles below.....all styles are not identical, but this will give you an idea of what the designs look like.

Gas rings are either press fit into the yoke cavity in the cylinder (removable/repairable), or are intigrated into the front end of the yoke barrel. In my opinion, the gas ring in the cylinder is a much better design, as it is more effective at preventing atomized gasses and shooting debris from getting inside the yoke cavity in the cylinder.


Side by side.....gas ring in cylinder left, on yoke right:



Gas ring on cylinder:



Gas ring on yoke:

 

[Steve912]

Silly Question: is the purpose of the gas ring to resist flame cutting?

 

[tda003]

Thanks very much. That's exactly what I was looking for. I have models 10-6 & 10-8, but I lent the 10-6 to a friend and am unable to compare them side by side.

 

[armorer951]

Steve912.....

The gas ring protects the yoke from temperature extremes, and helps prevent the inevitable deposition of shooting debris and hot atomized material (mostly soot and bullet lubricant) both on the yoke barrel, and inside the yoke cavity of the cylinder.

The gas ring on the cylinder design is much better at doing both of these jobs. (opinion)

 

[bigggbbruce]

The gas ring on the cylinder design is much better at doing both of these jobs. (opinion)

Yeah.. it eliminates the seam where debris would enter into the bearing surfaces..much cleaner..