In practical terms and for the average avid shooter, is there really a difference? Other than the obvious... straight, well formed and fitting key interface... what sets one tube apart from the others? Not that they are all that spendy or even fail with any regularity, but it's one element of my rifles I admit I haven't done much research on. Have I been overlooking a key element, or... as long as you get gas when you want it, who cares type situation?
On full part by part builds I've generally spent a little more.. say, like for Lantac's or similiar... but I have my share of "PSA" level uppers with OEM provided tubes too.
I've only had 1 tube ever fail on me. It wasn't one of the "budget" builds, though and the blowout was well deseved. Don't ask.
Some questions come to mind.
Can degredation be measured? What to watch for? What's a reasonable life expectancy? Only replace as needed or is there a round count where a person might consider swapping a functional tube out to ensure future reliability?
If you are choosy about your tubes, what exactly are you looking for when deciding and why?
On full part by part builds I've generally spent a little more.. say, like for Lantac's or similiar... but I have my share of "PSA" level uppers with OEM provided tubes too.
I've only had 1 tube ever fail on me. It wasn't one of the "budget" builds, though and the blowout was well deseved. Don't ask.
Some questions come to mind.
Can degredation be measured? What to watch for? What's a reasonable life expectancy? Only replace as needed or is there a round count where a person might consider swapping a functional tube out to ensure future reliability?
If you are choosy about your tubes, what exactly are you looking for when deciding and why?