Gas Tubes for AR-15s
A gas tube is an essential AR-15 component. As a gas-operated system, your AR-15 relies on gas pressure created and expelled while firing to cycle. The gas tube transports these gases, ensuring the system works properly.
Upgrade your AR-15 with an aftermarket gas tube from Wing Tactical. We carry gas tubes from industry-leading brands that offer superior performance and durability to ensure your firearm cycles reliably in any circumstance.
How Do Gas Tubes Work?
The gas tube in an AR-15 is part of the firearm's gas impingement system. In this system, the primer ignites the powder inside the casing, creating an explosive reaction that propels the bullet. The pressure and energy produced by the explosion operate the system through a cycle involving three main parts — the gas block, gas key and gas tube.
The gas block sits over a port in the barrel to collect the gases generated by firing and direct them through the gas tube. The gas tube then forces these gases back through a hole in the upper receiver and into the gas key, which is part of the bolt carrier group (BCG). The force of the gas pushes the BCG backward, allowing the extractor to pull the spent shell from the chamber for ejection.
The BCG continues its backward travel — recocking the hammer along the way — until it fully compresses the buffer spring, at which point the spring pushes it back into battery.
Essentially, the gas tube provides a secure path for the gases to travel from the gas block to the gas key so the action can cycle. Without the gas tube, the system wouldn't work.
Unless your firearm was custom-built, it likely has a low-grade stainless steel gas tube. By upgrading to an aftermarket gas tube, you can promote your AR's continued performance and longevity.
Brands We Carry
At Wing Tactical, we maintain an inventory of market-leading products. Our selection includes AR-15 gas tubes from top brands like:
- Aero Precision
- WMD Guns
- Odin Works
- Strike Industries
- Riflespeed
- Spike's Tactical
Gas Tube FAQs
What materials are gas tubes made of?
Most AR-15 gas tubes are made from 304 stainless steel. This material offers good heat and corrosion resistance and gives the tube an attractive silver appearance.
Some gas tubes have a Melonite® coating. Melonite® is a thermochemical treatment that enhances the surface properties of steel parts. It increases the gas tube's hardness and improves its corrosion and wear resistance while also giving it a sleek, black finish.
Other gas tubes have a nitromet finish. Nitromet is a next-generation Melonite® coating that offers a better wear profile than standard Melonite® finishes. It also creates a harder surface and has an element of self-lubricity that helps keep the gas tube clean.
What lengths of gas tubes are there?
There are four common gas tube lengths:
- Pistol-length: A pistol-length gas tube is 6.75 inches long. It's used with pistol-length barrels measuring 10 inches or less.
- Carbine-length: A carbine-length gas tube is 9.75 inches long. It fits carbine-length barrels falling between 10 and 16 inches in length.
- Mid-length: A mid-length gas tube is 11.75 inches long. It's used with a mid-length barrel of 14 to 18 inches.
- Rifle-length: A rifle-length gas tube is approximately 15.125 inches long. It's used with a rifle-length barrel that ranges from 18 to 20 inches.
Why Buy AR-15 Gas Tubes From Wing Tactical?
At Wing Tactical, we make it easy for you to find and afford the best AR parts and accessories available. We also strive to give you a superior customer service experience by offering:
- Satisfaction guarantee: The Wing Tactical team wants you to be totally satisfied with everything about shopping with us, from our prices to product quality to customer service. We're always here to answer your questions and help you find the right products. We also maintain a 30-day, hassle-free return policy to ensure you get the items you need.
- Top-notch inventory: The experts at Wing Tactical carefully select each item in our inventory to ensure it meets our high quality standards. Anything you buy from us comes with our personal seal of approval so you can shop with confidence.
- Fast shipping: We know how important it is to receive your AR-15 parts in a timely manner. That's why we offer next-day shipping on all orders to get your items delivered quickly.
- Military and law enforcement discounts: We offer exclusive deals to military members and law enforcement personnel. As a veteran-owned company, we're proud to cater to our fellow service members and police officers.
Purchase AR-15 Gas Tubes From Wing Tactical
Take your rifle setup to the next level with an aftermarket gas tube from Wing Tactical. If you have any questions, reach out to us today.