Troy from United States, NJ Public Profile

I bought 5 Cryptic gas keys, with the maganese phosphate coating and chrome lined.

These are advertised as being machined from 4140 billet steel.

Cryptic Coatings states they use thin dense chrome. I’ve read elsewhere the thin dense chrome is “better” and more consistent than the regular chrome lining, but I’m not an expert on this.

So the new keys all appear to be machined perfectly, at least visually. All the gas tube openings are machined crisp and perfect.

All of them gauged perfectly within spec.

So from all the internet searching I did, most companies are vague on descriptions and don’t list actual specs, what grade steel and give generic marketing info.

Upon seeing these in person, the Cryptic keys seem like one of the best available, at least from the 7 that I’ve held. But I have a limited amount of keys I’ve compared these to.

I am eventually getting more for my spare parts inventory, but it looks like I’m sticking with the Cryptic phosphate over anything else available.

The Forward Controls Design buffer retaining pin is quality made, and the tip is just a little bigger than USGI. I use these in every rifle. The only issue is you can’t use these with the buffer tube with the extended lip and slot cut in it, because it won’t fit. I don’t use those buffer tubes anyway because if the bolt carrier got frozen and couldn’t split the upper and lower, you can’t just unscrew the buffer tube to fix because it will be locked in place. Great upgrade for an item that everyone overlooks.

Can’t beat the A5 system and Vltor makes the best buffers. The A5H3 is great for 10.5 and 11.5 barrels. THIS is the buffer to buy!