The AR-15 Gas Tube Stainless Steel 160300011 is a genuine Colt rifle-length gas tube, built from mil-spec stainless steel for long-term reliability in duty, defensive, and high-round-count AR-15/M16 platforms. Designed as a standard AR-15/M16 rifle gas tube, this Colt OEM component is ideal for new builds, retro clones, and replacing worn or corroded gas tubes on any rifle-length gas system.
Colt Rifle-Length Stainless Gas Tube – Mil-Spec Quality
This part is listed by Colt as the “AR-15 Gas Tube Stainless Steel Rifle” and is manufactured to mil-spec standards in stainless steel.
Key construction features:
Manufacturer: Colt
Gas System Length: Rifle-length
Overall Length: 15 1/8" (standard rifle gas tube length)
Material: Stainless steel
Specification: Mil-spec AR-15/M16 pattern
Made in USA
If you’re building or maintaining a rifle-length AR-15 or M16-style upper, this tube gives you the correct length and geometry straight from Colt.
What the Gas Tube Does – and Why Quality Matters
On a direct-impingement AR-15, the gas tube is a critical component of the gas system. Its job is to channel hot gas from the barrel’s gas port back into the upper receiver and into the bolt carrier key, cycling the action.
Using a properly spec’d gas tube helps ensure:
Reliable cycling with a wide range of 5.56/.223 loads
Correct gas timing for smooth recoil and reduced parts wear
Long-term durability under high heat and fouling
Because the gas tube lives in a high-temperature, high-corrosion environment, stainless steel mil-spec construction is a big advantage—especially on rifles that see hard use or outdoor exposure.
Stainless Steel Durability for Hard-Use ARs
Unlike basic carbon steel tubes, this stainless steel gas tube is engineered to resist:
Heat and flame erosion from repeated firing
Corrosion and rust from moisture, cleaning solvents, and carbon fouling
Metal fatigue from long-term thermal cycling
Colt’s stainless, mil-spec build helps maintain internal gas flow and structural integrity over thousands of rounds—ideal for duty carbines, training rifles, and defensive ARs.
Correct Fit for AR-15, M16, and AR-15/M4 Rifle-Length Systems
According to Colt’s own product data, the AR-15 Gas Tube Stainless Steel 160300011 is specified for:
That means it’s an excellent choice for:
Standard 20" rifle-length AR-15/M16 uppers
Retro-style builds modeled after classic M16A1/A2 rifles (with rifle gas systems)
Any rifle-length upper that uses a standard AR-15/M16 gas system layout
Note: This tube is rifle-length, not carbine, mid-length, or pistol. Always match the gas tube length to your barrel’s gas system (rifle, mid, carbine, etc.) for proper function.
Ideal for Builds, Upgrades & Maintenance
The Colt Stainless Rifle-Length Gas Tube 160300011 is perfect for:
New builds: Completing a quality rifle-length upper with trusted Colt gas system parts.
Upgrades: Swapping out unknown or low-quality tubes on factory or budget rifles.
Maintenance & repair: Replacing gas tubes that are bent, badly fouled, or heavily eroded from years of use.
Because it’s a true Colt OEM part, you can trust the dimensions, bend profile, and port location to be right the first time, reducing tuning headaches in your gas system.
Easy Drop-In Installation (With Basic AR Tools)
For most rifle-length AR-15/M16 uppers, installing this gas tube is a straightforward process when you have the right tools:
Fits standard rifle-length gas blocks/front sight bases
Uses the typical gas tube roll pin (not included, typically reused or purchased separately)
Compatible with most mil-spec and quality aftermarket rifle-length handguard setups
As always, ensure the tube is properly aligned with the gas port and carrier key, and verify function and gas seal after installation. If you’re not comfortable working on the gas system, a qualified armorer or gunsmith can perform the swap quickly.
Technical Specifications – AR-15 Gas Tube Stainless Steel 160300011
Product Name: Colt AR-15 Gas Tube Stainless Steel Rifle
Manufacturer: Colt
Product / SKU: 160300011
Material: Stainless steel
Finish: Stainless (natural)
Gas System Length: Rifle
Overall Length: 15 1/8"
Platform Compatibility: AR-15, M16, AR-15/M4 rifle-length gas systems
Construction Standard: Mil-spec AR-15/M16 gas tube
Country of Origin: Made in USA
Why Choose the Colt AR-15 Stainless Rifle Gas Tube (160300011)?
If you’re serious about reliability and longevity in your AR-15 rifle build, the AR-15 Gas Tube Stainless Steel 160300011 stands out because it offers:
Genuine Colt OEM quality with mil-spec dimensions and stainless construction
Correct rifle-length (15 1/8") gas tube for 20" and other rifle gas system barrels
Superior heat and corrosion resistance compared to basic carbon steel tubes
Proven compatibility with AR-15, M16, and AR-15/M4 rifle-length platforms
For builders, armorers, and enthusiasts who want a reliable, set-and-forget gas tube from one of the most trusted names in the AR world, this Colt stainless rifle gas tube is an easy upgrade and a smart long-term investment in your rifle’s performance.
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