How to Identify Malfunctions in Your AR-15

When it comes to firearms, proper maintenance and care are essential to ensure their reliable performance. The AR-15, a popular rifle among gun enthusiasts, is no exception. Like any mechanical device, the AR-15 can experience malfunctions that may hinder its functionality. In this article, we will discuss how to identify common malfunctions in your AR-15 and provide tips on how to address them effectively.

1. Failure to Feed

One of the most common malfunctions in an AR-15 is a failure to feed properly. This occurs when a round fails to enter the chamber of the rifle correctly, resulting in a misfire. There are several reasons why this might happen:

• Dirty or fouled ammunition: Make sure your ammunition is clean and free from debris.
• Improper magazine seating: Ensure that the magazine is inserted properly into the rifle.
• Weak magazine spring: Replace the magazine if the spring is worn out or damaged.

If you experience a failure to feed, try clearing the chamber, inspecting the ammunition and magazine, and checking for any obstructions in the rifle’s action.

2. Failure to Eject

Another common malfunction in an AR-15 is a failure to eject spent casings after firing a round. This can be caused by several factors:

• Dirty or fouled chamber: Clean the chamber thoroughly to ensure smooth ejection of spent casings.
• Weakened extractor spring: Check the extractor spring for signs of wear and replace if necessary.
• Overgassed system: Adjust the gas system on your AR-15 to prevent excessive pressure that may cause failures to eject.

If you encounter a failure to eject, inspect the chamber, extractor spring, and gas system for any issues that may be causing the malfunction.

3. Double Feeding

A double feed occurs when two rounds are fed into the chamber simultaneously, causing a jam in the rifle. This malfunction can be frustrating and dangerous if not addressed promptly. Common causes of double feeding include:

• Weak or damaged magazine spring: Replace the magazine if the spring is no longer providing sufficient tension.
• Improperly sized or damaged ammunition: Use high-quality ammunition that meets industry standards.
• Dirty or fouled chamber: Clean the chamber thoroughly to prevent double feeds from occurring.

If you experience a double feed, clear the jammed rounds carefully, inspect the magazine and ammunition for issues, and clean the chamber to prevent future malfunctions.

4. Failure to Fire

A failure to fire can occur when the trigger is pulled, but no round is discharged from the rifle. This malfunction can be caused by various factors:

• Defective firing pin: Inspect the firing pin for damage or wear and replace if necessary.
• Weakened hammer spring: Check the hammer spring for signs of fatigue and replace if needed.
• Improperly seated ammunition: Ensure that each round is properly seated in the chamber before firing.

If you encounter a failure to fire, check for issues with the firing pin, hammer spring, and ammunition seating before attempting to fire another round.

5. Stovepipe Jam

A stovepipe jam occurs when a spent casing fails to eject properly and becomes trapped in the ejection port of the rifle. This type of malfunction can be caused by:

• Weakened extractor spring: Replace the extractor spring if it is no longer providing sufficient tension.
• Dirty or fouled ejection port: Clean the ejection port thoroughly to prevent stovepipe jams from occurring.
• Weak ammunition ejection: Adjust your gas system to ensure proper ejection of spent casings.

If you experience a stovepipe jam, clear the jammed casing carefully, inspect the extractor spring and ejection port for any issues, and adjust your gas system as needed to prevent future jams.

6. Conclusion

Maintaining an AR-15 requires vigilance and attention to detail to ensure its reliable performance. By being aware of common malfunctions such as failure to feed, failure to eject, double feeding, failure to fire, and stovepipe jams, you can effectively identify and address issues that may arise with your rifle. Regular cleaning, proper maintenance, and thorough inspection of your AR-15 will help prevent malfunctions and keep your firearm in optimal condition for years to come.

Remember that safety should always be your top priority when handling firearms. If you are unsure about how to address a malfunction in your AR-15 or encounter persistent issues despite troubleshooting efforts, seek assistance from a qualified gunsmith or firearms expert for professional help.