“Troubleshoot and conquer: A guide to fixing common AR-15 malfunctions”

Failure to Feed

The AR-15 is a popular and versatile rifle that is known for its reliability and ease of use. However, like any mechanical device, it can experience malfunctions from time to time. One common issue that AR-15 owners may encounter is a failure to feed. This occurs when the rifle fails to load a new round into the chamber, causing a stoppage in the firing process.

There are several reasons why an AR-15 may fail to feed properly. One common cause is a dirty or fouled magazine. If the magazine is not properly maintained, dirt, debris, or old lubricant can build up and prevent the rounds from feeding smoothly. To fix this issue, simply remove the magazine from the rifle, clean it thoroughly, and ensure that it is properly lubricated before reinserting it.

Another common cause of failure to feed is a weak or worn-out magazine spring. Over time, the spring in the magazine can lose its tension, causing it to not push the rounds up into the chamber properly. If you suspect that a weak magazine spring is causing the issue, you can try replacing the spring with a new one to see if that resolves the problem.

In some cases, the problem may not be with the magazine itself, but with the ammunition being used. If the rounds are not properly seated in the magazine, they may not feed correctly into the chamber. Make sure that the rounds are loaded into the magazine properly, with the bullets facing the correct direction and the cartridges seated all the way back.

Another potential cause of failure to feed is a dirty or fouled chamber. If the chamber is not clean and free of debris, the rounds may not seat properly and can cause a stoppage. To fix this issue, simply field strip the rifle and clean the chamber thoroughly with a cleaning rod and brush. Make sure to remove any dirt, carbon buildup, or other debris that may be causing the problem.

If none of these solutions fix the issue, there may be a more serious problem with the rifle itself. In some cases, a worn or damaged extractor can cause failure to feed issues. The extractor is responsible for pulling the round from the magazine and into the chamber, so if it is not functioning properly, the rifle will not feed correctly. If you suspect that the extractor is the issue, you may need to replace it with a new one to resolve the problem.

In conclusion, a failure to feed is a common issue that AR-15 owners may encounter, but it is usually easily fixable with some basic maintenance and troubleshooting. By keeping your magazine clean and properly maintained, ensuring that the ammunition is loaded correctly, and cleaning the chamber regularly, you can prevent most feeding issues from occurring. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace the magazine spring or extractor to get your rifle back up and running smoothly. With a little bit of know-how and some basic tools, you can keep your AR-15 functioning reliably and efficiently for years to come.

Failure to Eject

The AR-15 is a popular and versatile rifle that is known for its reliability and ease of use. However, like any mechanical device, it can experience malfunctions from time to time. One common issue that AR-15 owners may encounter is failure to eject. This occurs when the spent casing does not properly eject from the rifle after firing a round.

There are several reasons why a failure to eject may occur. One common cause is a dirty or fouled chamber. When the chamber is dirty, the spent casing may not be able to properly eject, leading to a malfunction. Another possible cause is weak or worn extractor springs. If the extractor springs are not providing enough tension, the spent casing may not be extracted from the chamber.

To fix a failure to eject malfunction, the first step is to ensure that the rifle is unloaded and the safety is engaged. Next, remove the magazine and inspect the chamber for any obstructions or debris. If the chamber is dirty, use a cleaning rod and brush to clean it out.

After cleaning the chamber, check the extractor and extractor spring for any signs of wear or damage. If the extractor spring is weak or worn, it may need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to inspect the extractor for any signs of damage or wear. If the extractor is damaged, it may need to be replaced as well.

Once the chamber is clean and the extractor and extractor spring are in good condition, reassemble the rifle and test fire it to ensure that the failure to eject issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith.

In addition to failure to eject, another common AR-15 malfunction is failure to feed. This occurs when the rifle does not properly chamber a new round after firing. Like failure to eject, failure to feed can be caused by a variety of factors.

One possible cause of failure to feed is a dirty or fouled magazine. If the magazine is dirty or damaged, it may not properly feed rounds into the chamber. Another possible cause is weak magazine springs. If the magazine springs are weak, they may not provide enough tension to properly feed rounds into the chamber.

To fix a failure to feed malfunction, the first step is to ensure that the rifle is unloaded and the safety is engaged. Next, remove the magazine and inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. If the magazine is dirty, clean it out with a brush and some solvent.

After cleaning the magazine, check the magazine springs for any signs of wear or damage. If the magazine springs are weak, they may need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to inspect the feed ramps and chamber for any obstructions or debris.

Once the magazine is clean and the magazine springs are in good condition, reassemble the rifle and test fire it to ensure that the failure to feed issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith.

In conclusion, the AR-15 is a reliable and versatile rifle, but like any mechanical device, it can experience malfunctions from time to time. Failure to eject and failure to feed are two common issues that AR-15 owners may encounter. By following the steps outlined above, these malfunctions can be easily diagnosed and fixed. Remember to always practice proper firearm safety when working on your rifle, and if you are unsure of how to fix a malfunction, seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith.

Double Feeding

The AR-15 is a popular and versatile rifle that is known for its reliability and ease of use. However, like any mechanical device, it can experience malfunctions from time to time. One common issue that AR-15 owners may encounter is double feeding. This occurs when the rifle attempts to feed two rounds into the chamber at the same time, causing a jam and preventing the gun from firing properly.

There are several reasons why a double feeding malfunction may occur. One possible cause is a weak or worn-out magazine spring. If the spring is not strong enough to properly feed the rounds into the chamber, it can result in double feeding. Another common cause is dirty or damaged ammunition. If the rounds are not in good condition, they may not feed properly, leading to a double feeding malfunction.

To fix a double feeding issue, the first step is to remove the magazine from the rifle and clear the chamber. Next, inspect the magazine spring for any signs of wear or damage. If the spring appears to be weak or worn out, it may need to be replaced. Additionally, check the ammunition for any dirt or damage. If the rounds are not in good condition, they should be discarded and replaced with fresh ammunition.

Once the magazine spring and ammunition have been inspected and replaced if necessary, reassemble the rifle and test fire it to ensure that the double feeding issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a professional gunsmith to diagnose and repair the issue.

In addition to addressing the immediate cause of the double feeding malfunction, there are also steps that AR-15 owners can take to prevent this issue from occurring in the future. Regularly cleaning and maintaining the rifle, including the magazine and ammunition, can help to prevent malfunctions such as double feeding. It is also important to use high-quality ammunition and magazines that are in good condition to ensure reliable performance.

In conclusion, double feeding is a common AR-15 malfunction that can be caused by a weak magazine spring or dirty/damaged ammunition. By inspecting and replacing these components as needed, AR-15 owners can resolve the issue and prevent it from occurring in the future. Regular maintenance and proper use of high-quality ammunition and magazines can help to ensure that the rifle functions reliably and safely. If the issue persists, seeking the assistance of a professional gunsmith may be necessary to diagnose and repair the problem. By taking these steps, AR-15 owners can enjoy the reliable performance and versatility of their rifle for years to come.

Bolt Override

The AR-15 is a popular and versatile rifle that is known for its reliability and ease of use. However, like any mechanical device, it can experience malfunctions from time to time. One common issue that AR-15 owners may encounter is a bolt override. This occurs when the bolt carrier group gets stuck behind the ejection port cover, preventing the bolt from closing properly. This can be frustrating, but with a few simple steps, you can quickly resolve this issue and get back to shooting.

When you encounter a bolt override, the first thing you should do is ensure that the rifle is unloaded and the safety is engaged. This will prevent any accidental discharges while you are working on the rifle. Next, you will need to remove the magazine from the rifle and lock the bolt to the rear. This will give you better access to the bolt carrier group and make it easier to diagnose the issue.

Once you have locked the bolt to the rear, take a close look at the ejection port cover. In some cases, the cover may be partially closed, causing the bolt carrier group to get stuck. If this is the case, simply push the cover open with your finger or a small tool. This should allow the bolt carrier group to move freely and close properly.

If the ejection port cover is not the issue, the next step is to check the bolt carrier group itself. Look for any obstructions or debris that may be preventing the bolt from closing. If you see anything blocking the bolt carrier group, carefully remove it with a cleaning rod or other tool. Be sure to inspect the chamber and barrel for any debris as well, as this can also cause a bolt override.

If you have checked the ejection port cover and the bolt carrier group and still cannot resolve the issue, the problem may be with the buffer spring or buffer tube. These components help to absorb recoil and ensure smooth cycling of the bolt carrier group. If the buffer spring is worn or damaged, it may not provide enough tension to properly close the bolt. In this case, you will need to replace the buffer spring and possibly the buffer tube as well.

Once you have identified and resolved the issue causing the bolt override, it is important to test the rifle to ensure that it is functioning properly. Reassemble the rifle, load a magazine, and cycle the bolt several times to make sure that it closes smoothly each time. If you encounter any further issues, repeat the steps outlined above to diagnose and fix the problem.

In conclusion, a bolt override is a common AR-15 malfunction that can be easily resolved with a few simple steps. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can quickly diagnose and fix this issue, allowing you to get back to enjoying your rifle. Remember to always practice proper firearm safety and maintenance to prevent malfunctions and ensure the reliable performance of your AR-15.

Trigger Reset Failure

The AR-15 is a popular and versatile firearm that is known for its reliability and ease of use. However, like any mechanical device, it can experience malfunctions from time to time. One common issue that AR-15 owners may encounter is trigger reset failure. This can be frustrating, but with a little know-how, it can be easily fixed.

Trigger reset failure occurs when the trigger does not properly reset after firing a round. This can prevent the firearm from firing again, which can be a serious problem in a self-defense or tactical situation. There are a few common causes of trigger reset failure, and knowing how to identify and fix them can help keep your AR-15 running smoothly.

One possible cause of trigger reset failure is a dirty or fouled trigger mechanism. Over time, dirt, debris, and carbon buildup can accumulate in the trigger assembly, preventing the trigger from resetting properly. To fix this issue, you will need to disassemble the trigger mechanism and clean it thoroughly. Use a solvent and a brush to remove any buildup, and then lubricate the moving parts with a light gun oil. Reassemble the trigger mechanism and test the firearm to ensure that the trigger resets properly.

Another common cause of trigger reset failure is worn or damaged trigger components. If the trigger or sear surfaces are worn or damaged, they may not engage properly, preventing the trigger from resetting. In this case, you will need to replace the worn or damaged parts. Most trigger components are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, but if you are not comfortable working on your firearm, it is best to take it to a qualified gunsmith for repair.

In some cases, trigger reset failure may be caused by an improperly adjusted trigger. If the trigger pull weight is set too low, the trigger may not reset properly after firing. To fix this issue, you will need to adjust the trigger pull weight to the manufacturer’s specifications. This can usually be done using the adjustment screws on the trigger assembly. Consult your AR-15’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to properly adjust the trigger pull weight.

If you have tried cleaning the trigger mechanism, replacing worn parts, and adjusting the trigger pull weight, but are still experiencing trigger reset failure, there may be a more serious issue at play. In some cases, trigger reset failure can be caused by a damaged or worn buffer spring or buffer tube. If these components are not functioning properly, they can prevent the bolt carrier group from cycling properly, which can affect the trigger reset. If you suspect that this may be the issue, it is best to take your AR-15 to a qualified gunsmith for inspection and repair.

In conclusion, trigger reset failure is a common issue that AR-15 owners may encounter, but with a little troubleshooting and know-how, it can be easily fixed. By identifying the cause of the issue and taking the appropriate steps to address it, you can keep your AR-15 running smoothly and reliably. Remember to always follow proper safety procedures when working on your firearm, and if you are unsure of how to fix the issue, seek the help of a qualified gunsmith.