Gunsmith Part 16: Troubleshooting AR-15 Feeding Issues

Introduction

The AR-15 platform remains one of the most popular and versatile firearm designs in the world. Its modularity and widespread availability have made it a favorite among recreational shooters, hunters, and law enforcement personnel. However, like any mechanical device, the AR-15 can experience malfunctions. A particularly frustrating and potentially dangerous issue is a failure to feed, where the rifle fails to properly chamber a new round. In previous installments of our Gunsmith series, we’ve covered topics like basic firearm cleaning, stock replacement, trigger upgrades, and optics mounting. Moving beyond basic maintenance, this installment aims to provide a guide to diagnosing and resolving common AR-15 feeding issues, ensuring your rifle functions reliably when you need it most. Becoming familiar with how to maintain your AR-15 is important to keep it safe for future use.

It’s important to begin with a critical disclaimer. Gunsmithing work, even troubleshooting, can be dangerous if not performed correctly. Always ensure your firearm is unloaded, remove the magazine, and double-check the chamber before beginning any disassembly or repair work. Wear appropriate eye protection. If you’re uncomfortable performing any of these procedures, seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith. Mishandling firearms can lead to serious injury or even death. Prioritize safety in every step of this process.

Understanding the Feeding Cycle

Before diving into specific troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to understand the AR-15’s feeding cycle. This cycle involves several components working in harmony:

• The Magazine: Stores cartridges and presents them for stripping.
• The Bolt Carrier Group (BCG): Contains the bolt, firing pin, extractor, and ejector, responsible for stripping, chambering, locking, firing, unlocking, extracting, and ejecting.
• The Feed Ramps: Guide the cartridge from the magazine into the chamber.
• The Chamber: Where the cartridge sits before firing.

A malfunction in any of these areas can lead to a feeding issue.

Magazine Problems A Primary Culprit

The magazine is often the first suspect when diagnosing feeding issues. The AR-15 magazine is a complex component with a spring, follower, and feed lips all working together. Magazines endure a great deal of stress, so even a high-quality mag will degrade over time. Here are some frequent magazine related issues that impact the functioning of your AR-15

• Worn Springs: Over time, magazine springs can weaken, reducing their ability to push cartridges up reliably. This can cause cartridges to be presented at an incorrect angle, leading to failures to feed.
• Damaged Feed Lips: The feed lips are the top edges of the magazine that hold the cartridges in place. If they become bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged, they may not release the cartridges correctly, causing them to jam.
• Incorrect Ammunition Type: Using ammunition that is out of spec, too long, or too short can lead to feeding problems. Using the correct type of ammunition is paramount for proper functioning.
• Dirty Magazines: Dirt can get into a magazine and cause all kinds of feeding issues. The dirt can get between the shell casing and the magazine body causing the cartridge to get stuck or at least slow down the feeding of the round.
• Poor Magazine Construction: Not all magazines are created equal. Sometimes, inexpensive magazines suffer from poor construction and tolerances, leading to unreliable feeding.

How to Test a Magazine

Visual inspection

Look for any obvious signs of damage, such as bent feed lips, cracks in the magazine body, or a damaged follower. Disassemble the magazine and inspect the spring for any signs of corrosion or weakening. Check the follower for cracks or deformation.

Function Testing

Load the magazine to its full capacity and then depress the follower through the feed lips. The rounds should feed smoothly. If the rounds have issues with being loaded into the magazine by pushing them down through the lips of the magazine, then the functionality of the magazine could be a problem. Eject the rounds one by one from the magazine by pressing down on the next round, and see if there are any issues with rounds being ejected.

Testing with a Different Magazine

If you suspect a magazine issue, try using a different, known-good magazine. If the problem disappears, you’ve likely identified the culprit.

Cleaning

Disassemble the magazine and clean all components thoroughly with a solvent, taking care to remove carbon deposits and grime. Once it is all cleaned and reassembled, repeat the function testing above to see if the magazine functions as it should.

Extractor Problems

The extractor is a small, but crucial, component located on the bolt. Its job is to grip the rim of the spent cartridge and pull it from the chamber after firing. If the extractor fails to do its job, it can cause a double feed or a stovepipe malfunction.

• Worn Extractor Spring: The extractor spring provides tension to keep the extractor engaged with the cartridge rim. Over time, this spring can weaken, leading to failures to extract.
• Broken or Damaged Extractor: The extractor itself can break or chip, especially if exposed to excessive wear and tear.
• Carbon Buildup: Carbon buildup around the extractor can prevent it from properly gripping the cartridge rim.
• Incorrect Extractor Tension: If the extractor tension is too weak or too strong, it can lead to extraction failures.

Diagnosing Extractor Issues

Visual Inspection

Inspect the extractor for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or excessive wear. Check the extractor spring for any signs of weakening or breakage.

Function Testing

With the bolt carrier group removed from the rifle, manually push the bolt forward into the barrel extension. The extractor should snap over the rim of the cartridge. Try to pull the bolt back. The extractor should hold the cartridge firmly. If the extractor slips, it may be worn or the spring may be weak.

Replacing an Extractor

Replacing an extractor is a relatively simple process:

1. Ensure the firearm is unloaded and safe.
2. Disassemble the bolt carrier group.
3. Remove the extractor retaining pin.
4. Remove the old extractor, spring, and any rubber o-ring (if present).
5. Install the new extractor, spring, and o-ring (if applicable).
6. Reinstall the extractor retaining pin.
7. Reassemble the bolt carrier group.

Feed Ramp Issues

The feed ramps guide the cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. If the feed ramps are damaged, dirty, or improperly aligned, they can cause feeding issues.

• Damage or Deformity: The feed ramps can become damaged or deformed due to wear and tear or improper handling.
• Carbon Buildup: Carbon buildup on the feed ramps can create a rough surface, making it difficult for cartridges to slide smoothly into the chamber.
• Misalignment: If the feed ramps are not properly aligned with the chamber, they can cause the cartridge to jam.

Diagnosing Feed Ramp Issues

Visual Inspection

Inspect the feed ramps for any signs of damage, such as dents, gouges, or excessive wear. Look for any carbon buildup or other debris.

Function Testing

Visually inspect the alignment of the feed ramps with the chamber. Ensure that there is a smooth transition between the magazine and the chamber.

Polishing (Use With Caution)

If the feed ramps are rough or have minor imperfections, you can try polishing them with a polishing compound and a soft cloth. However, be careful not to remove too much material, as this can worsen the problem.

Chamber Issues

The chamber is where the cartridge sits before firing. If the chamber is dirty, damaged, or out of spec, it can cause feeding issues.

• Dirt and Fouling: Dirt, carbon buildup, and other debris can accumulate in the chamber, making it difficult for cartridges to seat properly.
• Damage or Corrosion: The chamber can become damaged or corroded due to wear and tear or improper cleaning.
• Out of Spec: If the chamber is out of spec, it may be too tight or too loose, causing feeding problems.

Diagnosing Chamber Issues

Visual Inspection

Inspect the chamber for any signs of dirt, fouling, damage, or corrosion.

Cleaning

Thoroughly clean the chamber with a chamber brush and a solvent. Ensure that all dirt and fouling are removed.

Chamber Gauges (Advanced)

If you suspect that the chamber is out of spec, you can use chamber gauges to check its dimensions. This is an advanced procedure that should be performed by a qualified gunsmith.

Ammunition Considerations

Always use high-quality ammunition that is properly sized and loaded for your AR-15. Using cheap or improperly loaded ammunition can lead to feeding issues and other malfunctions.

• Check for proper sizing and seating.
• Avoid reloaded ammunition unless you are certain of its quality.
• Use the correct bullet weight and type for your rifle.

Other Factors

Several other factors can contribute to AR-15 feeding issues:

• Gas System Problems: Insufficient gas pressure can cause short stroking, where the bolt does not travel far enough back to fully eject the spent cartridge and pick up a new one.
• Buffer Weight: An incorrect buffer weight can cause the bolt to cycle too quickly or too slowly, leading to feeding problems.
• Lubrication: Insufficient lubrication can cause friction and impede the smooth cycling of the bolt.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting AR-15 feeding issues requires a systematic approach. By carefully examining each component of the feeding cycle and following the diagnostic steps outlined above, you can often identify and resolve the problem. Remember to prioritize safety at all times and seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith if you’re uncomfortable performing any of these procedures. Understanding the mechanical workings of your AR-15 is critical for responsible gun ownership and ensuring its reliable performance. Don’t overlook your AR-15 during routine maintenance. Stay tuned for Part seventeen, where we’ll explore advanced AR-15 customization techniques and delve into even more complex maintenance tasks. By prioritizing safety, meticulousness, and continuous learning, you can confidently maintain and troubleshoot your AR-15, keeping it in optimal working condition for years to come. Remember, firearm maintenance is an ongoing process that requires dedication and attention to detail.