AR-15 bolt/carrier question

[The Rabbi]

I am attempting my first build of an upper. I have the bolt (fully assembled AFAIK) and the carrier (less the cam and firing pin). Duncan Long's book talks about the bolt "snapping into" the carrier and then freely moving back and forth. Mine does no such thing. I can insert it but it doesnt snap. Becaues of the friction it wont drop out but that is not the same thing. What am I doing right/wrong? Thanks.
The search function on ar15.com is worthless.

 

[PMDW]

Nothing. It's fine.

I work on M16s all day and I've never seen a bolt "snap" into place.

 

[Powderman]

Rabbi, a suggestion...

Upon assembly, make sure that you put a good coat of oil on the outside of the bolt. Also, lube the locking lugs.

Finally, don't forget a bit of oil in the bottom and inside of the carrier, and one drop in the carrier key.

I have found what I believe is the optimum firearms lube for internal applications. It is called Microil, and is available from Kano Laboratories. Do a search for them, they are the same folks that make Kroil. They have a really neat website and some good products, too.

Good luck on that build! Post pics.