GDownRange
Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2011
- Messages
- 130
So I built my first AR-15. I did it because I like to tinker with things. I followed a hodgepodge of videos from the usual sources e.g. Brownells, Midway. I really enjoyed the internet research, and actual assembly. Unfortunately my first attempt was not a success because the rifle is not locking back on the last round.
First trip to the range I fired 20 rounds of .223, one round in a mag, 20 times. The rifle never locked back. If I pulled the charging handle with an empty mag installed the bolt locked back every time. I brought the gun home cleaned it thoroughly. I didn't see any damaged parts, or any wear outside of the charging handle.
Second trip to the range I fired 46 rounds using a combination of .223 and .556, with 12 different mags, and the bolt never locked back. I started out with the adjustable gas block tightened all the way down. The bolt stayed locked and the gun functioned like a single shot. Pulling the charging handle back locked the bolt open as expected. I started opening the gas block about 1/2 a turn and firing a round. As soon as the bolt opened and ejected a round, the bolt did not lock back. I then kept opening the gas block in 1/2 turn increments and fireing a round until the gas block was completely open. The rifle ejected the round and returned to battery on every shot. For six shots I kept my head up to watch the ejection angle. All 6 rounds ejected around 3 o'clock.
Based on what the various internet sources say, it seems I have a gas issue. Can anyone who has built their own AR and had a similar problem give me advice on the steps I should take to trouble shoot?
I have a 16" barrel with a mid-length gas system and an Odin Works adjustable gas block. If any other specs or details are needed please let me know.
First trip to the range I fired 20 rounds of .223, one round in a mag, 20 times. The rifle never locked back. If I pulled the charging handle with an empty mag installed the bolt locked back every time. I brought the gun home cleaned it thoroughly. I didn't see any damaged parts, or any wear outside of the charging handle.
Second trip to the range I fired 46 rounds using a combination of .223 and .556, with 12 different mags, and the bolt never locked back. I started out with the adjustable gas block tightened all the way down. The bolt stayed locked and the gun functioned like a single shot. Pulling the charging handle back locked the bolt open as expected. I started opening the gas block about 1/2 a turn and firing a round. As soon as the bolt opened and ejected a round, the bolt did not lock back. I then kept opening the gas block in 1/2 turn increments and fireing a round until the gas block was completely open. The rifle ejected the round and returned to battery on every shot. For six shots I kept my head up to watch the ejection angle. All 6 rounds ejected around 3 o'clock.
Based on what the various internet sources say, it seems I have a gas issue. Can anyone who has built their own AR and had a similar problem give me advice on the steps I should take to trouble shoot?
I have a 16" barrel with a mid-length gas system and an Odin Works adjustable gas block. If any other specs or details are needed please let me know.