AR-15 safety selector question

[swingpress]

Does your AR-15 allow you to move your safety to "safe" while the bolt is to the rear?

I've got a DPMS based AR-15 that will not allow the selector to be moved from "fire" to "safe" with the bolt to the rear. I first have to send the bolt home, then I can move the selector to "safe" then pull the bolt back if I want it on safe with the bolt open.

I'm pretty sure the M-16a2 doesn't exhibit this behavior... At least I don't recall and think I would have noticed.

 

[lycanthrope]

Mine do. "Safe" can be engaged in any bolt position.

 

[Detritus]

Mine moves freely from fire to safe with the bolt locked open, and it was built using a DPMS Lower Parts Kit (lower receiver guts).

on an AR the ability to move the safety lever should be based on hammer position. ie if the hammer is not in the fired position then you should be able to move your selector.
sounds like something weird is jamming the safety in the "Fire" position until the hammer stops against the disconnector.
I'd take the upper off and use my off hand to cycle the hammer through the entirety of it's range of motion while checking the ability of the lever to be moved.
If not for being two in the morning, and having to be up in just a few hours, i'd go check my own and let you know, but alas life intervenes

good luck with it.

 

[Caimlas]

My RRA does that. It always has, as far as I know. I believe most other ARs I've handled also do that, but I could be mistaken.

In other words, safety can only be engaged when the hammer is back.

 

[1911 guy]

Hammer position.

Detritus is right. Selector movement is based on where the hammer is. Cocked, the selector should move. The only position the selector should not move is bolt foreward and hammer foreward (fired).

 

[RevolvingCylinder]

As long as the hammer is cocked, any AR15, M16, or M4 variant's selector can be moved to safe. This goes for the M16A2 as well.

 

[Onmilo]

There is probably a burr on or misdimension of the bolt carrier.
Bolt back and hammer at full cock that safety should engage, it is a function test M16 rifles must pass before they are deemed field servicable.

Quick check to see if it is the safety or the carrier is to replace the safety with another safety selector.
If the problem persists it is likely a fault with the bolt carrier. HTH

I forgot to ask if you installed the bolt in the bolt carrier correctly?, extractor on the ejection port side

 

[swingpress]

Detritus,

Good insight. It's actually related to the hammer position, not the bolt position. Now it makes sense. Thanks!