griff383
Member
So I did what I do best and didnt read the instructions.
After piecing together all the parts to build my first AR I found a problem, after it was built of course. I took it to the range today and attempted to shot it for the first time. It went bang but didnt cycle, so I adjusted the gas system thinking maybe I switched it to "off" while installing, and tried again. Nothing, bolt barely moved. Immediately I started thinking what could cause the problem and started giving it the once over. I was using Rem factory 55gr FMJ, I always use factory when shooting a brand new firearm, so I was fairly sure that wasnt the problem. I fired a few more and still the same result, time to head home and get it into dry dock.
I pulled the piston, which is really easy to do with the Adams Arms kit, and checked to make sure it wasnt binding or had foriegn matter in the way. Wiped it all down with oil and checked again to make sure it was free to move and adjusted properly, it was. I watched the install video again to verify I did everything correct and to spec. With it all put together I started to look it over hoping to find out what the problem was. In 30 seconds I found it.
There is a shoulder on the piston which holds a spring, the spring has a collar on the other end (see pic). I am using the MI T series free float hand guard which has a barrel nut that is about .75" longer than a standard one. This extra length was pushing the collar back to almost completely compress the spring. There was almost no movement in the piston due to this, AH HA, Eureeka.
After I removed the compensator, gas block, and handguard, I began to assess the problem. I looked it over for a bit to see if I missed something and could remedy the problem easily. I then went to the computer and went to Adams Arms site and looked in the FAQ. Well wouldnt you know it, right there in the "will not work with these handguards" list was my handguard. Should have checked there before buying my parts. They also had a list of handguards that will work with no modifications, FYI. Of course most of the free floats that would work were $300+, so that wasnt really an option.
I narrowed my options down and weighed them, either ditch the handguard I have (which I really like) or switch to DI. Either way I was stuck spending more money with the hopes of selling the parts I already purchased.
Then it hit me, if I just move the shoulder back, the system will be able to operate properly. I looked it over to see if there were any concerns in doing this, I didnt see any and promptly called the local smith. He said bring it in and we'll have a look, so I did.
I brought it in to him and we looked it over, I explained my idea and he agreed that in theory it should fix the problem and there shouldnt be any problems in doing so. The only possible problem he saw is that the collar on the end of the spring might interfere with the inner threads of the handguard because it sits above the threads by a little bit. I checked when I got home and it wont, the top rail is hollow and wont even come close to getting in the way, whew.
Now I wait for him to call and hope the problem is fixed. I will update as soon as I can on this and post pics of the parts affected. If anyone has questions about this I would be more than happy to share my experiences. I also planned on givng Adams Arms a call to let them know if it does or does not work.
After piecing together all the parts to build my first AR I found a problem, after it was built of course. I took it to the range today and attempted to shot it for the first time. It went bang but didnt cycle, so I adjusted the gas system thinking maybe I switched it to "off" while installing, and tried again. Nothing, bolt barely moved. Immediately I started thinking what could cause the problem and started giving it the once over. I was using Rem factory 55gr FMJ, I always use factory when shooting a brand new firearm, so I was fairly sure that wasnt the problem. I fired a few more and still the same result, time to head home and get it into dry dock.
I pulled the piston, which is really easy to do with the Adams Arms kit, and checked to make sure it wasnt binding or had foriegn matter in the way. Wiped it all down with oil and checked again to make sure it was free to move and adjusted properly, it was. I watched the install video again to verify I did everything correct and to spec. With it all put together I started to look it over hoping to find out what the problem was. In 30 seconds I found it.
There is a shoulder on the piston which holds a spring, the spring has a collar on the other end (see pic). I am using the MI T series free float hand guard which has a barrel nut that is about .75" longer than a standard one. This extra length was pushing the collar back to almost completely compress the spring. There was almost no movement in the piston due to this, AH HA, Eureeka.
After I removed the compensator, gas block, and handguard, I began to assess the problem. I looked it over for a bit to see if I missed something and could remedy the problem easily. I then went to the computer and went to Adams Arms site and looked in the FAQ. Well wouldnt you know it, right there in the "will not work with these handguards" list was my handguard. Should have checked there before buying my parts. They also had a list of handguards that will work with no modifications, FYI. Of course most of the free floats that would work were $300+, so that wasnt really an option.
I narrowed my options down and weighed them, either ditch the handguard I have (which I really like) or switch to DI. Either way I was stuck spending more money with the hopes of selling the parts I already purchased.
Then it hit me, if I just move the shoulder back, the system will be able to operate properly. I looked it over to see if there were any concerns in doing this, I didnt see any and promptly called the local smith. He said bring it in and we'll have a look, so I did.
I brought it in to him and we looked it over, I explained my idea and he agreed that in theory it should fix the problem and there shouldnt be any problems in doing so. The only possible problem he saw is that the collar on the end of the spring might interfere with the inner threads of the handguard because it sits above the threads by a little bit. I checked when I got home and it wont, the top rail is hollow and wont even come close to getting in the way, whew.
Now I wait for him to call and hope the problem is fixed. I will update as soon as I can on this and post pics of the parts affected. If anyone has questions about this I would be more than happy to share my experiences. I also planned on givng Adams Arms a call to let them know if it does or does not work.
