AR question

[zstephens13]

I have had my AR for quite a while now and have just noticed something: when i slam a magazine home with the bolt locked back, it slams forward. To test it, i locked the bolt backed and hit the empty magwell with my hand with the same results. Hitting the buttstock will do the same thing.

Is this normal?
I'm just unsure...

Thanks for your help.

Z

 

[Broken11b]

It's pretty much going to happen. Hitting the buttstock will slam the bolt just about every time. Might not always happen on mag changes, but it doesnt really seem like its a problem either.

 

[HorseSoldier]

+1 -- it's can happen, but isn't a 100% occurrence in my experience, meaning my mag change drill has always included hitting the bolt release.

 

[lions]

I would check the bolt catch to make sure there isn't excessive wear. My AR won't do what you are describing.

 

[zstephens13]

Can you foresee an problems with this type of function of the rifle?

 

[lions]

If it doesn't bother you then it isn't really an issue. I don't see any unsafe circumstances that could arise.

 

[Bugflipper]

I have shot quite a few that do that. My current issues do not, nor do the ones at home. Nothing to worry about unless it is a pet peave.

 

[ultradoc]

I remember in basic training doing rifle drills. The bolts would be locked back and we would do...now I can't remember what the drill was called but we would lower the M-16 [butt first] to the ground and the bolts would slam forward. So this is normal for your AR.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Same thing usually happens to my Makarov when I slam a magazine in there. The slide closes if I do it too hard.

 

[navyretired 1]

The back of the bolt stop is worn or the spring is weak. I doubt it is a weak spring as it's already pretty weak to start with.
They're is also possibility the rounds bouncing in mag are hitting bolt stop as normally only follower is required to activate, not that strong of hit, making it bounce and release bolt.
It might not hurt anything but I would replace stop anyway. to prevent marking up receiver I knock roll pin half way out from the rear and cut off with cut-off wheel in Dremel, then push out more and cut again if necessary ( not usually) them replace with new roll pin new bolt stop with padded Vice Grip pliers.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

Sometimes it happens because the gun is new. Lots of people's bolt catch's need to be worked in a little.

 

[average_shooter]

I'd say it's not a problem to be concerned about.

Take the upper receiver off and play with the bolt catch a little. The spring in the bolt catch makes the catch drop into the lower receiver, it doesn't serve to hold it in the "up" position at all. What holds the catch in the "up" position is just the force of the action spring pushing the bolt carrier against the stop.

Any time there isn't that friction, the catch will return to it's normal (down) position. For example, when you slam in a magazine, or hit the butt against the ground, the bolt might move back a little bit, enough to drop the catch and allow the bolt to move all the way forward.

 

[RainDownmyBlues]

My BCT M16A2 did it, my issued M4A1 did it, even my SDM M16A4 Semi-only did it.

It's perfectly normal, and is intended I believe. Get any AR or M16, lock the bolt back, and jab something solid with the stock- the bolt with slam forward.

Completely normal. You have nothing to worry about

 

[X-Rap]

Keep it pointed in a safe direction when you slam the mag home or bounce it on the ground.
My H-Bar does it with a very light tap but the others don't have a problem at all.

 

[EyebrowZing]

Take the upper receiver off and play with the bolt catch a little. The spring in the bolt catch makes the catch drop into the lower receiver, it doesn't serve to hold it in the "up" position at all. What holds the catch in the "up" position is just the force of the action spring pushing the bolt carrier against the stop.

Any time there isn't that friction, the catch will return to it's normal (down) position. For example, when you slam in a magazine, or hit the butt against the ground, the bolt might move back a little bit, enough to drop the catch and allow the bolt to move all the way forward.

True.
As part of drill practice we would lock our bolts back to practice gently setting the butt on the deck during order arms. Also, I've seen tapping the butt of the weapon as common practice to close the bolt among people accepting (for turn in) more than one weapon at a time.
Interesting fact. With an empty magazine inserted, an M-16 slammed against the ground hard enough will lock the bolt to the rear.