AR15 bolt won't slide all the way into bolt carrier

[DavidB2]

I got a Ruger AR 556 and I'm trying to clean it. I took the boat out of the bolt carrier easily enough; but now the bolt will not go back into the bolt carrier all the way. It's like the sleeve we're firing pin fits is the problem Any ideas on how to fix the problem?

 

[briansmithwins]

Does this one have gas rings on the bolt or is the gas piston up front by the sight?

Gas rings sticking can happen, rotate the bolt while pushing it in. Also look for burrs or bent gas ring.

BSW

 

[ugaarguy]

The tail of the bolt fits into a fairly small channel in the carrier, and the gas rings should be pretty tight too on a new rifle. You may have to rotate and wiggle the bolt a bit, and don't be afraid to put a little pressure on it.

Also, make sure you aren't trying to the firing pin retaining pin back in before the bolt and then the firing pin are back in the carrier.

 

[DavidB2]

It's gas impingement gas rings on the bolt. It's never been fired I don't know why I can't get the boat to fully slide back into the sleeve of the bolt carrier.

 

[DavidB2]

It's just not going in no matter how much pressure I put on it. I haven't put the pin back in so that's not the issue. Maybe it's a design flaw? I just don't know why everything was fine until I took it apart. I can't put the cam pin back and unless it goes all the way into the sleeve. Very frustrating

 

[DavidB2]

Fixed it. Guess it was tight because it's new

 

[briansmithwins]

A drop of oil on the rings can help too.

BSW

 

[Hardtarget]

'ATTA BOY! I saw your post and started reading...and I knew you'd have figured out the problem before I'd get to the end.

Feels good, doesn't it?

Mark

 

[DavidB2]

I've never taken an AR15 bolt carrier apart before so I didn't want to force it too much. Just a firm push against kitchen counter and it went right in. Sure it will get easier once fired.

 

[MrCleanOK]

The inside diameter of the bolt carrier has a beveled shoulder. Past this shoulder, the diameter is smaller than the expanded outside diameter of the gas rings. To get the gas rings past the shoulder, you have to push hard enough to compress them. It will get easier as the gas rings wear in.