Ar9 barrel replacement - no primer strikes. Headspace?

[gidaeon]

My PSA Ar9 doesn’t get any primer strikes (ammo is fine on other guns). I verified bcg/firing pin seem to be working (shoots a pencil out barrel).

Must be a headspace issue? The barrel is a Foxtrot Mike replacement. Any tips of what went wrong? Clearly I am not a gunsmith this barrel was put on long ago but I unfired I’m guessing?

Pictures of barrel/upper and headspace (google hosted):
https://photos.app.goo.gl/tPaCn9WtvgLRf1ZB6

 

[mjsdwash]

you would need extreme headspace, and a bad extractor. you need a picture of what it does to a primer, if anything. does the firing pin stick out much when pushed by hand?

 

[BBBBill]

Must be a headspace issue?

Only one way to find out. Measure it.

 

[Blue68f100]

If the head space was too short it can cause problems with the Bolt not fully closing, which prevents the hammer from hitting the FP solidly.

Do you have another upper you can put on the lower to check to make sure it's not a ignition problem? Or even another bolt/BCG to test with. If the barrel was replaced and you were not supplied with a new bolt you may very well have a headspace issue.

Find/locate a set of head space gauges and have it checked.

 

[gidaeon]

There is just noticeable bolt contact wear with barrel face. I take that as a good sign?

I did discover the firing pin spring was broken in two pieces and thus a shorter OAL than I see in pictures. Perhaps that is a contributing element.

I’ll order a new FP spring. FP appears in good order with no breakage.

 

[Blue68f100]

With a broken FP spring the FP may not back where the hammer can hit it. So that is more that likely your issue. I don;t know how many rounds through your gun but it may be time to replace all the springs.

 

[David Hoback]

Yeah.... I think a broken FP spring is kind of a big deal. Put the new spring in, test it & get back to us. I think you are going to be ok.

 

[JJFitch]

The AR-9 is notoriously hard on firing pins and springs due to the "blow back" design.
Always carry a spare F/P and spring and change at about 2000 rounds.
There are forum threads covering this subject.
The only two stoppages I've had were a 9X18 case mixed in with 9X19 and a broken firing pin! Both made for a long ride home from matches!

Smiles,