Extractor Issues?

[DMW1116]

I’m assembling an AR from various upper parts. While checking head space, i decided to just see if my extractor would grab a case rim. I already had the bolt apart anyway. The notch will not allow a case rim of 223 to enter.


Maybe it’s not supposed to, so I tried a different bolt from another rifle. This one catches and holds firm. It looks like I have a narrow extractor groove. Is this common? I’m reluctant to try to chamber and eject a round. I don’t want a live round stuck in the chamber.

 

[huntersdog]

Could be a bad, out of spec extractor. The are cheap to replace and not second guess it.

 

[DMW1116]

I contacted the manufacturer. I’ll see what they say today. I found it last night so they haven’t had a chance to respond yet.

 

[DMW1116]

I talked to the supplier today and they’re sending another extractor. I’ll either transfer the guts to the new one or hopefully it comes with them installed.

 

[huntersdog]

Take a look at the reviews on the, BCM Extractor Spring Upgrade Kit. It may be something you ma be interested in and more reliable extraction. You can buy them anywhere, but here is the mfg website. https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-extractor-spring-upgrade-kit-3-pack/

 

[d2wing]

The bolt could be out of spec as well. I would order a complete bolt with new extractor installed from BCM. That fixed one rifle I had.

 

[DMW1116]

So far as I can tell the bolt is ok. Headspace is good and it turns and moves in the BCG. I’ll look closer tonight when I try to put the weld spring and delta ring on the barrel nut.

 

[DMW1116]

What was the bolt doing that you decided to replace it?

 

[DMW1116]

Issue resolved. I sent them a picture and they sent me a new extractor. I swapped the spring, plunger, and O-ring and it works great so far. 30 some rounds of factory and my own hand loads for sighting in with no issues.

 

[Chuck R.]

What was the bolt doing that you decided to replace it?

I've put a few AR15s and I've had 1 bolt (out of 20 or so) that would close on a "Field Gauge". I tried it in 4 other AR15s with the same result, closed on a No-Go and a Field Gauge. I then contacted the supplier and they shipped out a new bolt immediately.

Stuff happens.

 

[DMW1116]

Yea, we're only talking about 0.005" or so to make the difference. I called them, sent over the pictures, offered to send the old extractor back if they wanted to see it, but they said pictures were fine. I had the new extractor in time to assemble everything over the weekend. Held against another extractor, the issue was pretty clear. Held alone with nothing for comparison, it wasn't as obvious. I'm a little surprised an individual extractor was so hard to find. I looked but nothing was available.

I'm overall quite happy with the end results. I'm going to dial in a spicy 55 grain load for this rifle tomorrow hopefully. Hoping for 2950 fps or a bit more but we'll see. I don't want it throwing brass like a Mini-14.