Problem with AR-15

[col.lemat]

My vote is with kwelz then ants. Save a dollar then spend two? buy quality

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

What you are describing is a slight short stoke problem. The bolt is not coming back far enough to eject the round, but is picking up a round as it moves forward.

He is not describing a short stroke problem. If the rifle was short-stroking, it wouldn't pick up another round out of the magazine - and the empty brass on an AR15 is ejected before the bolt comes all the way back.

 

[offthepaper]

Send it back.
If it's warranty work, it's not your problem. Do anything to void the warranty, and its all your problem. Make them thoroughly inspect the rifle for any other issues while they have it.

 

[Z-Michigan]

To those who say send it back - last I knew, DPMS and most other manufacturers don't pay for your shipping costs to them. You will be out $30-50 and some hassle to ship the rifle in. Many of the recommended things to try in this thread cost less than $30 and replace critical parts with significantly better parts. It all depends on your philosophy - do you want the manufacturer to "be responsible", or do you just want the rifle working as quickly as possible for the lowest total cost?

I had to send a different rifle back to the manufacturer for a recall, and in the recall where they "didn't touch anything" they actually "fixed" something that disabled the rifle so it had go back again. That manufacturer was good enough to pay shipping both ways, both times, and give me a credit for accessories, but it was still a lot of hassle and wasted time.

 

[tkcomer]

Criminy, what was I thinking. It wasn't about ARs. The extractor is losing grip on the brass. That could be a number of things.

 

[TonyAngel]

This sounds like a really simple thing to fix. Don't over think it. If it won't extract, look at the extractor/spring. They are cheap enough to replace. If you continue to have a problem, then look deeper into it.

I would, however, take note of your ejection pattern. If your rifle is a 16" carbine with a carbine length gas system, it might very well benefit from the use of a heavier buffer, just to retard the timing a bit and allow the brass to shrink a bit more before the extraction process begins.

Just keep in mind to not over think it. ARs are based on a good design and generally run very well. When they don't run, the problem is often times something very simple.

 

[TaxPhd]

Install a D-Fender.

http://www.mapartsinc.com/productsDetail.asp?id=1105

I would be very surprised if that didn't solve the problem.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Install a D-Fender.

http://www.mapartsinc.com/productsDetail.asp?id=1105

I would be very surprised if that didn't solve the problem.

I'd like to see a high resolution picture of the extractor first... it may be more than just a D-fender can fix. But I suspect a new extractor with the Crane mods will fix it. Probably. And more probably if an H or H2 buffer is also tossed in. Curious to hear back from the OP how it goes.

 

[baylorattorney]

Buffer spring. Get a better one. I used a longer buffer too. That was the main problem. The buffer in the collapsible stock was simply too short and really the collapsible stock was a cheap e/bay buy. I think your entire problem is wrapped up in the choice of your collapsible stock and its components; no disrespect to the "extractor" advisors tho. They may be right too

Also check headspace if you know how and have the tool or take it in to a competent Smith.

I had the same problem with a 16'.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I used a longer buffer too. That was the main problem. The buffer in the collapsible stock was simply too short and really the collapsible stock was a cheap e/bay buy.

There are only two standard* lengths of buffer for an AR15, the carbine and the rifle, and you can't substitute one for the other without damaging things. Is it possible your ebay buy simply came with the wrong type?

The carbine buffer is found in multiple weights, but they are all the same length.

*others: the VLTOR A5, but you'll know if you paid $225 for the setup, and some specialized shortie buffers to run .308 ARs with standard carbine buffer tubes - these are shorter than carbine buffers. You should know if you have one.

 

[baylorattorney]

Heavier buffer I meant to say. It has been over ten years since I had this problem, so my memory was a bit cloudy. ****, I'm getting old. Sorry