Is the extractor spring insert always needed?

I just finished my AR build. It is my first AR. I bought the BCG as a complete unit with assembled bolt. I did take it all apart and lube it as needed. However, once I finished the gun and started to function test it, I found that the case rims would not slide under the extractor during feeding. It was even tough to do by hand. So I took the bolt back out and took the extractor out. I removed the insert and put everything else back together. Now it cycles perfectly. I have the insert in a safe place so that if the extractor spring softens up after shooting the gun a bit I can put it back in.

In my research of this question I did see some mention of the insert not all ways being needed but it just seemed few and far between for that to be mentioned.

Anyone else been here done this?

The O ring can be left out and in most cases not needed. The spring should have the rubber bumper inside of it. The spring and the bumper both have a wide and narrow end. Keep the wide ends together and snap that end in the extractor.
As for springs, I find the thick copper spring Colt uses too thick. I personnally go with the Bravo Company set up and leave the "O" ring out on all my guns.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Extractor-Spring-Uprade-Kit-p/bcm%20extractor%20spring%20%203pack.htm

Or one of the best upgrades you can make;

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-SOPMOD-Bolt-Upgrade-Rebuild-Kit-p/bcm%20bolt%20upgrade%20kit.htm

I usually have two or three of the Sopmod kits  in my parts draw.

My bolt did not have the oring in it. I think that would have made it even worse since that puts even more tension on the hook. It is possible that I put the spring/insert back in upside down when I took the bolt apart to learn how it all goes together and oil it but I do not even remember taking the spring out of the extractor. I will try putting it back in making sure it is oriented correctly but if it still will not allow the rim to slide under  it I will just have to leave it out for now.

Right now I have a snap cap in the bolt. It may help to set the spring and loosen it up a bit like loading a mag and leaving it that way for a while does.

it would take 30 years.



 

     
when you were function testing, did you lock the bolt back on a round and hit the bolt release?  if you didn't, it wont lock up correctly.



 

This ^^^
Those BCM springs are stout.

Yes I did. I tried releasing by holding it as far back as it could go then just let it go. I tried full cycle from battery past lock and release. I tried using the bolt catch to release it, No matter what it would not snap over the case rim. Removing the insert seems to allow the extractor to snap over the rim. It will then hold the case until the BCG is back far enough for the ejector to push the case out. Then it will gladly peel the next round and go back into battery. Can repeat this over and over again without the insert in place.  

While I cannot be sure I think the insert(not o-ring) should be installed.   Maybe this needs to be posted in the Troubleshooting forum.     What you are seeing is not common but it has happened before.   I think there was a thread here on Arfcom a few years back.   As I was reading it I was thinking...Hmmmmmm...something else to consider with extraction issues.

I'm not sure how not having the insert installed would affect the Extractor operation.

I'm mainly posting to add my .02 worth and watch any followup posts for added info.

The insert should be used, the o-ring only if needed.
If it will not work with an insert then something is decidedly wrong.