Quoted: I'd be checking the barrel extension REALLY carefully before you fire it anymore. Likely cracked. Had a similar incident earlier in the year and there was a lot of somewhat hidden damage that didn't really show up until a thorough inspection and cleaning.
What ammo was it? And did you build the gun yourself? The ammo manufacturer will likely cover the damages if you keep all the box info and the incident round.
But glad you're okay! |
Well it went through the 20 rounds of low-power (under 2000fps, frangible) fine after replacing the bolt, but it will get a good teardown, cleaning, and inspection tomorrow.
The ammo was Radway Green '92, and this is no build -- It's a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 with about 1200 rounds through it so far, cleaned every ~200. I've only had it about a month, bought NIB.
I can't be sure where I got the ammo.. I got a few cans locally and a few from AIM. Maybe S&W will be cool and replace the bolt and mag, but as long as there is no other damage I won't press the issue with them too much.
Originally Posted By uglygun I doubt that the bolt was out of battery. Specifically, check your brass and see if you can see the swagged material in the case head that comes from the ejector as the bolt rotates during unlocking(like that shown on the head of my brass below). This will signify more than anything to what degree the bolt was locked into battery.
I'm betting that the bolt had full lug engagement with the lugs of the barrel extension.
Maybe poorly set up headspace or way the barrel extension was installed to the barrel allowing for a bit more unsupported area of the case head(maybe).
But I'd be more suspect that it's ammo related.
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I think it's definitely a headspace issue of some kind, it's obvious that there was a good 2mm or so of unsupported brass at the head end, it expanded pretty well all the way around as you can see in the "big" picture if you click it.
I've only fired three different kinds of ammo from this thing, and I have never seen any evidence of bulging on any of the spent casings.
When I tried to clear it after this incident and was pushing and pulling the charging handle and forward assist, the bolt would not lock up, so I really doubt it was locked up when it happened.