What if I forgot the disconnector spring? > Build It Yourself

Posted: 6/10/2007 7:49:41 AM EDT

I was assembling a lower recently, put it together, and found that I had a piece left over: a short, fairly wide spring. Looking at the parts diagram again, I realized I'd left out the disconnector spring

. I took the trigger group apart and put the spring in properly, which was no fun getting those holes to line up, I will admit, and now it's all together correctly. I have not yet fired the rifle, but everything seems to be working properly.

What would have happened if I'd been careless and left the spring out? Fire one shot and then the trigger wouldn't reset for a second?

Posted: 6/10/2007 8:32:25 AM EDT

[#1]

Yes. the hammer would follow the bolt carrier forward. If of the Colt configuration, the notch on the hammer would catch on the flange of the firing pin and tie up the works.

Make sure you inserted the disconnector spring with the fat end down into the trigger.

Posted: 6/10/2007 8:35:47 AM EDT

[#2]

If the disco does not catch the hammer (while trigger is pulled) the hammer will follow the carrier home. I bet you can figure out what may happen from there.

Posted: 6/10/2007 11:18:49 AM EDT

[#3]

Well, I took it to the range today and it worked fine (with my .22LR dedicated upper, haven't tried it with a standard 5.56).

However, I think I may have put it in with the fat side uppermost. I guess I'll have to take it apart again

Edited: Each time I do this it does get easier, I fixed the spring without much issue. I also fiddled with the Superior Arms set screw, which seems to be a very nice addition. My trigger makes a loud "click" when it resets, but since I've never used a single-stage AR trigger before I don't know if this is normal or not.

Posted: 6/19/2007 5:15:45 AM EDT

[#4]

I once victimized myself with an upside down disconnect spring. I was "lucky" in that I had to 'splain myself to the local p'lice, who had folks present when things went south. It could've been worse and had a round fire out of battery.

Those who've done it, know what I'm talking about.

Posted: 6/19/2007 8:08:02 PM EDT

[#5]

How many rounds went downrange in that case?

I would think that if the hammer is following the bolt carrier home, that would be enough to empty the mag, but others report only doubles or triples. I guess primer differences are the cause of this variation?

Posted: 6/20/2007 4:38:54 AM EDT

[#6]

Only six, thank goodness. It was a full mag, but only six.

Posted: 6/20/2007 7:45:42 AM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
I once victimized myself with an upside down disconnect spring. I was "lucky" in that I had to 'splain myself to the local p'lice, who had folks present when things went south. It could've been worse and had a round fire out of battery.

Those who've done it, know what I'm talking about.

Out-ok-battery = KB!

Forget the spring and the rifle could easily blow up due to an out of battery detonation.

When someone at the range has a gun that "doubles" (fires 2 shots w/ one pull) they tend to think "wow COOL!" - might want to let them know that they nearly blew up the gun and they had better STOP SHOOTING IT. They rarely listen though and I usually position myself a good distance away.

Posted: 6/20/2007 9:31:03 AM EDT

[#8]

The fat end fits down into the trigger recess. The way it won't fall out.

Posted: 6/21/2007 4:16:56 PM EDT

[#9]

I accidentlly left this spring out of my first build. The first time at the range was a bit "exciting" going FA, but not what I wanted. The spring fixed this.

Posted: 6/23/2007 10:50:00 AM EDT

[#10]

height=8

Quoted:
height=8

Quoted:
I once victimized myself with an upside down disconnect spring. I was "lucky" in that I had to 'splain myself to the local p'lice, who had folks present when things went south. It could've been worse and had a round fire out of battery.

Those who've done it, know what I'm talking about.

Out-ok-battery = KB!

Forget the spring and the rifle could easily blow up due to an out of battery detonation.

When someone at the range has a gun that "doubles" (fires 2 shots w/ one pull) they tend to think "wow COOL!" - might want to let them know that they nearly blew up the gun and they had better STOP SHOOTING IT. They rarely listen though and I usually position myself a good distance away.

Why schould it do that (kabum)heBy the way the powder schould burn ,,not detonate ,,burning powder pushes ,detonation chatters (also steel) to bits hould

Posted: 6/23/2007 2:49:38 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I once victimized myself with an upside down disconnect spring. I was "lucky" in that I had to 'splain myself to the local p'lice, who had folks present when things went south. It could've been worse and had a round fire out of battery.

Those who've done it, know what I'm talking about.

Out-ok-battery = KB!

Forget the spring and the rifle could easily blow up due to an out of battery detonation.

When someone at the range has a gun that "doubles" (fires 2 shots w/ one pull) they tend to think "wow COOL!" - might want to let them know that they nearly blew up the gun and they had better STOP SHOOTING IT. They rarely listen though and I usually position myself a good distance away.

Why schould it do that (kabum)

The only way the cartridge can be set of ,if everything else is ok ,is when the carrier is fully forward ,because, only then can the firing pin reach the primer ,and at that time it is IN battery (locked)
By the way the powder schould burn ,,not detonate ,,burning powder pushes ,detonation chatters (also steel) to bits

If it really schould detonate ,,it would fubar the gun locked or not

It's possible that, with the hammer pushing forward on the firing pin, that it will "scrape" across the primer as the bolt finishes it's final rotation into lockup. You can easily end up with a situation where the lugs aren't fully engaged, resulting in an OOB discharge that could well shear off lugs, vent gases into the magwell and upper, and send shards of steel and aluminum into your hands, eyes, and face.

Then we'll have to call you "Lefty" and "ol' One-Eye". Or maybe "Scarface".

You really, really ~~schould~~ should avoid any OOB condition.

Posted: 6/23/2007 3:58:54 PM EDT

[#12]

So ,,just to be sure that im have not gone mad htWhat i am doing is (please try to do the same and post the result)holding the boltcarrier with my left hand ,thump on the same side as the ejector, index finger pressing the firing pin (as would the hammer if following) the 3 others on the opposite side as the ejector
The bolt (not carrier) pulled out as it would be on the way chambering a fresh round
still pressing the firing pin slowly pres the bolt into the carrier while watching the firingpin hole
The bolt will rotate ,,then stop to rotate since the last part of the camming slot is straight
And only after stopping rotating the firingpin will come forward ,at this time the bolt is fully locked ,so it can not kabum this way
If you have bad primers (to chock sentisive )or reloads with not fully seated primers
Or worst case a broken firingpin that i sticking in the bolt you can have a out of battery kabum (might be other possibilities)

On all the Ar15 and M16 (c7) i have seen it is this way
Stoner was not stupid ,,he knew what he was doing have
Could someone try to do what i just did
If you ever schould have a out of battery kabum its nice to know what to look for(fingers first hat
Oh by the way have a look at this kabum http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=481_1181023978

Posted: 7/1/2007 4:43:28 AM EDT

[#13]

So ,,have anybody come to a different result than i have,,firing pin only comes forward AFTER the bolt is fully locked happenOr worst case a broken firing pin that i sticking in the bolt you can have a out of battery kabum (might be other possibilities)i

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