hey, gents, my name is Jason and I could use some solid advise. Last week, before going to the range, I did a standard tip-up and I think I managed to misalign the the gas tube to the bolt carrier. This caused one round to fire; then complete failure to fire, with rounds being jammed into the bolt. I cleared them and shut down. Get home and the bolt carrier is locked up, big time...Closer inspection reveals that the buffer retainer was way jammed forward and the helical spring slightly bent. Besides replace the buffer retainer and spring, what else or can you offer any advise? I've got a pre- ban Bushmaster XM-15 F2S. Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated, TIA,Jason

BTW, should I be looking at any other parts for possible damage? thanx

Jason,

 Suspect when attaching the butt-stock ya didn't screw the buffer tube IN FAR ENOUGH to securely capture the buffer retaining pin.

If ya'd mis-aligned the b/bc w/ the gas tube, rifle would have fail'd on first trigger squeeze, possibly igniting first round in chamber, but it'd have left it there and you'd probably have had a face full of powder residue. As ya didn't mention this, suspect above is culprit.

Believe a new buffer retaining pin and spring and a properly seated buffer tube, [b]securely capturing the buffer retaining pin[/b] will fix your problemos.

Mike  

Mike, thanks for the advice. One round did fire; then I began the clearing process, which only semed to jack things up worse.? I just cleared my weapon and decided to leave the range.
I'll take your advise and replace the buffer pin, but I never touched the buffer tube...
All I did was pop the rear take down pin for a quick system check; maybe I got the bolt carrier misalined? Never had a failure to fire before, so I know It's on me. thanx for your help, Jason