How does the ar15 work?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How does the ar15 work?

Posted: 4/16/2001 7:48:06 AM EDT

I am looking for some information on how the ar15 actually works, more specifically how the direct gas action actually functions. If someone could tell me, or point me to a website I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Posted: 4/16/2001 7:53:11 AM EDT

[#1]

Oddly enough I am in the process of doing a 2D animation with discription on the AR-15. First tasking will be the gas system, the second the trigger assembly. I have the text description off for proofing and fact checking. I ended up with 22 steps I think all told.

When the project is finished I'll post it to the web for review.

Posted: 4/16/2001 9:15:36 AM EDT

[#2]

I will be on the look out for it, thanks.

Posted: 4/16/2001 9:31:53 AM EDT

[#3]

The pressurized gas is tapped off from the barrel and piped back into the bolt carrier. The gas is exhausted into the carrier between the gas rings (attached to the bolt) and the back wall of the bolt channel within the carrier. The high pressure gases act to push these surfaces apart. Since the bolt is rigidly locked within the barrel extension, it cannot move, and instead the bolt carrier is pushed back. As soon as the carrier has moved back a few millimeters, the gas rings pass the little holes drilled in the right side of the carrier, and the gas is exhausted to atmosphere through the ejection port, but by that time the carrier has picked up enough momentum that it will run all the way to the back of its travel, unlocking and taking the bolt with it.
BattleRife

Originally Posted By Darin Marple:
I am looking for some information on how the ar15 actually works, more specifically how the direct gas action actually functions.

Posted: 4/16/2001 10:51:28 AM EDT

[#4]

Thanks for the description. This was what I was looking for.

So the operating principle is the same as a AK except without a piston. The expanding force of the gas against the locked bolt operates the carrier instead of a expanding gas driving a piston which in turn drives the carrier. Interesting...

One thing I do not understand is how the bolt actually locks, can you tell me how this works?

Thanks.

Posted: 4/16/2001 11:03:18 AM EDT

[#5]

Plain ol' lugs - it rotates.

[img]http://www.bodermansports.com/assets/images/boltCarrier.gif[/img]

Posted: 4/16/2001 1:13:00 PM EDT

[#6]

"Firing: Hammer is released. Primer is contacted by firing pin, igniting powder, and expanding gas propels projectile down bore.
Unlocking: Gas is tapped by gas port and directed through gas tube into bolt carrier key, forcing bolt carrier group to the rear, rotating locking lugs out of their recesses.
Extracting: Extractor holds rim of case, removing case from chamber.
Ejecting: Ejector propels case out of action once case clears chamber.
Cocking: Bolt carrier pushes hammer back, cocking weapon.
Feeding: Recoil spring propels bolt carrier forward, stripping one round from magazine.
Chambering: Round is directed into chamber, extractor holding rim of case.
Locking: Locking lugs are cammed into recesses when bolt carrier continues forward, moving cam pin."

[:~) It's amazing what you can remember from your "prac" 17 years later...

Semper Fi!

Ken Little

Posted: 4/16/2001 3:30:21 PM EDT

[#7]

[img]albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1130110&a=10062068&p=38308723[/img]

-Troy

Posted: 4/16/2001 4:58:20 PM EDT

[#8]

The short name for the theory is "FM."

Posted: 4/17/2001 7:40:27 AM EDT

[#9]

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you.

Posted: 4/17/2001 7:52:40 AM EDT

[#10]

It's not the same as a piston only type action. The key to the Stoner system and what realy sets it apart from others is that the gas flows into a chamber that pushes the bolt forward (trys to anyway) and the bolt carrier backward. This adds greatly to the positive opening, extraction, ejection procedure and reduces stress on those components that normaly see the most stress and ware, namely the bolt lugs and barrel extension lugs. There is no metal on metal slamming together.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How does the ar15 work?

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