AR Sponsor
Posted: 3/9/2008 7:32:46 PM EDT
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Is there any way to function test an AR without the firing pin in? (for safety indoors) I'm pretty sure this would lock up your bolt in the receiver, right? This is just to check for feeding, extraction, etc. without the possibility of a slam fire or accident.... I know you can get practice ammo... but is that the only way? I guess a shortened firing pin could work??? |
Feeding? Safety on, cycle rounds by hand... It won't slam-fire... If it did, it would happen when you are at the range shooting - the gun would fire 'doubles' |
This is what I was thinking... The cam pin could spin around and basically "lock" the the bolt carrier in the receiver I believe. |
| I will agree that you can shorten a spare firing pin to install for testing. I will also agree that you are going to have to remain vigilant about safety or you will have the ND alluded to by Bradd. Only insert that shortenend firing pin when you are actually going to test; DO NOT leave it installed and Always keep the muzzle in a safe direction and treat every gun as it is loaded. To assume that your deactivated firing pin is in the gun when it is not could be memorable as a minimum and tragic at worst. Snap caps are an option but they will not show if your specific combination will feed so you can do this but proceed with the necessary cautions. |
That's the way I do it but if you're not comfortable with doing it then the shortened fireing pin seems to be the best choice. |
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Function tests are done w/o ammo. Do not try to cycle your weapon at home with LIVE AMMO - that is a ND waiting to happen. All you need is 1 round that didn't have the primer seated all the way.. If for some reason you must test rounds feeding then either use snap caps or have a reloader buddy make you a coupel of dummy rounds using unprimed cases. But I will warn you ARs like to feed with the bolt slamming home, trying to ease the bolt forward (especially if you want to watch the round feeding) is likely to cause feeding issues (even on 100% reliable rifles). |
My buddy reassembled one time when he was real new to ARs and forgot to put in the retaining pin..he cycled and the pin got stuck in the tube went forward..he pulled back and the cam pin got stuck in its slot..what a mess what you could do is take off the front of the pin back enough where nothing will potrude through the firing pin hole.You can take it back enough where it holds the cam pin in but when in battery is far enough back from the bolt face but enough to hold the pin in.You could also use a lolipop stick with a rubber oring to simulate a collar so the retaining pin holds it in as well.Snap caps or dummy rounds are the best wat to go..fired blanks work well you just close the crimped end again and shape it if need be. |
| Brownells makes some action proving rounds you can safely use. |
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