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6/29/2013 7:21:07 AM EDT
Every time I load one of my pmags to 30 rounds and insert it into my AR, I have to give it a really good shove for it to lock into place and ready to feed rounds into the chamber. Does anyone else have this issue? Reloading is obviously crucial and I want to be able to just slap a mag in there and not have to worry about shoving it in multiple times before it clicks. Does anyone else have this kind of thing happen? Should I not be loading my mags to the highest capacity? Would appreciate feedback, I feel like no one else talks about this....which doesn't make me feel all that great haha.
6/29/2013 7:26:32 AM EDT
[#1]
Are you doing this with the bolt carrier forward, or locked to the rear?

Download to 28 rounds and see how much effort is required.
6/29/2013 7:27:09 AM EDT
[#2]
Either lock the bolt to the rear or do what most do and download to 28 rounds..This isn't a problem with the mag or your rifle, it's just the way it's designed. When your bolt is forward, the top round is hitting it and there isn't enough room left for the spring to compress without forcing it. Hope that makes sense..


ETA: RedFalconBill beat me to it..
6/29/2013 7:38:56 AM EDT
[#3]
The bolt is forward, mainly because it seems a little weird having to lock the bolt back, push the charging handle forward, stick the mag in, then release the bolt just to get started shooting. I have tried loading with only 28 rounds, it is still fairly challenging to get the mag into locking position on the first try. Maybe I just need to practice loading my mags? haha. I really do appreciate the responses though, thanks guys.
6/29/2013 8:28:24 AM EDT
[#4]
Its sounds normal just use a little force and give a quick tug down to see if its in there and you should be good to go. Just practice a little more I guess.

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6/29/2013 8:38:39 AM EDT
[#5]
Load with an open bolt, or push really hard
6/29/2013 8:55:03 AM EDT
[#6]
Pmags are generally a little easier to seat when fully loaded compared to USGI mags.  If you don't want to download to 28 rounds you should see if pmags work better with 30 in your rifle.
6/29/2013 9:13:52 AM EDT
[#7]
That's pretty normal. I have had issues with that at times, reloading on a closed bolt. If you want better lock up on a closed bolt, you need to slam it (I do that anyway) or download the magazine to 29 or 28 rounds. Play with it. Decide what is best for you.




6/29/2013 12:46:16 PM EDT
[#8]
Normal... i always load 29 and i'll just slap the hell out of the mag if it is not going in easily.
6/29/2013 1:06:39 PM EDT
[#9]
Haha thanks for the info fellas. Good to know everyone else has to spank their mags as well. I shall play around with it!
6/29/2013 1:09:43 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
The bolt is forward, mainly because it seems a little weird having to lock the bolt back, push the charging handle forward, stick the mag in, then release the bolt just to get started shooting. I have tried loading with only 28 rounds, it is still fairly challenging to get the mag into locking position on the first try. Maybe I just need to practice loading my mags? haha. I really do appreciate the responses though, thanks guys.


At first you're worried about reloading in a situation if need be, now it's to start shooting.  If it's for reloading I'm hoping your bolt is gonna be locked back so the issue fixes itself.  If it's just for loading the rifle to get started shooting then just give the bottom a good slap and you shouldn't have any issues.
6/29/2013 1:20:15 PM EDT
[#11]
Absolutely Jeff, that is what I meant. I was just talking about specifically to get started shooting. Now knowing everyone that has responded says they give a good shove to load it then I have no problems with it, I just needed to know if I personally was the only having to do that. Thank you for the response man, much appreciated.
6/29/2013 1:59:04 PM EDT
[#12]
With the bolt closed you have to fight the pressure of the magazine spring to insert the magazine all the way. Try loading with the bolt open it easier.
7/1/2013 7:08:38 AM EDT
[#13]
Yep I have been wondering the same thing.  I have to beat the heck out of mine to get to lock.  Half the time it doesn't lock all the way and I jam a round.
7/1/2013 7:30:04 AM EDT
[#14]
I'm gonna be the devil's advocate/possible troll and ask why you feel compelled to start shooting with a closed bolt? Aren't the first 2 rules of firearms safety to treat the thing like it's loaded until you can verify otherwise.
A) If you leave the bolt closed on your rifle, you must cycle the charging handle to verify the weapon is clear when you un-case it, etc.
B) If you are "that guy" and unknowingly leave 1 in the chamber, and then you walk up to the line,  spank a mag home & rack the charging handle; now you get to un-$*ck a double feed or you get to be embarrassed as a round dumps out of your rifle and skitters around down the line...
An open bolt shows a clear weapon and lessens the effort required to get to condition 1 and engage the tangos downrange.


 
7/1/2013 7:55:35 AM EDT
[#15]
That is a good point. I appreciate you giving a different perspective man, thanks Krusty!
7/1/2013 8:41:38 AM EDT
[#16]



Quoted:


Pmags are generally a little easier to seat when fully loaded compared to USGI mags.  If you don't want to download to 28 rounds you should see if pmags work better with 30 in your rifle.


He states in first post he is using PMAGS.

 
7/1/2013 2:19:48 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
I'm gonna be the devil's advocate/possible troll and ask why you feel compelled to start shooting with a closed bolt? Aren't the first 2 rules of firearms safety to treat the thing like it's loaded until you can verify otherwise.

A) If you leave the bolt closed on your rifle, you must cycle the charging handle to verify the weapon is clear when you un-case it, etc.

B) If you are "that guy" and unknowingly leave 1 in the chamber, and then you walk up to the line,  spank a mag home & rack the charging handle; now you get to un-$*ck a double feed or you get to be embarrassed as a round dumps out of your rifle and skitters around down the line...

An open bolt shows a clear weapon and lessens the effort required to get to condition 1 and engage the tangos downrange.  


So you propose transporting a rifle to the range, in a case, with an open bolt?

7/1/2013 3:37:56 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm gonna be the devil's advocate/possible troll and ask why you feel compelled to start shooting with a closed bolt? Aren't the first 2 rules of firearms safety to treat the thing like it's loaded until you can verify otherwise.

A) If you leave the bolt closed on your rifle, you must cycle the charging handle to verify the weapon is clear when you un-case it, etc.

B) If you are "that guy" and unknowingly leave 1 in the chamber, and then you walk up to the line,  spank a mag home & rack the charging handle; now you get to un-$*ck a double feed or you get to be embarrassed as a round dumps out of your rifle and skitters around down the line...

An open bolt shows a clear weapon and lessens the effort required to get to condition 1 and engage the tangos downrange.  


So you propose transporting a rifle to the range, in a case, with an open bolt?



I took it as him saying to verify the chamber before and after shooting..Since you're cycling the action to verify, why not lock the bolt open prior to inserting a mag? That's what I do anyways..

7/1/2013 3:53:38 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm gonna be the devil's advocate/possible troll and ask why you feel compelled to start shooting with a closed bolt? Aren't the first 2 rules of firearms safety to treat the thing like it's loaded until you can verify otherwise.

A) If you leave the bolt closed on your rifle, you must cycle the charging handle to verify the weapon is clear when you un-case it, etc.

B) If you are "that guy" and unknowingly leave 1 in the chamber, and then you walk up to the line,  spank a mag home & rack the charging handle; now you get to un-$*ck a double feed or you get to be embarrassed as a round dumps out of your rifle and skitters around down the line...

An open bolt shows a clear weapon and lessens the effort required to get to condition 1 and engage the tangos downrange.  


So you propose transporting a rifle to the range, in a case, with an open bolt?



I took it as him saying to verify the chamber before and after shooting..Since you're cycling the action to verify, why not lock the bolt open prior to inserting a mag? That's what I do anyways..



See item "B".... "leave one the chamber...walk up to the line.....spank a mag...."

Just the way I read it.





7/1/2013 3:59:53 PM EDT
[#20]
Military trainers would tell you that the proper procedure would require you to:

1)  ensure the weapon is on safe
2)  Lock your bolt to the rear
3)  conduct a three point safety inspection (bolt, chamber and mag well)
4)  Insert the loaded magazine
5)  release the bolt and watch the round feed.

The only time to insert a magazine with the bolt forward would be during a "Tac Mag Reload"

That's more or less the correct procedure for range training.  Now, once you become more familiar with your weapon, and your not in an environment where you have instructors looking over your shoulder, you do what works for you.  Just keep safety as priority number one.

IMHO I would not transport my weapon with the bolt locked to the rear and here's why.  When I store my weapons I prefer to keep any spring tension to a minimum.  In fact I keep all my weapons in the fire position with the firing pins forward.
7/1/2013 4:08:51 PM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:
I'm gonna be the devil's advocate/possible troll and ask why you feel compelled to start shooting with a closed bolt? Aren't the first 2 rules of firearms safety to treat the thing like it's loaded until you can verify otherwise.

A) If you leave the bolt closed on your rifle, you must cycle the charging handle to verify the weapon is clear when you un-case it, etc.

B) If you are "that guy" and unknowingly leave 1 in the chamber, and then you walk up to the line,  spank a mag home & rack the charging handle; now you get to un-$*ck a double feed or you get to be embarrassed as a round dumps out of your rifle and skitters around down the line...

An open bolt shows a clear weapon and lessens the effort required to get to condition 1 and engage the tangos downrange.  


Yup.

In every class I've ever taken, the instructors have required we start with an open bolt to show clear. This is how I roll at the range too. Problem solved with your mags seating and it's a good habit to get into from a safety standpoint too.
7/1/2013 5:31:22 PM EDT
[#22]
This is great to know, good to know what other people do at their range as well as how the use their AR's. I have received different avenues I can check out and try for myself, but of course always keeping safety the top priority.
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