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Posted: 8/27/2009 7:45:43 PM EDT
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I've ran an search and have already answered a few questions but I didn't see anything specifically address reliability. My issue is that my bolt will not always lock back when the mag is empty. This happens with all mag makes and the bolt will lock one time then not lock the next. I've ruled out ammo and the mags. The upper functions fine with no FTE's so the action is cycling fine. The bolt catch also moves freely so that isn't an issue. Could it be that the action is cycling too fast to adequately work the bolt catch?
Finally, could someone post a pic on where I can locate the buffer weight? For reference, I'm running a mid-length upper/gas system with a fixed A2 rifle stock. |
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A1/A2 rifle buffers are basically all the same weight unless the OP is using something like an Endine pneumatic buffer.
Could be a chrome silicone spring or a very heavy tension weight M16 spring. Try replacing your action spring. When you say, 'the bolt won't lock back.'' do you mean the bolt won't lock back when shooting the rifle or when manually cycling the action?? |
I've had this happen. Unlikely in this guy's case though since he's got a middy with a rifle buffer.
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The brass typically is at my 3:00 and is thrown about 5-6 feet.
I should also clarify. When standing, I have no issues. When sitting and resting my elbows on my knees, I occasionally have issues. When shooting off of a bench while resting on sandbags (but the magazine is not touching the bench), my bolt usually fails to lock back. The reason I'm thinking action speed is the looser I am (standing vs. bench), the more reliable it is. Does my body moving with the recoil while standing slow the action enough to get the bolt to catch every time? |
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Quoted:
The brass typically is at my 3:00 and is thrown about 5-6 feet. I should also clarify. When standing, I have no issues. When sitting and resting my elbows on my knees, I occasionally have issues. When shooting off of a bench while resting on sandbags (but the magazine is not touching the bench), my bolt usually fails to lock back. The reason I'm thinking action speed is the looser I am (standing vs. bench), the more reliable it is. Does my body moving with the recoil while standing slow the action enough to get the bolt to catch every time? No. Also, do you understand that there is a difference between a rifle buffer ... and the various weight options available when discussing carbine buffers ? |
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Also, do you understand that there is a difference between a rifle buffer ... and the various weight options available when discussing carbine buffers ? I understand the difference in weight options and the difference between rifle and carbine buffers. What I'm asking is would running an A2 (rifle) stock w/ buffer cause an issue with a mid-length gas system? In any case, my next upper will be something other than a Del-Ton though I do like their customer service. |
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Also, do you understand that there is a difference between a rifle buffer ... and the various weight options available when discussing carbine buffers ? I understand the difference in weight options and the difference between rifle and carbine buffers. What I'm asking is would running an A2 (rifle) stock w/ buffer cause an issue with a mid-length gas system? In any case, my next upper will be something other than a Del-Ton though I do like their customer service. No ... In fact (if I understand it correctly) some would argue that as far as mechanical function goes, an A2 stock & rifle buffer system would actually be considered a somewhat better/more optimal solution vs. a collapsible stock on your setup. |
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In fact (if I understand it correctly) some would argue that as far as mechanical function goes, an A2 stock & rifle buffer system would actually be considered a somewhat better/more optimal solution vs. a collapsible stock on your setup. I'm completely of the school of thought that the RIFLE BUFFER and SPRING is the superior reliabiliy system. I'd be looking at this Delton thing. It's kinda hard to make a rifle buffer run bad. |
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Different thought. Would replacing the BCG with an LMT enhanced BCG with the longer dwell time do anything? IMO, no. The LMT enhanced carrier is best suited for systems that are considered "over gassed". A good example of where someone might want to use one is in an upper that combines a 16" bbl. with a carbine length gas system. However, your middy operates at a much lower pressure than a carbine so if you throw one of those enhanced carriers into the mix, you may well end up creating a whole new set of problems. $ .02 |
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Your carbine setup should work fine and better than what I had before, I had a Colt R6530 Lightweight carbine with fixed A2 stock, carbine gas system, it even had the undesirable Colt semi auto carrier with the entire bottom rear section removed.
I used mine for about 10 years without any problems using 55 gr and 62 gr military surplus, US made and imported ammo. Now I have also a midlenth carbine but with a carbine stock with a standard carbine buffer, M16 full auto BCG and it also runs fine. What kind of ammo are you using, ever tried different other ammo with maybe heavier bullets? |
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I have nearly the same setup, midlength with an A2 stock.
Mine runs fine and the bolt locks back fine. All rifle buffers weigh the same, ~5oz. Unless you use something like a JP ultralight. What ammo are you shooting? What bullet weight? Does the bolt lock function reliably when you cycle by hand with an empty magazine? You said it function standing, but does it just barely catch or is it really on there? When you are sitting, is it possible your shooting position is placing something in contact with the bolt catch lever? Don't use the LMT enhanced carrier. Here's the other info you asked for 
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