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12/2/2006 4:33:49 PM EDT
I've been struggling with a problem with my AR build for awhile now and I want to get some opinions before I start replacing any parts.

On a mag change on my AR when I go to close the bolt it doesn't seem to have enough pressure to properly seat the first round. It'll push about halfway out of the mag and stick. Obviously I can use the forward assist but that's retarded and I want the thing to work correctly ;)

My first instinct was to replace the buffer spring but a friend said no way that was the problem. I did originally get the spring used but was told it saw very little use.

And suggestions on things I should try?
12/2/2006 7:28:14 PM EDT
[#1]
your not by any chance riding the charging handle forward are you?The system won't work if you treat it like you will break it .  
12/3/2006 5:14:50 AM EDT
[#2]
What type of stock are you running?  The buffer springs are different for carbines and rifles.  If you are running a rifle buffer and tube and a carbine spring you could indeed have problems, but I would think it would affect more than just the first round.  Also make sure your BCG is well lubed.
12/3/2006 5:28:52 AM EDT
[#3]
Make sure an unloaded mag allows the bolt to lock. Your mags may be riding too high.

Also, take the rough edges off the mag lips (where they touch the rounds). Most of the mags I've bought needed this.
12/3/2006 7:40:59 AM EDT
[#4]
I have an A2 stock/buffer/spring on it. I did get them used but It seems to function pretty well other than that.

As far as riding the charging handle I have done that on occasion and know that part is me, but this particular situation is on a mag change after the bolt has locked open.

Thats the primary reason thinking it might be the buffer spring. I was thinking it might not have enough pressure from the locked open position to successfully load that next round when i hit the release.
12/3/2006 8:08:23 AM EDT
[#5]
How full are your mags??

Your mags could just need alittle use to ease their springs.

Also check for your mags riding high.



P
12/3/2006 8:57:21 AM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
Make sure an unloaded mag allows the bolt to lock. Your mags may be riding too high.

Also, take the rough edges off the mag lips (where they touch the rounds). Most of the mags I've bought needed this.
+1. It may just need to be worked in a bit too. I ended up polishing up all the feed lips of all the 30-rd. mags I had with my first one, but after firing around 200 rounds, they all worked flawlessly. Seemed to just be a matter of breaking in the parts... good luck.
12/3/2006 9:10:56 AM EDT
[#7]
The mags have seen prolly around 1000 rounds. Other than those they are new.

Will definately try the empty mag thing.

So nobody has seen a buffer spring be the cause for this sort of problem?  I'll try the other things first, but I wanted to see if I could get a go no go on replacing the spring if these dont solve it :)

Thanks for the tips so far!
12/3/2006 11:25:52 AM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:
The mags have seen prolly around 1000 rounds. Other than those they are new.

Will definately try the empty mag thing.

So nobody has seen a buffer spring be the cause for this sort of problem?  I'll try the other things first, but I wanted to see if I could get a go no go on replacing the spring if these dont solve it :)

Thanks for the tips so far!

Yes I have seen this happen on my AR. I replaced the buffer spring with an ISMI buffer spring and all problems went away.
12/3/2006 11:42:01 AM EDT
[#9]

Quoted:
The mags have seen prolly around 1000 rounds. Other than those they are new.

Will definately try the empty mag thing.

So nobody has seen a buffer spring be the cause for this sort of problem?  I'll try the other things first, but I wanted to see if I could get a go no go on replacing the spring if these dont solve it :)

Thanks for the tips so far!
Haven't seen it using the proper spring. Ok, I haven't seen it at all, but I'd say if not the correct spring, it could definitely cause the problem..
12/3/2006 12:43:12 PM EDT
[#10]
Try it on a "known good" magazine.

If it still fails to strip and chamber the round, begin to check for buffer/spring/extension issues.
12/3/2006 2:50:37 PM EDT
[#11]
If all else fails, a replacement standard spring is only about 5 or 6 bucks.  Might be worth a shot.
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