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3/30/2003 2:37:16 PM EDT
I have an Armalite M-15A4 that I purchased a couple of months ago.  It seems that no matter what magazine I use the last two rounds don't want to load or cause the rifle to jam.  I tried the mags in my Colt and don't have a problem (except once with one of the Royal Ordanance steel mags).  Accuracy seems fine but reliability sucks.  Any ideas?  Thanks
3/30/2003 3:05:32 PM EDT
[#1]
Chrisp51, Welcome to Ar15.com

The good news is the rifle is fine, it's the mag that is the problem.

Bring use up to speed on what mags you are using, and if they are USGI or cheap steel clones.
3/30/2003 4:01:10 PM EDT
[#2]
The mags that I am using are USGI 20 and 30 rounders and some of the newly imported Royal Ord. steel 30 round.  I even had a problem with one of the used Orlite refurbished mags. The RO british mags use the new follower but seem to be awfully stiff.  Are there any good lubes out there for mags?
3/30/2003 6:48:01 PM EDT
[#3]
Pull the mags apart and clean them, then use a little CLP on the spring and inner wall sides.

When you have them back together, use a ruler and push the followers all the way down and let them pop back up under there own power. 20 times on a sticky follower should be enough.

Also, if the springs seem weak, you might look into replacing the springs, but it just sounds like the mags are fouled and maybe the inner walls a little rough, with the followers needing to be broken in.

If you still have problems after the mags are cleaned and lubed, then I have a tweak to fix them.
3/30/2003 8:47:41 PM EDT
[#4]
WHat is CLP?
3/30/2003 10:55:56 PM EDT
[#5]
CLP stands for Cleaner, Lube, Preservative.

It should be the only Lube/cleaner that you use on your AR-15 rifle, with the exception of the barrel bore and chamber, where a good copper solvent should be use.

Currently, The cheapest CLP on the market is BreakfreeCLP.  Most firearm shops, and Wal-mart carry the breakfreeCLP brand.
3/31/2003 11:10:45 AM EDT
[#6]
USE VERY LITTLE CLP on the mags. You just want a thin film, not the mag dripping with it. Not only would it be a dust magnet, but you'd be trading one malfunction for another (Oiled cases are bad.)

If the problem persists, consider adjusting the tension of the magazine catch.

Meplat-
4/13/2003 1:55:27 PM EDT
[#7]
You only had a couple of months..still in the breaking in period, very tight those Armalites &
I had the same problem.

Never send a soldier out in the field with a brand new weapon...
4/13/2003 2:13:46 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Pull the mags apart and clean them, then use a little CLP on the spring and inner wall sides.
View Quote

Bad idea. Mags are meant to be used completely dry. Cleaning them well is a good idea. I disassemble them and use a dishwasher. Lubing them is a bad idea since it attracts grunge of a most unmusical sort. If you can, get some green followers for the USGI 30s and maybe some better springs from Wolf.
4/13/2003 4:59:21 PM EDT
[#9]
Mags come from the factory with the springs greased (a glob).  As the mag is used, the grease transfers to the spring, follower and sidewalls.  This allows the sidewalls to lubricate until the sidewalls have lost their rough inner surface.

By switching the grease for a very light coat of CLP, you don't have to worry about the factory grease transfer into the action and gumming up the work as the mags break in.

Note: if you going to use the mag in a dirty or sandy environment, then it's best to break in the follower and inner sidewalls of the mag  first, then completely remove all the lube to prevent it from collecting debris.
 

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