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Posted: 5/14/2008 4:33:30 PM EDT
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A problem arised today while at the range. While shooting an issued m-16a1 rifle, the bolt failed to lock back on the empty magazine. I first tried using several different magazines, but this didn't correct the problem. I then separated the upper and lower. The bolt catch seemed to be functioning properly with manual manipulations. After putting the receivers back together, I was able to have the bolt lock back-as long as I kept the bolt catch depressed. However, once I let the pressure off, the catch wouldn't hold. I then compared it to another rifle and noticed that the bolt wasn't cycling fully to the rear...mine appeared to travel approx. 1/2" less than the other rifle. Other than the bolt not locking back, there weren't any other issues with the rifle. We fired 60 rounds and I didn't experience any problems. Other than adding a sling adapter to the a1 stock, there haven't been any changes to the rifle. Although I don't think this would be a problem, could the sling adapter have caused this? If not, what could be other things to look for? Thanks for any insight to this problem. |
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Pull the Buffer out of the receiver extension, and take a look inside the tube. Could be that something fell into the buffer tube, or as stated, the butt stock screw is too long and protruding into the back/inside void of the receiver extension, blocking /limiting the buffer from going all the way back to touch the end of the tube. If the butt stock screw is too long (protruding into the tube cavity), then you will have some cosmetic damage to the center of the buffer bumper. Also confirm that the front edge of the tube is retaining the buffer retainer in the lower receiver (read front edge of the tube should be kissing the center post of the retainer, with the end of the tube over the outer edge of the retainer surface). |
Was today the first day shooting it after installing the sling adapter? What sling adapter did you install? The problem you describe is common and is pretty much always either an A2 buttstock screw used with an A1 stock or a rifle length buffer spring used in a carbine length buffer tube. |
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Thanks, you all were right on. After reading the responses, I removed the screw...and sure enough, rifle functioned as it should. But then, I still wondered how the screw could have been changed out...then it hit me, when I added the sling adapter, I used the "new" screw that came with the adapter. Obviously the "new" screw was for an A-2 stock. Turns out the only problem was user error. |
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