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AR Bolt Pick up and feed problem

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 11:37 am
by hankintexas
I just became the new owner of a Star-15. I can not get the bolt to push the rounds from the Mags to the home position. the rounds are binding and are causing the bolt to jam. I believe the mags may have damaged feed lips. I am going to check it with some magpul mags this week and hopefully this resolves the problem.
Anyone have any other tips or tricks to try? If I replace the Mags and the problem is solved, I will get a lip tool and reform them.

Re: AR Bolt Pick up and feed problem

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 12:25 pm
by Sputz
Are these standard aluminum gi mags? If so have you tried taking out two rds and trying again? I had a similar issue when my standard mag was at 30 rd capacity. Personally I use pmags now and haven't had any issues so far. Picks of the feed lips might help.


Sputz

Re: AR Bolt Pick up and feed problem

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 12:36 pm
by Texas Dan Mosby
Make sure that all parts of the bolt carrier making contact with the upper receiver are properly lubed to reduce friction.

Check the OAL of your rounds. 2.260 is the OAL of M855 ammo, and if you have anything much different than that, it could cause problems. Shorter rounds tend to be more finicky in my experience.

If there's a lot of play between the mag and the receiver when the mag is seated, you can tighten it up a little by adjusting the mag catch. Take a pointy object and push in on the mag release button and rotate the mag catch to tighten or loosen as needed. Don't make it so tight you can't release the mag though. "rlol"

Magazine issues are likely the culprit, and while G.I. mags are fine, you've got to test them first to make sure they feed, and if they don't, junk them. The usual mag issues:
-deformed feed lips
-poorly tensioned mag springs
-follower issues

There are some new mag followers that have been recently developed for the G.I. mags that work better than the old ones, however, you'll have to dig around to find them.

If the mags don't seem to be the issue, the next thing I would look at is installing a new buffer spring, and if THAT don't do it, than you may have some internal design spec issues that may need a smith to fix.

Good luck.

Re: AR Bolt Pick up and feed problem

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 12:30 pm
by hankintexas
Here is how I fixed it. I found the mags were binding very tight against the Bolt. I pushed the mag catch thru and with 2 revolutions counter clockwise, the mags seat and feed perfectly. I removed the bolt carrier assembly and cleaned and oiled it. It cycles great now.

Thanks for your tips! :cheers2:

Re: AR Bolt Pick up and feed problem

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 4:26 pm
by quoheleth
Been watching this...where's a "Whew" smilie when I need one!

Q

Re: AR Bolt Pick up and feed problem

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 5:44 pm
by Texas Dan Mosby
It cycles great now.
:thumbs2:

Re: AR Bolt Pick up and feed problem

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:14 pm
by hankintexas
quoheleth wrote:Been watching this...where's a "Whew" smilie when I need one!

Q
:fire :mrgreen: :woohoo
I had no doubts. Thanks again Q.