ar 15 mag issue

[kry_90]

well i have a rock river ar
i have two slight problems with it though
1 when i try to load a full magazine it doesnt really catch i have too slam it kinda hard to get it to catch i dont know if this is normal mybe its just that is new and hasnt been broken in fully it catches percfectly if the magazine is empty though i have two brownells magazines with silicone covered springs
2 when i release the charging handle quickly it chambers the round but if i release the charging handle slowly it looks like it gets caught on the magazine lips and i have to pull the charging handle back and release it quickly
since these problem seem to be both magazine related i think i just need to buy some better magazines like some magpuls or something

 

[Darthbauer]

Are you talking about having trouble with loading a fully loaded mag on a closed bolt?

 

[kry_90]

yes does the bolt have to be open

 

[Darthbauer]

No but its alot easier to put a mag in with it open. The mag isnt really going to make a difference since I have Pmags and they are hard to put in on a closed bolt.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

Well first, any properly assembled USGI mag will slam home on a closed bolt with a full 30 rounds. They were designed for this.

And secondly, you're talking about the bolt carrier getting hung up when stripping a round when you release the charging handle slowly. Don't! They were designed to fly forward full speed unimpeded. That's why the manuals say "Don't ride the charging handle. Let the bolt fly forward on its own." So just pull it back all the way, and then just let go.

Hope this helps.

 

[Darthbauer]

As for your other problem, clean it and run the thing wet is all I can really say on that.

 

[Barbara]

I had the same problem with a Rock River..downloading to 28 wouldn't do it..the magazine had to be downloaded to about 15 before it would easily seat. Always took an extra tap to get it seated. Didn't matter how clean or dirty it was.

Never did figure out why and don't have the rifle anymore.

Make sure you aren't loading more than 28 in the mag, though, and try that. If not, then its the non-famous RR no mag seating mystery.

 

[HorseSoldier]

It sounds like your loading drill is 1) insert magazine and then 2) rack charging handle back to load.

You might want to try locking the bolt to the rear first, then loading your magazine, and then using the bolt release on the side of the rifle instead. Besides sidestepping the problems you're having, this technique builds muscle memory for how you'll be reloading the weapon if/when your magazine runs dry.

 

[dscottw88]

When you insert a magazine, even with only one round in it, into a AR15, the top round will touch the bottom of the AR's bolt carrier group. And as a result, will press the spring in the magazine downward. The reason you realize it more when there are 30 rounds in the magazine is because you are pressing down on a spring thats already 99% compressed, as appose a spring thats only 2% compressed with one cartridge in the magazine.

Secondly, Guns are guns. They aren't meant to be babied with 100% cotton gloves, and carriages. Let the bolt slam forward. Thats what its suppose to do. On the other hand, dont slam the bolt forward 100 times every hour on empty. Just let it slam forward on the loading at the range.

Edit: Dont SLAP a magazine into the mag housing. Just press it in hard till it clicks. Oh and happy shooting! Learn to love your AR15.

 

[otomik]

hmm I have a stag lower rock river upper AR-15

I have the same problem with my British Imperial Defense Steel Magazines. Supposedly STANAG but very difficult to lock in, even on empty.

PMAG has somewhat more resistance but it's not a problem.

if CMT (makers behind Stag and RR) is the issue then maybe my steel mags can be useful to someone with a bushie.

 

[rino451]

Those aren't really problems and are known characteristcs of the AR.

1. Download your mags by one or two. Also note that you can cram 31 rounds into some 30 round mags. They're near impossible to seat them. Load to 29 and 19 in 20 round mags. It's easier to seat a full mag with the bolt locked back.

2. DO NOT FOLLOW (RIDE) THE CHARGING HANDLE!!!! Hit the release or just give it a jerk and release. This fall sunder RTFM, I think.

Cheers!

 

[Barbara]

Actually, it is a known problem on some Rock River rifles and happens at a number significantly less than 28..I'll dig out the info on when I was playing with it..

 

[GunNut]

Download by one round and don't ride the bolt down, like others have said.