Can I make an AR15 into a single shot?

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Nowhere Man

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I'm thinking of picking up a heavy barrel upper for target shooting. I don't want to chase brass after each shot.

Is it possible and how would I disable it to keep it from auto ejecting the fired case?


Dave
 
I have to ask "why"? I'm all in favor of anyone owning any gun they want to, but just curious as to why you'd choose a semi-auto platform to base a single shot rifle on. The main advantage I've always thought the AR had over other varmint rifles was that it WAS an semi-auto. What advantages does the AR hold over other designs that would make it a superior choice even as a single shot? Too, wouldn't single loading and using a brasscatcher do exactly what you want at a far cheaper price point than a dedicated single shot AR?
 
There are single shot AR lowers available, as a quick Google search will show. I'd begin with one of those. As for why? Because ease of switching calibers, free floating barrels, changing barrel lengths an weights, adjustable stocks, and all that other kewl AR stuff will still apply. I'd probably go with one of the side-charging uppers, but that is just thinking off the top of my head.
 
Nowhere Man, the best way to make a single shot AR-15 is to use an adjustable gas block. This way you can close the gas port and disable the gas system of the rifle making it a single shot. Then you can open the gas block to re-enable semi-automatic function at a later time.

JP Rifles: http://www.jprifles.com/1.4.6_gs.php
Syrac:http://www.syracordnance.com/collections/gas-blocks


Another option is to buy a barrel with no gas port drilled.
 
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Good question. The answer would be cost. I already have a bolt action in .308. I also have an AR15 that I could use the lower from to make a second range/target rifle, this time in .223. A good bolt gun will run me $800 and up. A new upper would be much less.

Dave
 
The easiest and cheapest way to do what you want is simply to remove the gas tube. (Just drive out one little roll pin on the gas block.) You'd have to use the charging handle to cycle each shot, including primary extraction.
 
funklord12 said:
Nowhere Man, the best way to make a single shot AR-15 is to use an adjustable gas block. This way you can close the gas port and disable the gas system of the rifle making it a single shot. Then you can open the gas block to re-enable semi-automatic function at a later time.

JP Rifles: http://www.jprifles.com/1.4.6_gs.php
Syrac:http://www.syracordnance.com/collections/gas-blocks


Another option is to buy a barrel with no gas port drilled.
Click to expand...
This is what I would do if you really want one, at else you can easily change it back if wanted.


But I'd just use a brass catcher if I were you.


With my spikes I just set my range bag next to me on the bench and it ejects accurately enough to all land right in my bag lol
 
That sounds to me like you're gonna get a blast of hot, carbon saturated gas inside your handguard with every shot. Or am I missing something here?

Laphroaig
 
jmr40 said:
You could convert to single shot, but it is still going to eject brass.
Click to expand...

And a bolt action ejects cases as well.

It is ejecting the case by cycling the action by hand that gives some control over where the case goes and being able to police it up.


To the OP, I would not just remove the gas tube. As said, it will blow hot gases back towards the shooter in the hand guard.

Blocking the gas port in the barrel would be the best way either by an adjustable gas block, ordering a barrel without a gas port or mounting a gas block backwards so that the port in the block does not line up with the port in the barrel.

In my opinion, the adjustable gas block would be the most desirable option.

I would consider one of the side pull uppers and bolt carrier. It gives you something to push/pull on as opposed to the standard charging handle that only allows you to pull. But, it costs a premium over standard parts.

Personally, I would get a single shot magazine and a brass catcher.
 
As funklord, suggested using an adjustable gas system would provide you with your desired needs. If you have not purchased an AR-15 yet would recommend the sig556 which has the adjustable gas port.
 
would recommend the sig556 which has the adjustable gas port.
Click to expand...

Unless they've changed recently, mine does not have a "cut-off" position.

An adjustable block that has a cut-off position is IMHO the best option for doing this.
 
OP, if the primary reason you want to convert to singleshot is the issue of brass all over the place, I would go with what others have suggested and simply get a brass catcher. Probably the cheapest and easiest option.
 
Unless they've changed recently, mine does not have a "cut-off" position.
Click to expand...

It does of you put the regulator in upside down.

Just pull the gas tube and replace it with the forward stub of another gas tube, inserted upside down into the gas block. You can reactivate the rifle by putting the whole gas tube back in.

BSW
 
Their website leaves something to be desired, but the 3Bucc brass catchers work really, really well. It's not clear from their webpage, but they make ones that mount in the front and ones that mount in the rear. Basically you just put the little plastic block on your rail and a screw holds it in place and then there are two legs on the brass catcher that slide into those holes. Once in place, it is very sturdy.

http://www.3bucc.com/feature.htm

I could take some pictures if you want a better idea of how they go on/work.
 
Buy a low profile gas block, mount it at an angle, don't install a gas tube. As others have said, don't just remove the gas tube, it will blow hot gases back in your face.
 
An adjustable block that has a cut-off position is IMHO the best option for doing this
Click to expand...

Best option I can think of as well. I do this on my Mini14 when there are others close to me at the range. I choke the gas down until the brass drops right beside me or cut it off completely to cycle them by hand. No fuss, no mess, no bulky brass catcher, and I can simply twist a knob open to return the gun to normal operation any time I want anywhere I am shooting. The best thing is that it allows adjustment for differing ammo. Hotter military brass goes about 30 feet sometimes, where the lower pressure .223 not so far. I can adjust for what ammo I am shooting on a given day. It really made the gun nicer to control and operate. Good luck!
 
I use a 10x10 tarp...my AR's pile the brass up in a pretty neat pile...just stand on the tarp and fire away....no brass lost in the grass.

The Sig 516 has a 3 position gas block and can be turned off...but I've never used it in the off position.
 
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