AR-15 ejector problem.

[Craigster]

After about 5000 rounds, my clean and stock Colt AR-15 223 has an extractor problem. One out of 25 rounds jambs because the extractor lets go of the empty when its only half way out. The bolt continues back, picking up a new round from the mag then jambs the new round into the bottom of the empty that is still half sticking out and halfway in the breach.

Before disassembly the extractor didn’t seam lose or move abnormally however I felt the extractor spring a little weak. After disassembly the holes threw the extractor for the retaining pin seam to be a little lose with one of the holes very slightly egg shaped. The extractor itself seamed sharp with no chips and slightly warn.

Common problem?

Is there something else I should be checking or looking for?

Does it sound like the extractor and/or spring need replacing and if so is there a superior after market part?

Edited to change incorrect term "ejector" to to correct term "extractor" and to add;
Looking at my 1984 tech manual it showes a rubber insert inside the extractor spring. I dont have that insert and dont recall ever having one.

[Joe D]

I had the same problem. I replaced the extractor, installed a Wolf extra power spring and a new "plug". Not sure which one cured the problem, but it works now. I also shortened the ejector spring a bit. This mod allows the cases to be ejected more forward.

[AZ-Boog]

Are you absolutely certain the chamber is totally clean??

I had a similar problem on a new Bushy 16".

I polished the chamber up and installed a Heavy duty extractor spring (black insert).

The rubber insert inside the extractor spring does nothing functionally. The color of the insert is meant to denote the strength of the extractor spring.


There is a "Black Rifle" area of this forum where questions such as this will get a quicker/better response.

good luck.

[DAVEKO]

Agree with the new spring and black insert. If that don't do it get a D ring from Fulton Armory and install it with the extractor. Both have solved my problems in the past.

[fastvfr]

Get a black, extra-power little rubber 'smurf'; that is a great workaround in situations like this and the ultimate reliability tweak for the AR.

A new extractor, smurf, spring and pin in your kit probably would not hurt, either...

[Craigster]

New extractor, spring and buffer are on the way.

As always, G.T. is da best.

Thanks

[rick th]

Hi Guys nu-be here first post. I have been building and shooting competition with a AR15 for the last 10 years seen all the gimmicks! If all the extra power D-rings and stuff worked and not mask a problem wouldn't the AMU and MMU be using them? Same with the special gas ring? They don't and won't! Clean your chamber real good replace extractor and spring(comes with blue rubber thing in it)oval hole is not good. Get your parts from a reputable dealer(no foreign junk). If that doesnt work call Bushmaster and there tec. will try his best to get you up and running again.
Just my two cents Rick T

[Craigster]

Rick,

Welcome............. and thanks.

[fastvfr]

Good point, Rick.

I would not use an O-ring on a rifle that was marginal without it. I do however have O-rings and extra-power springs installed to help combat failures caused by this AR Achille's Heel.

I agree that these are not fixes, but they are a fine way to hedge your bets towards total reliability IMHO.

And I also agree that the chamber should be polished; he should also be checking the internals to be sure that there are no obstructions in the gas tube and that the bolt and carrier are moving easily inside one another.

I also look for dings in the gas tube that might narrow it as well as excess carbon buildup anywhere. Look at the locking lugs in the receiver and the recess for the bolt inside the carrier.

I get my AR's running 100% with factory ammo and then beef up their internals to allow for even more reliability.

And yes, I use an Accu-Wedge. ;f ;a ;f

[Craigster]

Originally posted by fastvfr
Good point, Rick.


And I also agree that the chamber should be polished; he should also be checking the internals to be sure that there are no obstructions in the gas tube and that the bolt and carrier are moving easily inside one another.

;f ;a ;f

fastvfr,


Cycling normally, or prematurely letting go of the empty, the bolt is always driven back far enough to pick up a fresh round from the mag so I don’t think I have a restriction in the gas tube and I believe that the new extractor and spring should solve my problem.

However...................

Rick said nothing about polishing the chamber, he and others recommended checking to make sure it is clean, which it is. You are the second one to use the term "polished". Is polishing a modification that is common to increase reliability or do you mean very clean?

IM just a recreational shooter that enjoys the heck out of my AR. If there are any basic/common improvements you or anyone else can recommend IM all ears.

An Accu-Wedge is installed but the rest of the gun is stock Colt.

Thanks,
Craig

[fastvfr]

I meant polished, as in using Flitz on an old .45 caliber bore mop chucked into an electric screwdriver to shine it up.

I suggest using a good chamber brush and solvent first to loosen any crud buildup first, though.

BTW, unless a major obstruction becomes lodged in the gas tube the cause of the issue can become unclear, but that rarely happens unless some of the crud lining the tube breaks loose and plugs it, much like a coronary artery becomes congested during a heart attack scenario.

As the gas tube becomes restricted and before the gun fails to eject completely it will usually begin to reduce the duration of the firing impulse so that there is less force available to unlock the bolt during that few milliseconds of time where peak chamber pressure is dropping but there is still enough gas pressure in the system to drive the bolt fully to the rear...the end result being a weaker, more drawn-out shove rather than a strong sudden hit--and that hit is what the AR needs to operate properly.

Short-barreled AR's with their larger gas ports are more susceptible to this phenomenon as the 'window of opportunity' for sucessfully opening the bolt is smaller.

And cheap ammo usually contributes more powder/primer fouling and gilding metal from the jackets into the gas tube, which can narrow its aperture in short order. Giving the gas tube a dose of Hoppe's Copper Solvent or Butch's Bore Shine the night before you take it to the range often fixes this while also making a tarry mess of the inside of the carrier. FYI.

Yours just sounds like it's chamber is starting to get gummy, though, and that's an easy fix.

Putting in a new extractor spring, one with the rubber insert, is a good start but I never met an AR that couldn't benefit from a good chamber polishing.

Especially if that AR had been firing Wolf lacquered ammo.

GL

[Craigster]

fastvfr,

It has a full-length barrel and I use my own clean reloads. Iv never checked for gas tube restrictions and don’t know how but I will try your solvent trick.

Thanks for your clear and complete explanation.


Craig