AR malfunctioning

[masshole42]

Yes it has a M4 stock and yes it came with a rifle buffer(bought it used). I did check the carrier key when I was at the range and it seemed tight, but I will check again when I have the chance. I will post a pic of the spring and buffer when I get the time to sit down and figure out how to do it on my phone.

[AR-10]

I think you're confused about buffer types.

If you have a collapsible M4-type stock, you have a carbine receiver extension which takes a carbine action spring and a carbine buffer.

The rifle counterparts are longer, If you tried to put a rifle buffer in a carbine receiver extension, I doubt it would even cycle.

[masshole42]

I understand that. But unless there is another buffer that is identical in looks and length to a rifle buffer, a rifle buffer came in it. I'm not trying to be a smartass, I really don't know if there is another similar buffer. As for cycling, I ran PMC Bronze and Federal .223 100rd bulk pack through it and it cycled fine. The only reason I ran the carbine buffer was to shoot Tula and it cycled flawlessly.

[AR-10]

I'm not harping on you at all, just trying to make sure you have the correct buffer parts.

Post a pic when you can, I want to see the buffer and spring.

[masshole42]

Well I have a picture, but I cannot attach or upload it for some reason so you will have to take my word for it that it is a rifle buffer. As for the spring, I decided to measure it....and found out something interesting. It measured 12 3/4 inches. I'm assuming it is a rifle spring. Why that is in there I don't know. I feel pretty stupid not checking the length of the spring when I first realized it had a rifle buffer. At least now I know I need to get the proper spring. I know I need to get a new spring anyways, but would this be the issue for my malfunctions? If so, why would it cycle for the first few mags and then crap out? For a new spring, any suggestions on a quality spring or will a standard one be fine?

[FortTom]

If you have a rifle spring and buffer, you'll need to change both, not just the spring. Refer to the pic's that were posted above. If your spring is 12.75 in long, and your buffer looks like the one posted above, the bottom one in the picture, in a carbine stock, I'm suprised it even cycles at all.

It would really help if you could find someone to post some pics for you. I'm sure someone will spot the problem right off. Also, why did you change the extractor spring? Did the problems start after that? What problems were you having before you changed the spring?

FT.

[masshole42]

As for pictures are you referring to pictures of the malfunctions? I changed the spring because I wanted to shoot Tula and my first experience didn't go so well. I read that steel cases expend different from brass cases so I decided to try upgraded the spring to be able to eject the steel cases. It helped but didn't make it 100% so that's when I bought a carbine buffer and then my rifle would cycle the Tula 100% as well as the Federal .223 brass cased ammo I put through it. Besides the trial with the Tula, my rifle never malfunctioned until now, which was after 40rds of a combination of M855 and M193.

[csmith]

I believe he meant pictures of the spring and buffer.

[Paulo_Santos]

Just measure the buffer.

[FortTom]

Yes, I was referring to the pictures that were posted avove of a carbine spring and buffer on top and a rifle spring and buffer right below it. Or if you're having a hard time locating it in this thread, do like Paulo said and just measure the buffer and post the measurement in thie thread.

FT

[AR-10]

I've never had a problem with steel cased ammo and I use $5 BCM springs with H buffers.

If your action spring is questionable I would replace it with a new spring and I would also buy one of each buffer weight to keep in the range bag.

[masshole42]

ok i measured the action spring again and the buffer. The action spring was 12.75 inches and the buffer was 5 7/8 inches. So the conclusion is that I have a rifle spring and buffer. How is my rifle able to cycle with those in a M4 collapsible stock I do not know, but it does. (well, it did.) I purchased a new carbine action spring and H buffer from BCM. When those arrive, I will give my rifle a thorough cleaning and lubing and double check the gas key screws then head out to the range. Hopefully I will make it out sometime this week and be able to report back. Is there anything else I should check before I head out to the range or other things I can check/troubleshoot at the range if it continues to malfunction? I am going to try to pick up a couple boxes of other kinds of ammo. I figure having a wider range of ammo to test couldn't hurt.

[5pins]

Something is not right here. There is no way your rifle will work with a rifle buffer and spring in a carbine receiver extension, there is physically not enough room. The carrier will barely move back at all never mind stripping a round from the mag. I would advise you to take your rifle to someone who can tell you what you have before putting your carbine spring and buffer in it.

[Eric]

Photos would be helpful. www.photobucket.com is a free host that is easy to use.

[masshole42]

My Rifle






Action spring and buffer