AR not firing..

[MrPlink]

+1 for it being the springs.

The other option is to use a light weight "speed hammer" or just remove some mass from the existing hammer.

Google for instructions/pics

[SlickmisterN]

Hammer could also be contacting the bolt release or front of fcg pocket right before or during hitting the primer sapping it's full energy potential. Make sure there is no interference when the hammer is down on his lower and you manipulate the bolt hold open there should be no tension or resistance.

[offrdmania]

Hello all,
A friend of mine had trouble with his AR the other day at the range. The firing pin is hitting the bullet dead center but nothing is happening. His bcg won't close completely when releasing the bolt also. But when we swapped lowers, his rifle shot fine without any problems. But when I shot with his lower onto my upper, it wouldn't go off. I'm thinking a weak spring or need a heavier buffer. Am I correct, and if so, which would be the problem? Buffer or spring. Btw, he had a dirty bcg which he tore down and clean and lubed now. Would that make a difference?

Sounds like the round is backwards in the mag if the firing pin is hitting the bullet and not the primer. This may be why the bolt wont close all the way

[coryhenry]

Sounds like the round is backwards in the mag if the firing pin is hitting the bullet and not the primer. This may be why the bolt wont close all the way

I just spit my drink out of my nose!!

[CK_32]

+1 for it being the springs.

The other option is to use a light weight "speed hammer" or just remove some mass from the existing hammer.

Google for instructions/pics

Wouldn't that make light primer strikes worse? Taking the mass out of the hammer? It will be quicker but now that it's lighter it loses the energy/inertia no?

At least that's what my little brain computes anyways.

[ar15barrels]

Like you mentioned, about 1-2mm space from being completely closed.

The buffer retainer is too far to the rear, causing the carrier to bounce open because the buffer is not resting on the carrier when the carrier is fully forward.
Try removing the buffer retainer and re-assembling the rifle without it.
If the problem goes away, then you found the problem...

[allhenyia]

I would also try swapping out the hammer spring.

[kAnJii]

He cleaned his bcg completely. It's was very dirty. Hope that will work first, but I did tell him to bring an extra hammer spring and buffer and spring in case the light primer hits are still going on. Thanks again gunners.

[CK_32]

Better have a good place inYour car to swap them out.


If you lose a spring, pin or detent at the range. That puppy is gone for ever and your range day a lot shorter.

GL

[Jimi Jah]

If you want to use yellow springs and you still get light primer strikes an extended firing pin used for 7.62x39 Russian ammo may solve that problem. Those sell for 15 bucks from

https://www.ar15depot.com

Located in the Valley on Saticoy St.

[kAnJii]

If you want to use yellow springs and you still get light primer strikes an extended firing pin used for 7.62x39 Russian ammo may solve that problem. Those sell for 15 bucks from

https://www.ar15depot.com

Located in the Valley on Saticoy St.

For AR or AK?

[MrPlink]

Wouldn't that make light primer strikes worse? Taking the mass out of the hammer? It will be quicker but now that it's lighter it loses the energy/inertia no?

At least that's what my little brain computes anyways.

Nope. It's a common fix for light strikes in this scenario.
The goal is to create force. You will loose some from loosing mass, but you gain much more from the increased speed of the hammer.

I did this years ago on an AR(with JP yellows on a stock fcg) that would light strike every 10rds or so. After bobbing the hammer haven't had one since.

[barrage]

Take a close look at the hammer spring. Did somebody put it in backwards? I bet they did.

[SB1964]

Don't buy any parts yet. It's not a buffer. Check out what Randall said, takes about 5 mins unless it's staked. Quick to check. Open the takedown pin (backend) & close it gently. Does the buffer contact the BCG? It should contact it slightly, enough to easily feel it as you close it.

[Glenlivet]

Take a close look at the hammer spring. Did somebody put it in backwards? I bet they did.

The single most common mistake in an AR build.