Bolt getting stuck on an empty magazine.

[Rockdog]

Picked my new AR-15 yesterday, took it apart cleaned and lubed it all up and took it to the range today for the first time.

First off, I am so glad I got a AR, I upgraded the charging handle and added a optic. It took me about 15-20 rounds to get the optic dialed in and I loved every minute of it.

Now to my question. The one issue I did run into, a few times the bolt would get stuck once the magazine was empty, it would get hung up on the top of the magazine feeder. Once I depressed the feeder, the bolt would slam into place with no problem and then it was good to go. During the buying process the dealer did show me this and had me depress it with a pen so I knew how to handle it. Sense this is my first AR, I wasn't sure if this is normal or something that needs correcting.

I am open to the idea that I may have put something back together incorrectly, it was my first time after all.

Any tips, tricks or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rocky

[TKM]

That is the way it's designed to work. Nothing to worry about.

[Rockdog]

That is the way it's designed to work. Nothing to worry about.

If it did not have the juggernaut hellcat feature, would I be able to just pull the mag out?

[Keith4him]

I had to take a file to the top of my magazines because the juggernaut causes the bolt to catch

[FeuerFrei]

[Keith4him]

See above, fixed it for me

[kcheung2]

I had to think through this thread because I didn't realize OP had a fixed mag setup. I was wondering why he was doing some of the things he did.

OP - since this is your first AR, look into featureless configuration. Everybody has their preferences as to going either fixed mag or featureless, but the general breakdown is:

fixed mag looks like a free state rifle but operates differently
featureless looks different but operates the same as a free state rifle.

I chose function first so all my black (and FDE) rifles are featureless and look goofy.

[Rockdog]

I had to think through this thread because I didn't realize OP had a fixed mag setup. I was wondering why he was doing some of the things he did.

OP - since this is your first AR, look into featureless configuration. Everybody has their preferences as to going either fixed mag or featureless, but the general breakdown is:

fixed mag looks like a free state rifle but operates differently
featureless looks different but operates the same as a free state rifle.

I chose function first so all my black (and FDE) rifles are featureless and look goofy.

I ultimately decided to go with the fixed mag, because I felt like it would be easier to reverse if we are lucky enough to get these laws overturned.

I guess I need to decide if I want to lose the adjustable stock and deal with a different handle, or deal with my current setup.

[Rockdog]

I will try this for sure, thanks.

[far from tactical]

Try running magpul gen 2 ar mags ...that works for me

[Rockdog]

Try running magpul gen 2 ar mags ...that works for me

Next mag I buy I will try this model. Thanks

[Reno-Kid]

Forget the fix mag nonsense and go with Resurgent Arms grip.

[ar15barrels]

I had to think through this thread because I didn't realize OP had a fixed mag setup.

That's because he did not state the configuration of his AR in the first post or provide pictures of the malfunction where we could see what he had.

Basically, he gave us the gun equivalent of "Doctor, I ate something and got sick. Do you think I chewed it too fast or too slow?" without ever mentioning that he ate something rotten.

[mustangsixtwoseven_five]

Featureless for the win.
Juggernaut Hellfighter is bunk.
All kinds of problems with them making ur rifle unsafe and difficult to manage

[ar15barrels]

I ultimately decided to go with the fixed mag, because I felt like it would be easier to reverse if we are lucky enough to get these laws overturned.

I guess I need to decide if I want to lose the adjustable stock and deal with a different handle, or deal with my current setup.

Another fixed magazine option is to switch the hellfighter magazine lock for a Hogue freedom fighter.
That will allow you to have a proper bolt catch where the hellfighter is now and still use the Juggernaut pushbutton to split your receivers apart and reload.
I do the Hogue freedom fighter machining and installation if you are in the los angeles area.
Just get a Hogue refill kit (NOT the full kit with tools) and schedule a time to come over and it's done while you wait.