I Give Up - It’s Time for a Smith

granola

granola

Too many hobbies...
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After today’s shakedown of the AR10 I built a few years ago and then just sat (long story), I can’t get the BCG to travel all the way forward when I drop the catch after inserting a new (full) magazine.

I’ve messed and messed with it. It’s time for someone who’s a pro.

I don’t know any gunsmiths in my area. Can anyone recommend one in the Indian Trail, Matthews, Monroe area? Thanks in advance!
 
granola said:
After today’s shakedown of the AR10 I built a few years ago and then just sat (long story), I can’t get the BCG to travel all the way forward when I drop the catch after inserting a new (full) magazine.
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Will it go all the way if the magazine is downloaded one round?
 
granola said:
Showing my ignorance here….and I’m ok with that.

What’s a slingshot?
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Instead of hitting the bolt catch, use the charging handle and let it fly. (I’m assuming that’s what he’s referring to)
 
when you slingshot you compress the spring a bit more. You can try a heavier spring and see if everything runs. I’ve heard of people dropping a washer or quarter into the buffer tube to accomodate a too weak spring, but have never tried it myself.

cleaning and new lube might also solve the problem, could just be a bit gunky.
 
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JimB said:
when you slingshot you compress the spring a bit more. You can try a heavier spring and see if everything runs. I’ve heard of people dropping a washer or quarter into the buffer tube to accomodate a too weak spring, but have never tried it myself.

cleaning and new lube might also solve the problem, could just be a bit gunky.
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Definitely not dirty or gunky, but I think you’re onto something with too light of a spring. It didn’t occur to me that by using the charging handle I was compressing the spring more. That completely makes sense. Is there a way to see what spring weight I currently have in there?

Thanks a million for your response!
 
granola said:
Definitely not dirty or gunky, but I think you’re onto something with too light of a spring. It didn’t occur to me that by using the charging handle I was compressing the spring more. That completely makes sense. Is there a way to see what spring weight I currently have in there?

Thanks a million for your response!
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I’m not sure. In a 1911 you can figure the weight from the diameter of the wire and the number of coils. It’s probably the same for your spring, but I don’t have any references from which to figure it out.

Good news is that springs are pretty cheap.
 
Apparently, the current philosophy around here is use more force.

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This is what I would do. First check your loads, do factory loads do the same thing? Then ck the mag. Strip from a mag with 2 loads-4 lds- 6 lds etc. Try another mag. Next ck the buffer spring. If you don’t have a new AR10 replacement put a dowel spacer in the rear of the tube. Try an inch, add another inch. Don’t fire it with the spacer, just check the operation. It the bcg is going forward all the way retry the mags from the point that the rounds failed to allow the bolt to close. My wag would be that if the buffer spring was that weak your lower would be getting damaged by the bcg but not necessarily. Had that happen to my first .45 acp build that the AR builder might have known 223 ar’s but not blowback .45 pcc’s. Too light of a buffer and spring. If the ammo works and mags work and nothing is damaged the buffer spring is bad. You should be able to load a clean rifle from a full magazine from the bolt catch. Might need a heavier buffer to give it more forward umph via inertia. I’ve put together 4 ar .45 pcc’s but the only thing that I known about the AR10 is that my son has one that I’ve never shot.
 
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Look at you feed ramp and see if it needs polishing. Some barrels have horrible ramps. AR suffers some times thanks to the design of it all so. The ramp. Also see the mag have to much play and do that on some firearms. I had one I could put the mags all the way in all it touch the upper on the inside.
 
I would try just shooting it. Since it chambers with the charging handle all the way back it should cycle while firing. Run a few mags through it and see if wears in a little and resolves the issue.
 
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Flashpoint said:
I would try just shooting it. Since it chambers with the charging handle all the way back it should cycle while firing. Run a few mags through it and see if wears in a little and resolves the issue.
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Just getting back to this...

I ran four mags through it and it seemed to shoot just fine. I haven't had the opportunity to shoot it again though, unfortunately. I need to dive back into this once I get a few things off my plate!
 
I’m making this post in the hope that it helps someone that might be having the same issue.

What I failed to mention in my earlier posts is that this rifle has a PRS stock, which requires a rifle length buffer tube and spring. When the shop that builds your rifle assures you that they put in the correct spring, don’t take their word for it; remove it and verify it is the correct length. We’re all human and grabbing the wrong spring would be an easy thing to do, even for a highly regarded shop and someone you trust.
 
If you are still looking for a gunsmith, it might be worth calling Del over at Bear Paw Rifles in Pineville. He does great work and is reasonably priced. Also tons of great stories to tell! ;)
 
Exile_D said:
If you are still looking for a gunsmith, it might be worth calling Del over at Bear Paw Rifles in Pineville. He does great work and is reasonably priced. Also tons of great stories to tell! ;)
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Thanks for this! I believe I'm in good shape now but I'm sure there will be other projects in the future.
 
JBoyette said:
When you charge the AR-10 does it sound gritty?
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Nope, nice and smooth. Ran through a few tests last night and everything appears to be working as it should now after the spring change. Hopefully this weekend I'll have the opportunity to shoot it to verify.
 
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