AR-15 Extractor Problems

[TalonII]

Just completed a build on an AR-15 M4 and it's not extracting the round after firing. It passed the mechanical funtional check as far extracting rounds using the charging handle with no problem. The initial charge with a mag in it seems to be fine and the BCG and charging handle lock back into place easily with no forward assist required. The round will fire but on the recoil cycle it is not extracting the round and then feeding the next round against the back of the spent case. Out of 10 rounds fired it only completed one successful ejection. The bolt carrier locks back after the last round as designed. Any ideas?

[MRB]

Lord knows I'm no AR expert, but it sounds like the extractor spring is weak.
Does your spring have an insert and donut?

[S Lance]

Will the rifle fire and eject a single round without a magazine in the gun?

As Matt said, be sure your bolt/extractor are assembled correctly. If you have another rifle, you can swap and see if that one works.

If the bolt is travelling far enough to the rear to pick up a new round, you should be getting plenty of gas into the action.

[bigdaddy]

I would check to see if you have a rough chamber. If it will eject the round manually, but not when the round is fired the brass might be sticking in a rough spot in the chamber itself.

I would take some polishing cloth and a wooden dowel and try to smooth it out.

[S Lance]

I would take some polishing cloth and a wooden dowel and try to smooth it out.

This coming from someone who won't shoot steel cased ammo in his rifle!;)

In addition to the above, be sure to use good quality, brass cased ammo when you function check your rifle. Steel cases tend to be "sticky" and just add to the confusion.

[bigdaddy]

Yup, I prefer my rifles to work.

Actually I would probably use something less abrasive to polish with but if his chamber is sticking that bad it might need the extra smoothing.

I'd be curious to know who made the barrel? That would tell a big part of the story.

[Gunworks]

My shop rates are $45 an hour + parts.

Actually
1. Clean chamber
2. Change extractor spring, use extra power spring with the o ring.
3. Be sure your using the right buffer and spring.
4. Lube properly.
5. Shoot the brand of ammo you want, even if it dose smell like cat piss.

[TalonII]

I've cleaned it, lubed it, and rubbed it caringly today but could still only manage a string of 6 shots w/o a failure. This thing as brand new and the extractor and ejector springs seem adequately strong. I'll bring it to the match on the 21st for some eyes on evaluation.

[MRB]

Just make sure to bring plenty of test ammo.
(only because we like burning up free ammo )

[TalonII]

Just make sure to bring plenty of test ammo.
(only because we like burning up free ammo )

At the rate it's fireing, a 20 box oughta do it.