My first AR build -

[Packer Backer]

Well, here it is... I decided I wanted to build my first AR and set it up for 3 Gun:

Specs:
Rainier Matched Billet Upper/Lower
Magpul ACS-L Stock
CMC Trigger
ERGO grip
Lancer XL Carbon Fiber
18" SS, Fluted, Rifle Gas 1:8
Voltor Gas Block
"7" Compensator
Burris MTAC 1-4

Just need to buy the scope mount and I will get that mounted up.

So here is my question... Shot it for the first time today. I only shot 6 rounds through it, but could get it to lock open on an empty mag. I shot PMC factory 223, I shot a few factory 5.56, and my reloads for 223. Shot great, just no bolt locking open.

What should I be looking for?

 

[Matt1911]

If it's an adjustable gas block you may need to give it a little more gas.
Rifle looks great btw.

 

[Packer Backer]

Negative on the adjustable block. Just a low profile Voltor.

Thanks for the compliment!!

 

[Wall]

make sure you don't have a rifle length spring in that carbine length buffer tube

 

[gondo]

Gas block aligned?

 

[Packer Backer]

Gas block aligned?

I think so... I was anal enough to run a laser down my barrel to make sure everything was lined up.

 

[Squid]

What's the specs on the buffer tube, buffer and spring? Did you try different magazines? Maybe give that magazine catch another spin. Or maybe you just need to lube her up good and run her hard... she is asking for it.

 

[Packer Backer]

What's the specs on the buffer tube, buffer and spring? Did you try different magazines? Maybe give that magazine catch another spin. Or maybe you just need to lube her up good and run her hard... she is asking for it.

I like how you think sir!

I will double check the buffer and spring. I give her a good run for her money!!

 

[Josh Beauchamp]

Your bolt catch may not be not be engaging properly. I know I am having that issue with mine. Had the rifle cerakoted and now the bolt catch doesn't move as freely as it should.

 

[mike cyrwus]

ammo! are they wussy loads or 5.56?

 

[Packer Backer]

ammo! are they wussy loads or 5.56?

Ammo was factory PMC 223, Factory 5.56 and my reloads are 223 w/26 grains of Hodgon BLC-2

 

[mike cyrwus]

thats an ambi bolt catch on that lower; beats the crap out of me what goes on in there. Thats where Id focus my attention though.

 

[Packer Backer]

There is just a small rod that goes through and contacts the main bolt catch on the other side. I have a feeling is the buffer tube spring and rifle vs. carbine length.

 

[45recoil]

You have a rifle buffer in a carbine tube?

 

[Packer Backer]

You have a rifle buffer in a carbine tube?

Not a 100% sure, just going to chalk it up as a rookie mistake and double check when i get home. I would have hoped that the shop which sold it to me knew what the hell they were doing.

 

[45recoil]

Oh yea...dont fully trust a gunshop.

 

[threegungeezer]

Will it lock open if you cycle by hand? If it will, you are under gassed if not then it is mechanical. I have three rifle length ARs I built and all of them require very hot loads to lock the bolt back. PMC won't do it and even most 5.56 won't. My hand loads will. I have a bunch of carbine and mid length ARs and they will all run anything, I just seem to have trouble with the rifle length systems.

 

[Matt1911]

Will it lock open if you cycle by hand? If it will, you are under gassed if not then it is mechanical. I have three rifle length ARs I built and all of them require very hot loads to lock the bolt back. PMC won't do it and even most 5.56 won't. My hand loads will. I have a bunch of carbine and mid length ARs and they will all run anything, I just seem to have trouble with the rifle length systems.

Sounds like you need to get a lightened buffer and carrier.

 

[SheepDogK-10]

My first AR build was a Spikes Punisher lower with Rock River 2-stage trigger, Magpul furniture and a 300 AAC BLACKOUT upper. Optics I put on top was a Vortex PST 1-4X24 TMCQ on a GG&G mount along side the scope I have 45deg BUIS.

Now all I have to do is wait on the stamp for my AAC .30cal CAN!!!! I have a feeling it's going to take longer than usual due to the Government shut down last year.

I at first had a problem with the last round bolt hold open and my fix for it was a little lighter buffer spring since I was already running a standard buffer.

 

[Packer Backer]

I set mine up with the Enidine hydraulic buffer. I think that has been my problem. I am trying a standard buffer this weekend and we will see how it runs.

I am a little frustrated as I put the Enidine buffer in my S&W M&P 15t and totally made it a smooth shooting AR.

Oh well, I guess its the challenges of building an AR to figure out what runs best.