AR Live Fire Troubleshooting

Utilize these steps after following all the Lower and Upper Troubleshooting steps.

• Issue: <5 rounds are fired before a LPS (Light Primer Strike) or hammer follow occurs and the charging handle needs to be pulled again.
  • Solution 1: Replace the buffer with a heavier weight buffer. We typically suggest a H3 5.5oz Buffer, but some platforms run fine on H2, some require a H4 (Note: this applies only to AR-15 .223/5.56, other calibers and suppressor usage can have different buffer weight requirements). We typically suggest adding weight in semi with 1 round in the magazine until the bolt no longer locks back after a single shot, then go down one step in weight.
  • Solution 2: Adjust the gas block to lower the backpressure. Not all builds have an adjustable block, but this may solve the issue.
  • Solution 3: Replace the buffer spring with a higher tension spring (sometimes referred to as “enhanced power” springs).

• Issue: Failure to extract or eject.
  • Solution: Typically, this is due to a gassing issue. You may either adjust your gas block (if applicable) or adjust your buffer weight/spring until reliability is achieved.

• Issue: When using a PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine), you get OOB (Out Of Battery) detonations.
  • Solution 1: Replace the upper or entire PCC with a CMMG RDB system. This system uses the same locking lug design as a normal AR-15 so it is very difficult to fire out of battery.
  • Solution 2: Increase the total buffer + bolt weight to 23oz or greater. This additional weight helps to slam the bolt closed and prevent bolt bounce. We recommend replacing the bolt weight with KAK Industry’s tungsten weight as it’s already the right length for most BCGs and it weighs more than normal bolt weights.

• Issue: The lever snapped in the first 100 rounds.
  • Solution 1: Please review the Upper Troubleshooting steps again, you likely did not perform the upper cut or, on PCCs, you did not cut the bolt weight.
  • Solution 2: Please verify your lower shelf is not too high as this can block the cam from rotating back fully and break the lever.
  • Solution 3: The hardening of the lever may have been incomplete, we will replace the lever, please contact us.

• Issue: You run out of ammo too quickly.
  • Solution: Buy more ammo.