Unjamming a jammed up AR-15

[bushpilot267]

We had the same problem in 1964 in Nam.  I strapped a cleaning rod to my barrel is happened so often.  Now, think of this weapon going down in a fire fight.  That is why I cannot stand it.  Most of my unit got AK's any time they could.

With any luck the US will drop this platform and move to something which will not hang up and get you killed.

[Timothy]

We had the same problem in 1964 in Nam.  I strapped a cleaning rod to my barrel is happened so often.  Now, think of this weapon going down in a fire fight.  That is why I cannot stand it.  Most of my unit got AK's any time they could.

With any luck the US will drop this platform and move to something which will not hang up and get you killed.

Nothing would indicate to me that the military or this Congress will do anything at all to give our troops the needed tools to prevent loss of life.  While I don't know shit about black rifles, I'm pretty well versed in the Pentagons willingness to give the contract to the lowest bidder.  The higher up's in the Pentagon are not much better than the Reids and Pelosis of the world these days.  Just trying their level best to keep their huge salaries.

BTW, thanks for your service....

[Badgersmilk]

[CDR]

We had the same problem in 1964 in Nam.  I strapped a cleaning rod to my barrel is happened so often.  Now, think of this weapon going down in a fire fight.  That is why I cannot stand it.  Most of my unit got AK's any time they could.

With any luck the US will drop this platform and move to something which will not hang up and get you killed.

The US Military in the early 1960s instructed soldiers to run the AR15 and M16 platform dry and with little need for cleaning.  It was originally touted as a new style "self cleaning" rifle made with space age technology and materials.  Obviously, the complete opposite is true.  AR 15s/M16s need to be run wet and cleaned routinely, as we all are now aware.  Once this was figured out, along with chrome lining the bore and chamber, the military then issued new guidelines correcting this error with cleaning and lubricating instructions issued in the form of a comic book.  This was thought to simplify maintenance guidelines for soldiers new to these rifles and it was successful.  The AR platform has been a reliable military rifle ever since with the understanding that it must be well lubricated and cleaned. It doesn't have to be immaculately cleaned, just cleaned and lubricated in certain critical areas. 

The military is currently looking into alternatives to replace the M4 and some look outstanding according to reports, especially the Heckler and Koch 416.  However, to portray a problem from the 60s that had been addressed and corrected and subsequently elevated the M16 and M4 platform to the successful rifle it has been for the last four decades, is a bit unfair.  Stoner's design was excellent.  The military's mistake in describing the platform and its general maintenance correctly was the problem. Having said that, I can certainly understand how any U.S. soldier having been unfortunate enough to have been given these rifles with improper maintenance instructions and subsequently experienced catastrophic failure, could feel so negatively toward an AR15/M16.

For reliability you will do fine with a good quality AR that follows military specifications such as Colt, LMT and LWRC that properly stake their rifles at critical points.  Just clean and lube it properly and it will be reliable as hell.  The new piston driven systems are easier to maintain as they run cleaner, but one could argue that you are sacrificing accuracy as you have a piston slapping  against the mechanism unlike the direct gas impingement system.  Part of the reason ARs are inherently more accurate than AKs.  JMHO.

Should prove an interesting comparative exercise for the military to see what direction they take with the M4.

[CDR]

By the way, for those interested in learning how to maintain your AR, I strongly recommend this article from Pat Rogers......."Keep your Carbine Running"........great information from someone who really understands and teaches carbine training.


http://www.ar15.com/content/swat/keepitrunning.pdf

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

 BushPilot, after 40 years these ain't your Nam era Mattel toys and haven't been for a long time.
(Still not real impressed with .223 for a combat round though, I'll grant you that )

[tommy tornado]

I was using hand loads.  They consisted of a 55 grain FMJ speer bullet, 27.0 grains of BL-C(2), Military Brass, and Wolf Small Rifle Primers.  I used the cleaning rod method and got the round out of the rifle.  The culprit was a split and swollen case.  It was a lake city head stamp.  Thanks for all the replies and information posted. 

[Walter45Auto]

What TAB said.

+1 from someone who had to do this with a Winchester 94. A cleaning rod with muzzle protector and a rubber mallet. The technique? You can guess......