Bolt release question/issue

[cdcasey]

Hey all,

i am fairly new to the ar field and had a question.  i got a sig 516 back in march and the gun runs great.  my only concern is that the bolt release will fail if there is a impact to the butt stock sending the bolt into battery.  sometimes it is just setting it down in the safe that will release the bolt unless i really put it in very gingerly.  is this something with all ar's or do i have something to be concerned with?  i was thinking about putting a heavier buffer from spikes tactical to see if that might help (they are very close to where i live).  i do not keep a mag in the gun (right next to it on the shelf jic) but i dont want to experience a major problem at the wrong time.  i was going to email sig but they want you to call during business hours and as a banker that can be hard to do.  any help/advise is greatly appreciated.

[Big Frank]

That's just something that happens with ARs. It will also release the bolt if you drop a cleaning rod into the bore.

[tombogan03884]

It's something to be aware of when you handle the weapon, but it is a pretty universal habit they have.
I have never yet handled any version of AR that I could not close the bolt by banging the stock on my toe, or giving the butt a good slap.

[alfsauve]

It isn't peculiar to ARs BTW.    A lot of bolt hold opens on a lot of guns will do it.  It's a convenience to aid in reloading an empty gun, not a safety device.  And as with all safety devices, don't put 100% of your trust into it.

While it might not be in the official manual of arms, during inspection of  M1 Garands, M1 Carbines or M14s(M1a1s) you'd slap the butt to release the bolt.

[Solus]

Any shock great enough and of the right vector to move the bolt to the rear will release it..just like pulling it to the rear and releasing it by hand.

This does apply to any bolt hold open system that can be released by pulling the bolt to the rear, not just ARs.

And I've had them close by hitting the bolt with a cleaning rod also.

[Sponsor]

[kmitch200]

Leave the bolt forward until it needs to be pulled back for some reason?
Sounds like a fix to me.

[PegLeg45]

It isn't peculiar to ARs BTW.    A lot of bolt hold opens on a lot of guns will do it.  It's a convenience to aid in reloading an empty gun, not a safety device.  And as with all safety devices, don't put 100% of your trust into it.

While it might not be in the official manual of arms, during inspection of  M1 Garands, M1 Carbines or M14s(M1a1s) you'd slap the butt to release the bolt.

Yep.

Mini-14's also do it with a slap to the side or rear of the butt-stock.

[fightingquaker13]

Leave the bolt forward until it needs to be pulled back for some reason?
Sounds like a fix to me.

Probably better for the springs too. I do sometimes leave a mag in it, but the bolt is always closed, so no safety issue. Ironically the exception to this is on the range where they have an "actions open" policy. Here I can see where it would be posible to drop/jostle a gun and create a potentially unsafe situation. Still, the safety should be on and ideally there shouldn't be a mag in the well when moving to your station. Those who shoot three gun can comment on how those safety issues are dealt with on a dynamic course.
FQ13

[alfsauve]

Bolt hold open isn't an issue on some ranges because they require the yellow chamber flags.  I have (or had) several semi-autos without a bolt hold open feature (e.g., Winchester Mod 77) so the chamber flags solve the safety issue.

[twyacht]

I just tested my CMP Garand, on an open bolt. After several tries of hand slapping the crap out of it, no success in closing the bolt.

I did give it some buttstock jolts on a double folded blanket on the tile floor, but I did not slam it on bare tile...Seems like abuse..

My Frankenstein AR did not close the bolt while giving some raps on a blanket on my tile floor either.  I have heard of this happening, but ask myself why is the bolt open?

Empty mag, reloading.
Clearing and Inspection.

Other than that, the bolt is closed. I picked up a Badger oversize charging handle latch for $20. (Much cheaper than the BCM option), and can rack, tap and roll, very easily, without the split finger motion.

Just FWIW....Like a 12g pump action,..loaded on an empty chamber. No slapping, clubbing, beating, or hitting the floor will cause a ND. But a sound "shucking will"....

and I hope the BG hears it....might just save his life if he runs for the hills.