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New Armalite AR-10 - Bolt doesnt lockback?

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New Armalite AR-10 - Bolt doesnt lockback? was created by j1mmyr1chter

New to AR-10s. Just bought one and discovered that the bolt does not slide back far enough to lock back. Factory stock has been replaced by seller with retractable carbine stock. My limited knowledge, but diligent Armalite research leads me to believe that the correct buffer tube, buffer, and spring are present, but I could be wrong. Anybody seen this? What am I missing? I haven't fired the rifle yet, and don't plan to until I get this action issue sorted out. Thanks for any guidance!
"Never play leapfrog with a Unicorn"
11 years 3 months ago #16397

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Replied by Turbo V6 Camaro on topic New Armalite AR-10 - Bolt doesnt lockback?

I have limited experance with my new ar-10 (haven't fired, to dang cold) but it is MUCH harder to lock back then the M-16 i fired in the AF. also when you release it, it is much more violent i did a :censored: the first time i ran threw the safety checks :woohoo:

good way to cut off a figure you dont anymore lol
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Last edit: 11 years 3 months ago by Turbo V6 Camaro.
11 years 3 months ago #16398

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Replied by j1mmyr1chter on topic New Armalite AR-10 - Bolt doesnt lockback?

Thanks Turbo, but I have really been after this and its pretty clear that something is keeping that bolt from going back far enough. Its like the buffers too long or something, but it matches exactly the specs on the Armalite sight, so I just dont get it. Buffers 3 and 1/4" and and about 5 and 5/8 oz.
"Never play leapfrog with a Unicorn"
11 years 3 months ago #16401

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Replied by VTIT on topic New Armalite AR-10 - Bolt doesnt lockback?

A quick check would be to open it up, pull out the buffer and spring and see if the bolt carrier will physically fit in the buffer tube. If not you have a problem. If it does maybe the buffer or spring is stopping it from going back far enough.
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11 years 3 months ago #16402

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Replied by j1mmyr1chter on topic New Armalite AR-10 - Bolt doesnt lockback?

Done that. The buffer tube seems to be fine diameter-wise. There is definitely something keeping the bolt from going all the way back though. I just cant figure it out because the buffer seems to be right on the money size-wise, and the spring is within an inch of what Armalite says the measurement of the spring should be. Its strange, and I feel like I must be missing something simple, but I simply cant find it.
"Never play leapfrog with a Unicorn"
11 years 3 months ago #16404

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Replied by VTIT on topic New Armalite AR-10 - Bolt doesnt lockback?

Check the length of the buffer tube itself. You say it was replaced maybe it is too short. Just throwing that out there. I am at work now or I could measure a stock one and let you know how long. Maybe someone else can answer it.
11 years 3 months ago #16405

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Replied by LebbenB on topic New Armalite AR-10 - Bolt doesnt lockback?

This. How far away is the BCG from being able to engage the bolt catch?

Also, there's a chance the receiver extension was screwed too deeply into the receiver. It should be screwed in just enough to prevent the buffer detent from springing loose.
RLTW
11 years 3 months ago #16408

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Replied by j1mmyr1chter on topic New Armalite AR-10 - Bolt doesnt lockback?

Excellent LebbenB. I was thinking the same thing, it actually was in there just enough to hold that detent down (so I guess it was installed correctly), but I actually tried unscrewing another turn or so and then trying and no better. I will turn it back in to the correct position tonight ;-).

VTIT, I am on your page for sure. I am thinking that my tube may be about 1/2" or so too short (let the 'story of my life' jokes begin hehe). Anybody got a some specific measurements / measuring points?
"Never play leapfrog with a Unicorn"
11 years 3 months ago #16409

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Replied by j1mmyr1chter on topic New Armalite AR-10 - Bolt doesnt lockback?

Oh and LebbenB, it looks like I am short by about 1/2 - 5/8" from the bolt catching.
"Never play leapfrog with a Unicorn"
11 years 3 months ago #16410

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Replied by LebbenB on topic New Armalite AR-10 - Bolt doesnt lockback?

OAL for an AR10 Carbine receiver extension is 7 5/8ths inches.

OAL for an M4 receiver extension is 6 15/16"
RLTW
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Last edit: 11 years 3 months ago by LebbenB.
11 years 3 months ago #16411

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