How to Correct a Malfunction on an AR Style Rifle

As M16, M4, and AR styled rifle are gas powered, they are more prone to malfunctions than other rifles. The carbon build up will almost always cause malfunctions after prolonged firing. Cleaning your rifle after firing will cut down on malfunctions, but this article will tell you how to correct a malfunction while firing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• AR style rifle
• Ammunition
• Firing Range
• Gun Oil or CLP
• Eye and ear protection

1. When your rifle malfunctions, you first need to apply immediate actions. An easy acronym to remember immediate actions is SPORTS.

2. Slap - Slap the bottom of the magazine. This will ensure that the magazine is fully seated.

3. Pull - Pull the charging handle.

4. Observe - Observe the round come out. Also, observe for a double feed.

5. Release - Release the charging handle, letting the bolt go forward.

6. Tap - Tap the forward assist to make sure that the bolt is all the way forward.

7. Squeeze - Point the rifle in a safe direction and squeeze the trigger.

8. If the rifle still does not fire, you will need to apply remidial actions.

9. Drop the magazine.

10. Charge and lock the bolt to the rear.

11. Observe the magazine, magazine well, and chamber, to find the malfunction, and correct.

12. It could simply be that there is too much of a carbon build up from prolonged firing. Oil or Cleanin, Lubricant, and Protectant (CLP), can correct this, but the best thing to do at this point would be cleaning the rifle.

Tips & Warnings

• Firing a rifle should only be done at a firing range, in the presence of a professional.
• Bookmark this page for a quick reference.

[mgonza12]

on 11/27/2008 Great info. Thanks for sharing.