Home >> Collecting >> Gun Collecting

How to Fix a Short Stroking AR15

The AR style of rifles was modeled after firearms used by the U.S. military and is a bestseller in the gun collector community. As with all firearms, the complicated mechanism sometimes doesn't work as expected, which causes a failure to fire the next round. A common reason for this is the bolt not moving rearward enough after firing to pick up another round from the supply in the magazine. This leaves the chamber empty. The problem is labeled "short stroking" because of the shortened path the bolt experienced. There can be many causes for a short stroke, and all need to be carefully checked to see which solves the problem.

Things You'll Need

Ammo
Cleaning kit
Spare magazine
Allen wrenches
Drill bits
Replacement bolt, op rod springs, gas tube and rings

Instructions

- 1
  Load different ammo in the firearm. Local recoil or misloaded ammo may not generate enough power to properly force the bolt back.
- 2
  Swap out the magazine for one that you know is working properly. A dirty or malfunctioning magazine can mimic the problem of short stroking by not delivering the cartridge in time for the bolt to pick it up.
- 3
  Check the carrier key and the two Allen screws on top of the bolt carrier. The Allen screws should be tight. Foreign objects can sometimes get caught under the carrier key and need to be removed.
- 4
  Clean and maintain the AR-15 properly. A buildup of dirt or other debris can block the proper operation of the various internal parts. Lubing the gun reduces friction between the moving parts, allowing them to properly slide over one another instead of binding.
- 5
  Scrape the gas cylinder plugs with drill bits to remove carbon buildup.
- 6
  Examine the bolt to see if it is worn or pitted. Replace the bolt and op rod springs together.
- 7
  Check the gas tube and gas rings for proper operation. Excess gas will show up as discolored spots along the rings. If they are malfunctioning by allowing too much gas to escape, then the recoil will not be sufficient to have a proper stroke. If the tube and rings are failing, then replace them.

Gun Collecting