Good gunsmith to fix AR15 problem?

R

Ruben Nasser

New member
I live in Paraguay, south america, and have a post-ban Colt Lightweight Match Target AR15 rifle, 16" 1 in 7" barrel, chambered "223". It has the annoying problem of not being able to handle mil-spec 55 gr. ammo (the most common/cheapest here), while functioning perfectly with commercial 223 ammo. It breaks the rims of the cases, leaving them stuck inside (probably some problem with chamber dimensions or out of spec gas system). I have checked every single piece in the rifle (I have previously posted here and in AR15.com regarding this same problem), but could not find anything at fault. Probably there is some truth to the myth of some AR15 rifles chambered to 223 not being able to work with 5.56 military ammo.
I'm tired of not being able to fix the problem myself, and I would like to send the upper to a good american gunsmith. Could you please give me some recomendations? Thanks in advance.
 
Could be the gas port size which, depending on the manufacturer, can be different between military and civilian guns. Remember that the military guns are fed military ammo. For civilian guns, the manufacturer has to ensure that a wider variety of ammo will work in it.

An adjustable gas tube from Brownells might do the trick. They're easy enough to install and all you need (tool wise) is a roll pin punch and a hammer and a vise.
 
might also be the chamber is cut to .223 instead of 5.56

perhaps a chamber polish job could cure it

dZ
 
Thanks for the answers!! I did try just a little bit of chamber polishing (I don't know if the barrel is chromed). About the only thing left I can think of is some more chamber polishing or an adjustable gas tube.
I was thinking of sending to Compass Lake, Metalcraft, or Fulton Armory, but these are really "big name" AR15 gunsmiths and I was afraid they could take a long time to fix it.
 
Ruben, I don't think your Match Target barrel is chrome lined (check the top of the barrel forward from front sight). You will see what twist, chamber, and if chromed, you will see a "C" somewhere. The match chamber dimensions are not as forgiving as the military chambers. Since you mentioned "ripped/broken rims" I suspect the tight chamber is the source of the problem rather than a problem with the gas system.

However, if you have your chamber reamed to "military" dimensions, this will degrade accuracy somewhat with certain commercial match ammunition.

I would suggest buying a seperate upper with chrome military chamber and barrel for use with "military" specification ammunition. Or stay with quality commercial ammunition.

Muchos recuerdos! DaMan
 
Ruben: You might be correct about the wait time with the big-name gunsmiths. My experience with Compass Lake has been through a local friend. Compass Lake is only about an hour-and-a-half's drive from here. My friend took his new Bushmaster to Compass Lake, found Frank White to be really down-to-earth and engaging. Frank did the work himself, while my friend sat and chatted. The friend had Frank install a DCM-legal free-float handguard set; Compass Lake's excellent two-stage trigger; and a National Match rear sight. Frank's total charge, parts and labor, under $200. I thought that was a pretty decent deal.
 
Thanks again, guys!! Daman, I'm going to get a separate upper with all the bells and whistles for precision shooting (free floated, 24" match bull barrel, flat top), but I really want this short carbine (16" barrel, carry handle, iron sights) to be reliable with every kind of ammo. I do think the problem is the chamber dimensions, but I don't have a reamer. I'll try to contact Compass Lake, as they are located in Miami, very close to my US postal address.
 
Rubin, if the rims are being pulled off the cases, it's not a gas tube problem, it's a chamber problem.

You might want to look at the stuck cases. The extractor should engage the rim by 1.5-2mm. If it's only taking a little edge off the rim, replacing the extractor might solve your problem. A good extractor would take the full 2mm chunk off if the chamber was bad.

To the best of my knowledge, colt match target barrels are not chromed. This may also be contributing to your problem.

The chamber could either be rereamed and polished or the barrel could be replaced. Reaming should be done by a professional to ensure the headspace is not altered.

You might want to consider replacing the barrel yourself, it is not difficult and the cost would be reasonable, plus it would solve any shipping and customs problems.

Hope this helps.

------------------
The M-16 is a damn fine weapon, but your best, your most lethal and effective weapon is between your ears. Ssgt Brown, Parris Island, 3rd Bn, H co. 1984.
 
Ruben, that sounds like an excellent solution. With a tack driving match chambered upper and a 16" that will eat any ammo, you've got the best of all worlds.

Regards! DaMan
 
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