Critical Failure - Seeking Advice
I experienced a critical failure in one of my carbines this week, and am seeking some advice or thoughts from the folks here.
Because I know folks will ask, rifle specs are below:
- PSA Stripped Lower Receiver
- PSA LPK
- Battle Arms Development Ambi Safety Selector (BADASS)
- Geissele SD3G Trigger
- RRA Winer Aluminum Trigger Guard
- ACE Entry Length Buttstock
- H2 Heavy Buffer
- Wolf Extra Power Buffer Spring
- BCM Gunfighter Grip Mod 0
- BCM Upper Receiver
- BCM Gunfighter Ambi Charging Handle Mod 4
- Rubber City Armory (RCA) BCG
- Troy Industries Battlesight Rear Flip Up
- Troy Industries Battlesight Front HK Style Flip Up
- Mossberg OEM 16" M4 Profile 1x7 Melonite Barrel
- Spikes Tactical Dynacomp Extreme
- Centurion CMR 12" Rail
- Parallax Tactical Lightweight Low Profile Gas Block
- YHM Black Carbine Gas Tube
- Insight WML Haley Strategic Partners Edition in HSP Thorntail Mount
- Aimpoint T1 4MOA In Larue Mount
I ran it on Memorial Day weekend as a new carbine build, with 150 rounds with zero issues. This week, I installed a Centurion CMR rail and Parallax gas block. I took it out for a 4th/July shoot expecting similar results.
I experienced a seriously critical failure 7 rounds into the session. I fired 4 rounds from one magazine (was confirming zero changes on the Aimpoint sight) without issue. I loaded 4 rounds in a second magazine. 2 fired without issue or consequence. The third round, detonated before the bolt carrier was fully seated and the bolt fully rotated back in place The bolt itself was fully engaged in the lugs of the barrel, however, as I said, it detonated prior to full BCG seating.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps7abe522a.jpg
This was a RH rifle, and I am a LH shooter. I received a great deal of smoke and/or gas back into my face. Thankfully, I am none the worse for wear.
The BCG remained stuck in an unclosed position. The case was stuck in the chamber. I was able to remove it by force via a dowel in the barrel and a rubber mallet.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps3c3c53bc.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...psda4157ef.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps99f4ab26.jpg
Upon cleaning and oiling for an experiment only (with proper safety equipment), the rifle and BCG chambered a round perfectly, fired, and he BCG returned to strip the next round in the magazine, however it was trying to chamber it on top of the fired case that never extracted in the first shot.
After again removing the BCG from the gun, I can easily notice that the extractor appears to be toasted. There are visible and physical cut/wear marks on the external side of it, and the tension is almost completely gone.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...psadb9f94c.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps5392caa6.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps5d889b08.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps1763e5aa.jpg
At this point, I'm unsure of what exactly caused this issue. I have shot this barrel/BCG before without issues. I have used this ammo before (PPU XM855) with great results. I have used the Lancer AWM L5 20rd mags before without issues.
Here is a shot comparing the bolt to a Spikes bolt to show the difference in extractors:
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps651b6db4.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps04cb135e.jpg
After returning home for a full cleaning, the rifle would chamber a dummy round, and then also extract it (different that the experience at the range).
At this point - I have sent an email with pictures to the BCG company. Given a holiday weekend, I haven't received (or expected) a response yet. I will follow up with a phone call Monday. With the warranty included on the BCG, I expect they will likely want to replace the entire unit.
I have a BCM extractor/spring/o-ring/insert inbound as well as a backup.
I did not check headspace when the rifle was built. As I mentioned, it fired 150 rounds in it's first outing with zero issues. I have since ordered headspace gauges as a safeguard and will check it when they arrive.
Please help me troubleshoot or understand what the issue could be here. Is it as simple as the extractor? Should replacing the extractor and guts and/or the entire BCG fix this? Or could there be more involved?
Thanks.
Critical Failure - Seeking Advice
OP, happy to send you a free field gauge (mentioned above by sinister) for you to check your carbines with...hell keep it if you want.
I do what sinister advised; check every barrel prior to use. BCM, FN, Noveske, Colt, Douglas, and DD have all checked out. My luck, the day I forgot is the day I'm in your shoes. Glad you weren't hurt.
Critical Failure - Seeking Advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Iraqgunz
The ammo is the problem here. Just a few days ago my SBR blew up. The barrel was a BCM 12.5" w/an LMT enhanced carrier and BCM bolt. Upper had about 8K through it and had functioned 100% without issue.
The ammo was some remanufactured stuff that was supposed to be good to go. Unfortunately it wasn't. The carrier split at the bottom, extractor was trashed and the upper was bulged. I haven't been able to inspect the barrel yet.
My round looked almost identical to yours.
Holy shit, you good?