AR-15 extraction issue

R

Ramzzz

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Hey all. Hope you can shed some light on my issue.

I recently purchased a new Norinco (sigh) CQ-A1 from Lever Arms. Up until now, it has been a complete pain in the @#$ and has not worked right since day 1. It has a total of about 100 rounds and has been thoroughly cleaned and properly oiled as per the internet.

It fails to extract 70% of the time. I have the 14.5 inch barrel M4 version and it is stock except for a Daniel Defense 4oz H-Buffer (it came with a 3oz light buffer) and a BCM extractor upgrade kit. I have tried Remington UMC .223 55g, Federal M193 5.56 and a buddys reloaded .223 55g fmj. The Federal extracts more reliably but still fails 50% of the time.

I can fire 1 round and it will usually fail to extract. (spent round still in the chamber). Release the bolt forward, pull on the charge handle and it will extract and eject the spent casing fine. The bolt moves freely in and out of the carrier..nothing is siezed and appears to be funtional. I have notice that if i chamber a live round and extract with the charging handle, it comes out very easy (as it should) however if i drop a spent casing in the chamber and pull the charge handle, it comes out significantly harder but always comes out.

Other than replacing the bolt, extractor, buffer spring and possibly barrel, I am at a loss. Ideas? I really do not want to take it to a gun smith as it might not be worth it given the price of the gun in the first place.

Sincerely, 1 very unhappy Norinco owner.
 
Check the extractor hook for damage, debris or possible defect.

Do you get a issues with a live round stripping off and jamming up with the spent case still in the chamber?
 
Buy a new, or borrow a friends bolt carrier group ? I had a new one with same type of issue, it was the spring under the extractor.
 
might be a gas issue.have you checked the gas tube,front sight post.see if maybe they forgot to install the roll pin in the front sight.
 
toyboy said:
might be a gas issue.have you checked the gas tube,front sight post.see if maybe they forgot to install the roll pin in the front sight.
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Yup. I was having same issue with my Black Rain Ordnance 7.5". Luckily it had an adjustable gas block and I turned gas right down. I have shot at least 700-800 rounds since without an issue. Too much gas causes extraction issues. Especially on PDWs.
 
Trinimon: from what i can tell, the extractor hook seems ok however i will see if i can post a detailed closeup picture. Yes i have issues with the next live round hitting the back of the stuck spent casing. I have been firing it single shot up until now to prevent that issue.
 
Nobody in my area has an AR i could try unfortunately. I tried a heavier buffer thinking it was a over gas issue (case still under excessive pressure when the bolt tries to extract the spent casing)
 
This has a fixed gas system unfortunately. When it does extract and eject properly, it will throw brass 10 or 12 ft.
 
Ramzzz said:
Nobody in my area has an AR i could try unfortunately. I tried a heavier buffer thinking it was a over gas issue (case still under excessive pressure when the bolt tries to extract the spent casing)
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Over gassing can cause issues, not a criticism just a question. As pointed out it can be an extractor spring issue so check to see if it's installed correctly or has the plunger. Is the claw sharp and free of burrs?

It's just to bad you could not borrow one for a trial. Purchasing a complete BCG or just a bolt can rectify the problem and the new purchase will not go to waste as a shooter should have spares in their inventory.

If it was me I would check for correct headspacing. If the chamber had excessive spacing the cartridge will be seated further into the chamber hindering the extractor from latching the rim. This may be drastic and not your issue however it's a fast check.
 
Last edited:
OP - Why not return the gun to Lever Arms? If you've had this issue from the start it seems like a no-brainier replacement.
 
Sqr said:
Over gassing can cause issues, not a criticism just a question. As pointed out it can be an extractor spring issue so check to see if it's installed correctly or has the plunger. Is the claw sharp and free of burrs?

It's just to bad you could not borrow one for a trial. Purchasing a complete BCG or just a bolt can rectify the problem and the new purchase will not go to waste as a shooter should have spares in their inventory.

If it was me I would check for correct headspacing. If the chamber had excessive spacing the cartridge will be seated further into the chamber hindering the extractor from latching the rim. This may be drastic and not your issue however it's a fast check.
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The extractor upgrade kit from BCM is installed as per their instructions so I can't see it being the plunger or spring. It malfunctions the same with the original extractor spring setup and the upgraded BCM kit.

How would you recommend checking the head spacing? I do not have any gauges.

Thanks for the info.
 
Pr589 said:
OP - Why not return the gun to Lever Arms? If you've had this issue from the start it seems like a no-brainier replacement.
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I was hoping it was a minor issue that i could resolve myself on the cheap. It is going to cost me 70 or 80$ just to ship the flipping thing back. I have had 2 orders with Lever Arms and I will not do any more business with them in the future. I will leave it at that.
 
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