continuing FTF problems with AR-180-b

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leek

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I last posted here that I have a 180 -b that had gouges in the feeding ramps that caused FTF problems. I called Armalite and they told me to send it to them and they would fix it free of charge. Since I live in the states this was quite easy to do. I got the gun back within 10 days and they had fixed the gouges and polished the ramps. The ramps are beautiful----look like chrome. They also replaced the complete lower. I now have a new serial number. They told me to send a few mags so they could check my mags. I sent two Aluminum GI mags and a H/K ubber $$$$$$$$$$$$ magazine for the M-16 . SA-80.The made in Germany H/K mag cost about 60.00 USD with tax and is a work of art in function , fit , and finish.

Problem: the gun works flawlessly with the H/K mag but FTF with my C-products mags with mag pull no tilt followers. The C- products with mag pull followers are the second best mag out there just behind the H/K mags. Yes, I know these are all 30 rounders which are restricted to my friends up north. My test is 27 rounds in the mag and dump them as fast as I can pull the trigger.I do this for a minimum of three mags. I can do this with the H/K's but no other GI style mag. When it jams , I find the bullet out of the mag,bullet facing upward at about 45 degree angle and not in the feeding ramp . The bolt is about half closed. To un jam, open the bolt ---roll gun to the right and out drops the bullet. Also drop the mag . open the bolt , the bullet falls out of the mag opening.

Are AR-180 -b 's that finicky with mags ? Do I have to run 60.00 USD mags in it for it to be reliable. This problem occurs with three brands of ammo. I am loosing patience with my 180-b. I love this gun , its accuracy, weight, etc ----but I am believing it is not reliable enough.

Any ideas , suggestions? Frustrated here in NorthernUSA. Heck my mini -14 is more reliable but after 10 shots the barrel heats up and accuracy goes South.

No I don't want an AR-15, too much cleaning required.
 
Insert whatever mag you are using witha dummy round inserted (or live round if you are at a range and following safety protocol) and ride the bolt slowly forward. Does the bolt bind/rub on the mag lips?

It should be smooth and almost effortless until the bolt is trying to lock into place.

I noticed that some mags (lips) in the AR180B would bind and caused some difficult feeding - I fixed this by shaving the top of the mags to accomodate the tighter clearance.

Good luck~
 
My 180b lives for the SA-80 mags and some USGI ones ...they are both the same mags esentially might be a minor manufacturing this I am not aware of ...side by side the look identical .
 
I've got inexpensive mags made by 3 different companies that all feed flawlessly. I've heard people talk about filing the front edge to a 45 degree angle, and fine tuning the angle of the lips on the sides, but have not had to do this myself. ~5000 rounds and I've never had a jam or FTF.
 
Never had a problem with mine and lots of different mags and thousands of rounds. Hope you get yours squared away.
 
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Sorry I'm late guys, I've been away from the computer this weekend.

How old is your AR180B? Does it appear that the bullets are jamming up just under the feed ramps?

Go check out the AR180B FAQ and look up feeding issues. My guess is 2 cents worth of epoxy will solve this issue.

AR180B FAQ
 
Thanks everybody. My 180- b is 16 months old and now that Armalite replaced the entire lower, it is only a month old with an older upper. I will try the filing first and then the epoxy. I really need to have the drop free mag capability or the gun is not going to work for me. Although my AK's don't have drop free mags I have added the tactical release tab with two rivets which allows me to bump the mag with my left hand holding the new mag while my right hand engages the tactical release while holding the pistol grip. This arangement is almost as quick as a drop free but then thats for an AK. I bought the 180 - b for its "AK" simplicity. I have attended three tactial carbine classes and witnessed failure after failure of AR- 15 platforms. These classes with 600 - 800 bullets fired and fast pace stresses the shooter and their equipment and I have seen equipment fail and fail. I bought the AR-180 -b in hopes of a more reliable system.

On another note, I just want to say you have a gem of a forum here. Much help and good people. I learn a whole lot from you all. Also , I learned a whole lot about Canadian laws. I live in a border town and my American counterparts are quite ignorant of anything Canadian. I fly, boat in Canadian Airspace and water often. I have also taken firearms into Canada.My neighbor works at the Canadian consulate and promotes American tourism. He tells me one can do anything they want in Canada---just need to get the correct paperwork. He also is involved in promoting Canadian locations for the film industry. The average American believes that ALL FIREARMS are prohibited in Canada. My antigun associates always point out that guns are illegal in Canada. I change their mind by visiting this site.IT BLOWS THEIR MINDS. I love watching their expression change when viewing your site.

Thanks again.
 
The only problem I've had with mine is that some (not all) mags seem to raise the bolt hold-open when there is still one round left. I've solved this by gringing away a little of the mag follower where it contacts the hold open.

However, the one 5/30 round mag that cam with my rifle had the front ground down at a 45 degree angle, but my others that I've bought are not and work fine.
 
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leek said:
I will try the filing first and then the epoxy. I really need to have the drop free mag capability or the gun is not going to work for me.
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You might be able to keep the drop free even with the epoxy. I've gradually over the years sanded the epoxy off so the mags aren't very tight. Oddly enough, I like my mags not dropping free, I prefer to grab them and put them in a dump pouch.

Hope you get everything solved.
 
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