m14 jamming problem

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platnumbob

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Ok...my m14 is jamming, almost 50% of the time. First of all here is my setup: arms 18 mount, leupold quick release rings, and a bushnell 3200 10x mildot scope. I tried to recreate the problem with a picture, but basically the empty casings are getting caught up between the opt rod and the rings/mount. Now, it should be noted that I have had this setup to the range a few times and only this last time was the riffle jamming up so badly...before it would get held up once every 40 rounds or so. Any ideas as to what the problem might be?

Is my opt rod spring not pushing the rounds out fast enough? do i need a new spring? I have recently put in a stainless opt rod spring guide (could that be causing a problem?)

I noticed my the gas cylinder plug was pretty loose after i got back from the range...could that cause the brass to be ejected differently?

I have recently put on a Harris-style bipod and there is a slim piece of wood glued to the bottom inside of the stock to make it more ridged...there is a possibility that the opt-rod slightly bumps it when the gun cycles...although if it did it would be very minor. could this be the problem?

thanks guys, i tried to give as much info as possible. let me know what you think.

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I'd go with 'Ejector' problem; if the brass is not clearing, the ejector isn't doing its job.
Could be weak ejector spring / clogged ejector channel... take a look.

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I suppose if the Op-Rod were binding or not enough gas were pushing the piston that could cause the same kind of malfunction. In this case though it could be a number of things: Gas, Ammunition, Mechanical.

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Check for binding first (obvious problems), try changing ammunition, then ejector & gas system.

Good luck
 
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Well you have to try it again with a tightened gas cylinder plug. If its loose that causes all kinds of problems. The piston sits up against it, and it its loose the port doesn't line up with the hole in the piston the same as before. Not saying this is THE problem, but its certainly a cause of problems.
 
Shoot it again with the tightened gas plug before you go crazy changing anything else. Mine came loose soon after I built it and it did the same thing until I tightened it at the range. Never a problem since.
 
Mine did the same thing for the first few times after I mounted the Arms but it hasn't done it since. And I never changed a damn thing either :confused:
 
this is a common prob with the arms mounts because they sit very low, although not everyone has the problem. For my rifle, I stripped the bolt and trimmed 2 coils off of the ejector spring and also the extractor spring.

Hungry's video (the one in his basement) has a detailed how to on stripping and assembling the bolt. Highly recommend you watch it before attempting anything. Only thing i'd add is to put some tape on the back of the bolt when assembling to prevent the firing pin from backing out.
 
There's not a lot of ejection clearance there. My first thought was very similar to everyone else's that the mount must be getting in the way. I also wonder if it was clipping the adjustment knob on the scope, but I think it is far enough out.

I have a mount by Leatherwood optics (http://www.hi-luxoptics.com/m-14 page.html) and it has been very good. It will fit any M-14/M1) rifle, and is quite good and sturdy. the only problem I had was I sheared one of the screw heads off by the recoil, but I got some made locally from tempered steel and have had no problems since.
 
Before you start changing more parts, what ammo are you using? You may want to try some different ammo to help eliminate that as being the culprit. S/A s like M14s can be real fussy on what they will or won't cycle well.
Just a thought.
 
this issue is COMMON with ARMS 18 mounts....... trimming coils, and making adjustments to the rifle is the last thing you should be doing...... with out first, REMOVING the mount....... fire of a bunch of the SAME AMMO and see if this happens...... I'm betting dimes to dollars that it doesn't happen without the mount. Trimming TWO coils off the extractor is a way to change the ejection path.... but.....

MANY ARMS 18 mount users/owners have had this issue and have solved it by removing some material from the mount. This issue was also dealt with early on with the ARMS 18 "SWAN" mount that has the mid section of the rail removed, allowing a clear ejection path.
 
45ACPKING said:
this issue is COMMON with ARMS 18 mounts....... trimming coils, and making adjustments to the rifle is the last thing you should be doing...... with out first, REMOVING the mount....... fire of a bunch of the SAME AMMO and see if this happens...... I'm betting dimes to dollars that it doesn't happen without the mount. Trimming TWO coils off the extractor is a way to change the ejection path.... but.....

MANY ARMS 18 mount users/owners have had this issue and have solved it by removing some material from the mount. This issue was also dealt with early on with the ARMS 18 "SWAN" mount that has the mid section of the rail removed, allowing a clear ejection path.
Click to expand...

That sounds like sage advise, I have heard that the ARMS mount has problemslike this. Glad I use Smith Entreprise mounts.
 
Thanks for all of the response guys, i should add however, that before i had a scope/rings/bipod/new spring guide there was no jamming with just the mount on the rifle (the arms 18 was pretty much the first thing i bought for it). I will definitely try shooting it again with the plug tightened all of the way before i make any major adjustments, I think I may also sand down the little piece of wood that is sitting inside the stock a bit more to make sure there is no contact. I was just wondering however, how i should decide if trimming the springs is the right course of action. I would definitely do it if that would solve the problem. You just cut off a couple of coils? I hope my scope rings are not forcing the brass back in the chamber.
 
none of those add ons, other than the spring guide..... would change the operating timing cycle.
It is generally accepted that cutting 2 coils from the extractor detent spring will change the angle of ejection, at least.... I've read that on various internet sources.... so take that for what it's worth. Just for info..... the usgi extractor detent spring AND the ejector spring are indeed shorter than the issue norc springs.... in the case of the extractor detent spring, I have a usgi AND a new norc one in front of me as i type this and the usgi one is exactly 2 coils shorter. Cut with a good pair of side cutters, then file the cut spring end flush and flat so the springs end is 90 degrees to the spring length. I have been pouring over the kuhnhaussen shop manual and find NO reference indicating min max for detent spring length. A good idea to be on the safe side is to source a spare spring before cutting yours. brownells will ship this item i think.
 
45ACPKING said:
none of those add ons, other than the spring guide..... would change the operating timing cycle.
It is generally accepted that cutting 2 coils from the extractor detent spring will change the angle of ejection, at least.... I've read that on various internet sources.... so take that for what it's worth. Just for info..... the usgi extractor detent spring AND the ejector spring are indeed shorter than the issue norc springs.... in the case of the extractor detent spring, I have a usgi AND a new norc one in front of me as i type this and the usgi one is exactly 2 coils shorter. Cut with a good pair of side cutters, then file the cut spring end flush and flat so the springs end is 90 degrees to the spring length. I have been pouring over the kuhnhaussen shop manual and find NO reference indicating min max for detent spring length. A good idea to be on the safe side is to source a spare spring before cutting yours. brownells will ship this item i think.
Click to expand...

do you think it may help if blocking the gas spindle valve? I mean make it working like the bolt action.
 
+1 on tightening the gas plug . If you are loosing gas pressure that is used to cycle the action due to a loose gas plug ,this could very well be the culprit .
Tighten it up and try it again !

I also agree with the extractor spring on Chinese rifles being longer than USGI,you can cut it down or buy one for a M1 Garand and install it instead . I know of no restrictions on M1 Garand parts ordered from the States.
If you have issues getting one ,send me a email and I will fix you up !
Keep us posted on what you find with the rifle ?
Mike
 
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