Norinco bolt won't stay open on an empty mag

Haagen_Dazs

Haagen_Dazs

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I got a used Norinco M4 clone and took it to the range. I know that when manually operated, the bolt catch will engage properly but when firing, the bolt does not move back far enough for the bolt catch to engage.

I'm using MFS ammo, no mods the the rifle whatsoever.

Is the MFS ammo really low power, or is the buffer spring too strong? Anyone have this problem?

I'm thinking of just cutting the spring like I had to cut all my Norinco NP-58 mag springs in order to fit all 10 rounds in the mag... Those Chinese springs are strong like bull.
 
Don't cut the spring - that's definitely not the issue.

First off, try new known-quantity mags.

Next, ensure your gas key isn't obstructed.

I'm assuming your bolt carrier group is degreased?

I also assume you have oiled the sh!t out of the exterior of the bolt carrier group and buffer spring? Yes, this makes a big difference.
 
The follower on the Nork mags are garbage and caused a lot of weirdness (primarily failures to feed). I replaced mine with magpul anti-tilt followers and so far so good.
 
It's the ammo.


I've tried it in multiple AR's lately and see this problem a lot, along with failure to feeds.

Those same AR's have no problem with any other ammo.
 
My Norc was doing this and I went through every single fix, I cut the buffer spring, new mags, loosened the bolt catch, different factory ammo and handloads. In the end, I put a 9mm buffer in and it COMPLETELY fixed it. 500 rounds through it since and has held open on my Norc and Magpul mags.

Turns out the bolt was cycling too fast and was bouncing off the back of the buffer tube and skipping over the bolt catch.

Try holding the bolt catch down and firing a shot. If your bolt holds open then there's a very good chance the bolt is skipping over...or it's just your mags.
 
Get a good mag to test rifle for sure before doing any other modifications, or blaming ammo. As already stated,and my own experiences, on every semi auto from Cooey 64Bs to BARs in .338 Winchester Magnums, the magazine is EVERYTHING. Without reliable mag you have no reliability.

My new in box Mforgery had the Norc mags removed right from new and replaced with a 5/20 Bushmaster. Don't know if reliability issues was the case, but I'm glad my local Gun dealer had already done this. Some others say M-4s from Epps, came this way as well.
I bought a couple of other brands of US made mags and hence zero stoppages to date with a mix of many types of ammo.:canadaFlag:
 
I'll try a different mag when they show up but I'd be surprised if it was that easy because it catches just fine when I open the action.

I'll also lube the spring and tube, maybe that will help.

Thanks!
 
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