Ejection, Extraction & Feeding Issues

There are a few different components that can cause ejection, extraction and feeding issues. A failure to extract is when a spent case is not removed from the chamber. A failure to eject is when a spent case is not ejected from the action and typically prevents the bolt from cycling. A double feed is when two live rounds trying to be fed into the chamber at the same time.

Extraction Issues

• Inspect the bolt carrier.
  • Make sure your bolt carrier is clean and properly lubricated. A buildup of debris can cause the extractor to malfunction.
  • Make sure the extractor claw has tension. A damaged or missing spring will not allow the extractor to grab onto the rim of the cartridge and pull the spent case out of the chamber.
  • Make sure the extractor is not damaged. Ensure the claw is not chipped, worn down or missing.
• Inspect the ammunition.
  • Ensure you are using factory new ammunition. Reloaded or re-manufactured ammunition may have damaged cases.
  • Look for any signs that the case is sticking to burrs or damaged sections of the chamber, i.e. scratches.
• Inspect your barrel and chamber.
  • Check for any burrs or damage to the chamber that may cause the case to get stuck in the chamber during extraction.
• Inspect the recoil system.
  • Make sure you are using a recommended buffer weight and buffer spring for your specific setup. For our recommendations check out our "Buffers & Buffer Springs" page.

Ejection Issues

• Inspect the ejector
  • Make sure the ejector is not bent or damaged. Please note our ejector is designed to have some movement.
  • Make sure the roll pins for the ejector are seated properly. They should be sitting just below the surface of the receiver and spanning both sides of the ejector.
• Inspect the recoil system.
  • Make sure you are using a recommended buffer weight and buffer spring for your specific setup. For our recommendations check out our "Buffers & Buffer Springs" page.
• Inspect the bolt carrier.
  • Make sure your bolt carrier is clean and properly lubricated. A buildup of debris can cause the extractor to malfunction.
  • Make sure the extractor claw has tension. A damaged extractor may not firmly hold the spent case allowing it to not make contact or not make firm contact with the ejector.

• Inspect the magazines.
  • Test the firearm with multiple magazines to ensure magazines are not the cause of the issue.
  • Make sure the magazine is not worn out by pressing down on the follower with your thumb. The spring should have positive tension and resist your pressure. Springs can get worn out over time and may cause issues.
  • Make sure you are not holding or resting on the magazine while shooting. Doing so can alter the feeding angle.
• Inspect the barrel.
  • Look for hard transitions from the feed cone to the chamber. Some 3rd party barrels may need to be honed from a qualified gunsmith. Angstadt barrels are properly honed before leaving the factory.

Other general things to inspect

• Make sure your firearm is clean and lubricated.
• Verify the issue is consistent and not related specific to a specific brand, type or lot of ammunition.
• Verify the issue is consistent and not related specific to a brand or capacity magazine or to a specific magazine.

If you continue to have issues please fill out a Customer Support Ticket.