[Lexington]

Howdy,

My specs: 584 Mini-14, with about 1,000 rounds through her. No mods, except Choate handguard for (hopefully) improved cooling. Using only Ruger mags, 5 and 10-round. Shooting either PMC .223 or Wolf Brass 5.56.

Only about once every 40 or 50 rounds, my bolt is hanging back on a mag that is not empty. The remedy is easy, just rack the slide and she chambers a fresh round and I keep shooting. But I obviously would like to figure out what's causing this.

I have cleaned the rifle well and lightly lubricated. The bolt hold open has been cleaned and checked for function. It has happened with 5 and 10-round mags, with one or two rounds still in the mag.

As I stated above, I have not modified anything except swapping the hand guard. I can't imagine it's the cause but just to be thorough, I plan to shoot her with the factory hand guard next time.

Anyone have this issue, or have any ideas?

(I searched and read tons of posts but all were about bolts getting stuck to the rear or stuck closed when the rifle was stored)

Thanks!

 

[FTMFXR]

Make sure it’s clean inside the bolt hold lock cover and the spring and pin are clean.

 

[SAN14]

Lex, is the bolt lock engaging and holding it to the rear or is the top round just holding it from continuing on it's forward motion? If it's the latter, the problem is one of two things: 1) recoil spring is weak or something dragging the op rod just slightly slowing it down. or 2) possibly weak gas pressure from lower pressure ammo or slightly clogged gas system.

So, check and clean everything. Switch ammo if you don't find any other problem. Make sure the recoil spring guide is installed correctly. See if the new handguard is interfering with the op rod.

Let us know if you resolve the problem.

 

[Lexington]

1. Bolt staying back as if mag is empty. Live round still in mag, not getting hung up.
2. Bolt catch cleaned and checked.
3. Only thing I can imagine causing resistance to op rod is the handguard. That's why I plan to try with factory handguard next time out.

I had considered whether mild ammo was kicking the op rod back a tiny bit slower, allowing this issue... A handloader I know said that was unlikely, as he has no cycling issues even with mild target loads he cooks up.

So, here's my plan:
Next time out, I will shoot that PMC .223 with the factory handguard installed and see what happens. If the problem returns, I will switch to hotter Federal M193 5.56. If it happens again, I might consider sending her to Ruger for a little vacation!

Thanks!

 

[FTMFXR]

Just shoot with out the hand guard. I don’t see how the clip on hand guard it stopping your op rod.
And if it’s stops look and see if the bolt stop is catching the bolt.
The hand guard can’t make the bolt catch move.

 

[RIBob]

A defective Op-Rod spring "might" account for your problems. Suggest replacing Op-rod spring from a trusted vendor/mfr. DO NOT, repeat DO NOT, buy an "Extra Power" Op-Rod spring.

Also suggest buying a NEW bolt-hold-open spring. If old spring is defective/worn, that could also easily account for your problem.

I don't have any definitive answers but am suggesting things in order to eliminate "possible" causes of problems.

Suggest you take apart the magazines, thoroughly clean them inside, and also compare existing mag springs with brand new springs bought from a trusted vendor. Your old 5- and 10-rd mag springs should be about 1 coil "shorter" than new springs. That's natural. If significantly shorter than that, consider replacing the springs.

It is possible that your plastic mag followers are worn; Midway sells new Ruger mag followers. Again, not sure this is your problem, just suggesting.

It is certainly well worth examining the inside of the stock, handguard, and the Op-rod to see if there are signs of any interference/rubbing amongst any of these components. If so, gently "relieve" the suspected areas to eliminate possible interference.

Just suggesting some no/low-cost alternatives. All best wishes, and please report back!

 

[FTMFXR]

 

[Lexington]

Excellent, logical suggestions... thanks!

I did examine most of these things. I also did (previously) watch the great GunBlue video. I checked and cleaned the bolt catch.

I was considering getting a new catch and catch spring, just to eliminate that possibility. If/when I get around to that, I will check in.