Sticky AR15

[EbolaZaire]

Greetings,

I just got out of basic training for the National Guard not too long ago, shortly after finishing basic I had the itch to purchase a firearm. Long story short, I picked up a DPMS ar15.

Not having a lot of experience with ar's, I happily made the purchase and was on my way.
I haven't fired it yet but after cleaning and lubing for the first time, I note that the charging lever, bolt, and even the retaining pins are all very snug.

It will charge, it will dry fire, passes a functions check and all...

Are they snug because it's new and hasn't worn down from a little bit of use? Or are they snug because it was poorly made?

Thank you for your time,
Mike

 

[TheDude]

Greetings,

I just got out of basic training for the National Guard not too long ago, shortly after finishing basic I had the itch to purchase a firearm. Long story short, I picked up a DPMS ar15.

Not having a lot of experience with ar's, I happily made the purchase and was on my way.
I haven't fired it yet but after cleaning and lubing for the first time, I note that the charging lever, bolt, and even the retaining pins are all very snug.

It will charge, it will dry fire, passes a functions check and all...

Are they snug because it's new and hasn't worn down from a little bit of use? Or are they snug because it was poorly made?

Thank you for your time,
Mike

First off....congrats on basic and welcome to the forum. You have more AR experience than most if you just finished basic unless things have changed since I was in?

 

[Stschil]

Greetings,

I just got out of basic training for the National Guard not too long ago, shortly after finishing basic I had the itch to purchase a firearm. Long story short, I picked up a DPMS ar15.

Not having a lot of experience with ar's, I happily made the purchase and was on my way.
I haven't fired it yet but after cleaning and lubing for the first time, I note that the charging lever, bolt, and even the retaining pins are all very snug.

It will charge, it will dry fire, passes a functions check and all...

Are they snug because it's new and hasn't worn down from a little bit of use? Or are they snug because it was poorly made?

Thank you for your time,
Mike

Yes, Congrats on your graduation and Thanks for your service.

I think your problem really isn't a problem. The rifles you were issued in training have seen countless hands, countless rounds, and countless cleanings, so I think you've hit the nail on the head, You're DPMS is new and will break in as it see's some range time.
Heck, the M16A1 that I used in basic during the early 80's was stamped Mattel and had probably seen service in Vietnam. The take down pins would fall if you turned it sideways and gave the lower a sharp rap with the back of your hand.

 

[xring62]

DPMS specs are tight anyway ,I had to fire mine 200 rounds to break it in' ,after 6000 rounds its all still tight

 

[Hop]

None of my ARs have been that tight. Check to see if the bolt moves tight in the carrier. If so, that's no big deal. Squirt some oil on the gas rings and shoot it.

 

[Mordred]

Keep oiling and cleaning it. Then fire some more. Trust me...it will loosen up.