Took my new M&P 15 out to the farm for the first time since getting it for Christmas. Its got issues that need resolving: failure to feed properly, does not strip off the mag each time, tried several mags; fails to extract fired case, at times and some cases stuck hard. Best, could only get a string of 10 rounds off before FTF. Thinking that it may be the ammo, I have ordered some surplus LC Federal ammo and will try that when it comes in. What should I check for in the rifle.

Did you break it down, clean, and lube it before taking it out? What kind of ammo are you using?

My first thought would be Ammo related. If it's underpowered it will not push the bolt far back enough to pick up the next round. This would cause extraction and feeding issues. Could also be a feed ramp issue. Post some pictures of the feed ramp when you can. Also, what Ammo was used as requested above.

What mags are you using? Sounds like an ammo issue to me

Ammo was a remanufactured couple of 50 round boxes I bought when I got the gun from dealer at a gun show. I did not clean or lube the gun before shooting it. It is on my "to do" list today and will be done before the next range visit. I also think it was the ammo and why I ordered the LC AAP ammo. Had to use a rubber hammer to get the stuck cases out.

Soooo, how did you use a rubber hammer to remove the stuck cases?

Using gun show reloads and not cleaning your gun before using it? I would be a little embarrassed to post that.

Reman ammo is not a good way to start off, if only for warranty questions. But I would tend to avoid the brand you tried in the future.

But I am also a clean / lube / inspect before going to the range type.

You need to clean the living daylights out of it followed by a good lube. Get a couple extra bore brushes. Sounds like the bore is full of gunk and needs an extra good scrubbing too.

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When you go to clean the bore, it might be a good idea to let the solvent sit for a few minutes before you run a bore brush through. Like maybe about 10-15 minutes. Then run dry patches through until they come out clean. If you use something mild like Hoppes #9, it won't hurt the bore to let it sit.

Yeah... do a complete barrel and chamber cleaning including the bolt carrier and the bolt.

For chamber cleaning use one of these:


In regard to the bolt carrier, remove the firing pin and bolt, clean, lube, and reassemble. I always make sure the gaps in the three gas rings (small silver cylinder rings) are staggered and NOT lined up. Probably doesn't matter that much but I always put the gaps at 12, 4, and 8 o'clock. The bolt and internal cylinder in the carrier do need liberal coats of oil. Be sure the bolt slides back and forth inside the carrier. It's supposed to fit snug, have moderate resistance but still slide. Before firing, the barrel and chamber should be patched to soak up any excess oil.

Get some new Federal, UMC or Remington ball ammo.

Since you already have had issues, once cleaned and back at the range, go slow to rule out and examine things one-by-one. The failure to strip and failure to extract are probably two issues that need to be looked at separately.

Lock the bolt carrier back, put one cartridge in a magazine. Be sure the magazine is fully seated and locked in. Try pulling the mag out to see if the magazine catch is fully engaging and has the mag locked in.

Safety glasses and ears on and use a bipod or a rest under the front handguard. While holding the charging handle back with your right hand to keep the bolt carrier from slamming forward, press the bolt release button on the left side and slowly let the bolt carrier go forward to see if the bolt adequately engages the cartridge base, strips the cartridge and slides it into the chamber. Use the forward assist to fully chamber and lock the live round and fire it to see if it cycles and ejects properly and the action stays open.

If no issues, great. Put another single in the mag and this time, let the carrier slam forward like normal, fire the cartridge and see if it again cycles/ejects properly and stays open.

But if at first, the round stayed in the magazine when you slowly moved the carrier forward, it means that the bolt is not catching the cartridge. If the bolt does catch the bottom of the cartridge and crushes the cartridge toward the front, STOP, pull the charging handle back, press the bottom of the carrier release button and get the live cartridge out of the rifle. You may want to try a different type of magazine or call the manufacturer since the warranty is still in place.

Even occasional failure to feed or failure to extract is unacceptable. Don't be shy about contacting the manufacturer.