Arma Lite AR 18 feeding issues

Harry Callihan

Harry Callihan

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I have a 1969 Arma Lite AR 18. When firing it I had issues with the bolt not sliding fully forward and picking up the round into the chamber. The gun would lock up and have to be cleared by removing the magazine. Prior to it doing this it fired about 10 rounds just fine. I tried different magazines and different round counts in the magazines but still had the same issue. I have not taken the gun apart yet. Any ideas on what may be the issue or what to look for when taking the gun apart???

Thanks....
 
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Are they original mags for the '18? I know (happened to me) some of the "conversions" had issues. Also, I take it that it is ejecting the fired case well?

I'd strip it, clean it, and make sure you don't have debris in the action (i.e. blown out primer), that everything is clean and give it another try.
 
The above advice sounds like my first option also.

I have original Armalite mags, aftermarket polymer mags and several converted AR mags all of which function correctly. I did buy 2 other converted mags that didn't feed. I scrapped them.

I love the rifle but don't shoot it a lot. Mine runs great but I'm afraid of wear or breakage since parts just aren't available.

Mine is a late production Sterling. Is yours a California rifle or a Howa.

Please let us know what you find.
 
I am also curious as the magazines - my original Armalite mags in 20 round versions work fine in my Sterling, but the original 40 round mags can be problematic.

If they are converted M-16 magazines, then I would source an original and see if it solves the issue. I've had a bunch of converted mags that aren't worth a darn in mine.
 
Harry Callihan if your AR-18 is from 1969 it is from the first year of production in Costa Mesa CA and highly collectable. Seeing you have not disassembled it yet suggest you do so and give it a good cleaning/lubrication per the manual. Use caution not to pull trigger when disassembled might break bolt hold open device. The correct factory 20rd mags are the gray alloy mags. No mention of which 55gr M193 ammo used. Lots of info/advice on the AR-18/180 at BigRix blog AR180S.COM.
 
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I had an AR180 back in 1985, didn't have the manual and foolishly pulled the trigger with the action open ...SNAP!!
it hit the flip over bolt hold open arm and snapped it right off....good memories...
Bta...luckily back then parts were still readily available including a qd scope mount and owners manual I ordered at the same time.
 
Harry do you have the 2.75x20 QD ArmaLite factory scope, highly prized and priced accessory?
 
So, are you saying the bolt carrier seems to be dragging/binding on the top of the magazines? If this is happening with all magazines, it might indicate an issue with the mag catch itself, I may be worn or otherwise out of alignment/adjustment. If the gun is dirty, this could possibly add to the problem. Start with a thorough cleaning and then see what happens. Keep us posted! ;)
 
It was ejecting fine and I am using the original magazines for it. I do not have the scope for it. I'll try tearing it down and cleaning it..

Thanks for the responses....
 
Mine was a Sterling but I recall the factory 40 rd mag fitting very loose,

Can you be more specific, is yours failing to feed an empty chsmber or is it failing to eject and feeding a round into it or just jamming at a certain point with a few rounds left in a magazine and an empty chamber?

I had my AR180 extractor claw sheer off at one point, luckily it was the same exact part Colt SP1.
 
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Harry Callihan said:
It was ejecting fine and I am using the original magazines for it. I do not have the scope for it. I'll try tearing it down and cleaning it..

Thanks for the responses....
Click to expand...

While cleaning make sure you don't have any debris inside the receiver. Also check the recoil springs and guides.

So is it short stroking and the bolt riding over the round and not chambering? or is it picking up the next round and just not chambering it fully?
 
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