Just got an email from FedEx that the rifle is being shipped back.

Amazingly quick turnaround, considering it was just delivered on Tuesday to their dock.

I tried to call one of the two reps I've been dealing with and left a voice mail.

Called back the general number and got a customer svc rep on the phone and asked him if he could check my RMA and provide any details.

As surmised by several of you, the only info he was able to tell me was that the BCG was replaced.
(I'm surprised that the charging handle I laid into with the rubber mallet wasn't listed as a replaced item but either it wasn't damaged or perhaps they may have replaced it without further itemizing.)

Hopefully, the rep I left a message for will be able to obtain further info but I won't count on it based upon the experience of others.

On another note...do you guys recommend me field stripping and cleaning before taking it out to test fire? I don't mind doing so at all...just wondering whether I'm better off testing it "as received" first. (Though my first inclination would be to strip and clean just in case.)

Oh, and while I have your attention...up above there was a post about aftermarket charging handles...BCM and Raptor specifically. Worth the expense or not so much? Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks, gents.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

I think that I would at least do a quick field strip and wipe down with CLP or lube of your choice. Along with a quick chamber brush and a couple passes with either a patch or a bore snake, just to make sure you have no junk in there.

As for the charging handle, I have both the mod 4 and 5 in the BCM Gunfighter. My preference is for the smaller latch of the mod 5 , less apt to snag and is just as comfortable to me. I think they do reduce the amount of gas that you get back in your face normally with AR15's, due to the slightly raised lip on them. I don't regret purchasing them.

If they follow their normal routine, the gun will be quite oily when you get it. At the very least it should be field stripped and wiped down. Of course you want to check the bore just to be sure it's clear.

In my opinion, charging handles are nothing to get excited about. The standard Mil-Spec variety is fine. In my pictures you can see that I've upgraded to an ambi charging handle. That's because I'm a lefty. Other than that, I can see no reason to change it out unless it's broken or bent.

The charging handle is the most delicate part on an AR. They are made from light weight aluminum and it's thin. Whacking it with a mallet is a good way to damage one. I'm surprised you didn't damage yours. No matter, they would have replaced it if it needed it.

If you still want to replace it, both the Raptor and BCM are well made. If I weren't so cheap I would have bought this one: Bravo Company / Vltor 5.56/.223 Ambidextrous Charging Handle Mod A44 Medium-VLBC


I'm actually a little surprised they replaced the BCG.

Keep us informed.

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Freedom isn't free.

Thanks, guys, you both pretty much confirmed what I had in mind and I'll definitely keep you posted once I've had a chance to get out with it.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Glad to see you had a quick turnaround. Yes, I would give it a quick field strip, send a snake down the barrel, wipe down the BCG and put on a coat of oil where you normally would.

Thanks, Rich. The "ayes" have it.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

I wouldn't touch the gun other than to take a look down the barrel for obstructions. No oil, no wipe down, nothing. Load a mag and fire it... No doubt it was fired at the mothership... I'm sure they didn't clean it and lube it down with anything to prevent it from functioning normal.. bring your lube to the range with you, run a mag and then do a cleaning if you really think it will make a difference. I always want to make certain there is no chance I may have done something wrong. If there is a problem, I know it is related to the manufacturer... Just my way of thinking.. sorry if it doesn't fall in line with others here..

There has been some great responses here, Rastoffs was awesome.. his patience and attention to detail always amazes me. Me.... I'm short on attention span, ADHD and easily aggravated.. I keep hoping some of what Rastoff has will rub off on me...

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Jack C

No worries whatsoever. Actually, your thinking is exactly why I put forth the question.

My first inclination was just to ensure that the rifle functioned upon its return and in the exact condition shipped and received.

(Of course I also realized that it would be irresponsible not to check the bore for any possible obstruction or grease.)

So, yeah, I think there is a completely valid argument to be made from both points of view.

I'll give her a look-see upon return and see what's what.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

I would respectfully have to disagree on just looking down the barrel for debris and then shoot the firearm, then after shooting a magazine cleaning it. What could that accomplish beside another trip back to the factory. Whether new, used, or shot a few rounds, if I didn't put the rounds down the pipe myself, I will clean the firearm. Play it safe.

If the bore is clear, firing a magazine without cleaning or lubricating will not harm the gun. Maybe it's because I'm particular, but I wouldn't fire more than that without at least some lubricant.

The last two times I got guns back from S&W after repair, they were absolutely dripping with lube. I got the impression they dunked it in a barrel of oil before packing it. I hope yours doesn't come this lubed up, but I'm sure it will be ready to fire when you get it.

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Freedom isn't free.

Remember:

Excess lube in the barrel is ok as long as it hasn't turned into a gelled plug. Excess lube in the barrel will get pushed out of the barrel. The problem is excess lube in the chamber. Before going to the range, I'll field strip and inspect the firearm. If it's a long gun, I'll swab out the chamber with a dry patch.

Do it. Don't do it. Figure it out for yourself. I could be a nut job. I'm just a name on the screen.

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-John

I'm going to field strip, wipe down, lube and run a patch or snake as necessary. If that's gonna break the rifle I had no business owning it. (And it would only happen next time after I fired it so there's not much point developing bad habits now.)

Guess I got a bit too "gun shy" due to this incident occurring so early in the game. Never had a problem with any other firearm I've stripped, cleaned and reassembled in 20+ years carrying one or more every day.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

They believe in running them wet.

I always put a few pre-moistened glass wipes in the little packets in my range bag, even when I'm shooting irons.

Update:

As I mentioned, I've been trying to push the S&W rep to find out from the repair folks what they determined to be the problem with my rifle.

Here is the reply I just received via email:

For clarity's sake I just followed up with a reply asking:

1. Did they determine that the milling issue on the bolt / extractor is what caused both the round to improperly seat in the chamber as well as cause the initial failure to extract? (It sounds like that is what he is saying.)

2. Did they replace the carrier as well, or just the bolt?

The rifle should be arriving this afternoon some time and I plan to test it tomorrow in the late morning. Hopefully all goes well.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Reply from S&W to my previous post:

Looks like the matter should be resolved. Time will tell.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Not always easy to get the details on a repair like this so thanks for pressing for them and posting them here. Disappointing on the QC side but refreshing to see S&W owned up to it.

Least I could do. I've received a lot of good suggestions and advice on this forum.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

I'm surprised they just replaced the bolt and not the whole group, but as long as it is fixed and you have a reasonable explanation that will work for me. Now go out and buy more ammunition and have some fun!

Well, I still have 998 rounds of Wolf Gold and some Hornady as well (but not nearly that much).

Rifle has been stripped, wiped, chamber brushed, bore-snaked and lubed. Passed the function test (a couple of times) upon reassembly.

The gas rings on this bolt are either from a different lot or manufacturer as they seemed to require much more effort to get into the carrier. The other bolt seemed to fit the carrier almost effortlessly.

I can't swear to it, as the paperwork doesn't say, but the gas key on this carrier seems to have much more pronounced staking than what I remember on the other one. Coupled with the tight fit maybe there was something going on with the other assembly that may have required the BCG to be replaced. (Or the gas rings on the other were just sub par.) I don't think any other details are forthcoming so we may never know.

I do think the charging handle may have been replaced as well though it doesn't say so. I saw no evidence of the rubber mallet.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Make sure the gas rings are offset from one another. You can tell when they are worn when the bolts will close by itself when standing on end. It wouldn't surprise me if they replaced more than they quoted.

Yeah, I checked 'em and they were good but I offset 'em a bit more.
Most of what I've read is that the need to do so is B.S. though. (Still, I'm not tempting the AR gods. )

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642-1, M&P15 TS

The gas rings work just like piston rings in your engine. They are designed so that, when compressed, the gap is almost non-existent. Even if the gaps are lined up, they are so small as to be insignificant.

But, like you said, why tempt fate? It's just common sense to stagger the gaps.

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Freedom isn't free.

UPDATE:

Went over to my neighbor's property since he had a little time to accommodate me this morning before having to head out.

Fired off two 30 round PMags with nary a hiccup. Huge sigh of relief since I was half expecting, (in the back of my mind), the dreaded "click".

Anyway, I'll be putting my cleaning clothes on soon and just wanted to take the opportunity to send my thanks to all that made contributions to this thread.

Hopefully, we can now consider this issue resolved.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Great report! Now make sure you get plenty of rounds downrange with that puppy, great rifle!

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Still carrying my S&W 642

Glad to hear it is resolved to your satisfaction.

Thanks, guys. It's all cleaned up and ready to get dirty again.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

I've been following this thread with interest as my new S&W M&P Sport II had a very similar problem. It never fired it's first shot without having the same problem. Mind got returned from S&W yesterday and they put a new complete upper on it. I put two 10 round magazines in it and hand cycled the rounds through the action and they went through smooth as butter. I hope to get to the range this week and actually fire a couple of 30 round magazines through it and get it zeroed. The paperwork that came back with it said they replaced the upper.

I guess my repair technician was more frugal than yours.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Good to read that it is up and working for you. Enjoy.

Glad to hear it's working good. This issue is resolved, but now the journey begins to becoming proficient with it.

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Freedom isn't free.

I don't shoot from a benchrest, sandbag or bipod, (though I may some day).

Primarily, I concentrate on the kind of tactical shooting I did while still employed by Uncle. (My purpose in purchasing the rifle was for home defense and recreation since my only other firearms were handguns and shotgun.)

Today was just about getting acquainted with the MBUS from about 25 yards to get a feel for the how the rifle handled. I was pleased with the results overall considering my apprehension to start off with, (waiting for the dreaded "click"), and the condition of the shooting ground.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Good report,thanks for sticking with it until resolved.

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Hue 68 noli me tangere

Thanks, gents!

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642-1, M&P15 TS

And here she is, back home where she belongs after a nice relaxing trip to the spa...
(click on the image twice to see larger)

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642-1, M&P15 TS

If you guys notice some posts missing it's because they are.