Extractor Issues M&P15-22

[Nick B.]

A rifle was being carried unloaded with an empty chamber flag in place.
While being carried the bolt was allowed to go forward , when the bolt struck the 'flag' the extractor flew off the rifle with some force. Thinking this to be a fluke the rifle was tested (under controlled circumstances) by letting the bolt forward onto an empty chamber flag , each time the extractor detached itself from the bolt with some force - enough to stick itself into a ceiling tile on one test. Only one rifle was tested.

I am posting this as a caution to other users who ,like me , do not expect such a thing to happen . With a little bad luck it is an eye injury waiting to happen.

NB

 

[chuck s]

Seems perfectly natural consequence of slamming the bolt shut with no place for the extractor to go. With a cartridge it fits in a slot in the breech face.

I've not tried it, but can conceptualize how it happens.

The extractor is just hooked into the bolt and held in by forward spring pressure. Removed by depressing the extractor spring detent and spring after which the extractor will fall out. The empty chamber flag is doing the same thing by forcing the extractor back (compressing the detent and spring) to the point the extractor loses engagement in the bolt body.

-- Chuck

 

[Gopher Slayer]

What ^ said.

I like how the original post is written so carefully as to not put the blame on the operator.