How to Clear a Jammed Cartridge From an AR15

The AR15 is the civilian, semi-automatic version of the military M16. Early in the Vietnam war, the AR15/M16 design acquired a reputation for jamming in battlefield conditions. Congressional investigations focused on mechanical tolerances in the rifle which were more critical than infantry rifles of previous wars, thus more vulnerable to dirt and high humidity. Improved cleaning techniques and lubrication as well as evolution of the design alleviated the jamming conditions. Today it is uncommon for a carefully maintained AR15 or M16 in proper working order to jam on good ammunition. But when they do, the process for clearing jams in the AR15/M16 is well established.

Instructions

  1. Failure To Chamber

    • 1

      Tap the Forward Assist button on the right rear of the receiver if the bolt fails to fully chamber the first or next round. The Forward Assist will mechanically nudge the bolt forward in the chamber and lock it.

    • 2

      Verify that the bolt is in the locked position.

    • 3

      Resume firing. If the problem recurs, examine the bolt and chamber for grime or excessive carbon buildup and clean as necessary.

    Failure to Eject or to Fire

    • 4

      Slap the magazine upward with the palm of your hand to reseat it.

    • 5

      Pull the charging handle all the way back. Watch for a cartridge to eject. If no cartridge ejects, visually inspect the chamber for obstruction.

    • 6

      Release the charging handle if a cartridge ejects and allow the handle to travel all the way forward to chamber the next round.

    • 7

      Tap the Forward Assist to make sure the bolt is locked and the next round is chambered.

    • 8

      Resume firing.

    Remedial Action

    • 9

      Take remedial action if the AR15 still fails to chamber a round or fire after the above sequence.

    • 10

      Assume that a cartridge is still jammed in the chamber. A cartridge jammed in a hot AR15 chamber may spontaneously discharge due to the heat of the barrel. The rifle should be considered dangerous until the barrel has cooled.

    • 11

      Keep the rifle pointed in a safe direction and wait a minimum of 15 minutes for the barrel to cool before taking further action.

    • 12

      Push the takedown button and pivot the lower receiver down. Remove the bolt carrier and examine the chamber. If a cartridge is jammed in the chamber, insert a gun cleaning rod into the muzzle of the rifle and tap the cartridge backwards out of the chamber.