Broken Shell Extractor Instructions

Gas-operated semi-automatic firearms like AR15-style rifles extract and eject spent cartridge shells with speed and force. Once in a great while, the not-too-gentle process results in a broken shell stuck in the chamber. Technically, it's known as "case head separation." The head, rim and approximately 1/4 inch of the shell body fracture and eject, while the remainder stays behind and shuts down cycling of the rifle. It's more common in reloads where cartridges may be reloaded and reused multiple times. Countless do-it-yourself improvisations have been employed to coax broken shells out of firearms -- especially in the field. But a professional broken shell remover designed for the purpose is the recommended way.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pull the charging handle of the AR15 back to open the bolt and lock it open.

    • 2

      Insert the broken shell extractor into the chamber and slide it forward into the broken shell.

    • 3

      Pull the charging handle back to release the bolt and allow the bolt to travel all the way forward and lock. Push the AR15's forward assist button to ensure that the extractor is fully seated and engaged with the broken shell.

    • 4

      Pull the charging handle back to withdraw the broken shell extractor and the broken shell from the chamber together. Continue to pull the handle back until the shell extractor and broken shell are ejected from the chamber.

    • 5

      Unscrew the two-piece broken shell extractor, slip the broken shell off the extractor core and reassemble the extractor.