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Okay, you've got a Ruger American rifle, and it's failing to feed properly. That's frustrating, to say the least. Nothing ruins a day at the range or a crucial hunt faster than a rifle that chokes on its own ammo. But don't despair! Feeding issues, while common, are often fixable with a little troubleshooting and elbow grease. Let's get your Ruger American running smoothly again.
Understanding Ruger American Feeding Problems
Before we dive into the fixes, it's essential to understand what's causing your Ruger American rifle to experience feeding problems. Feeding issues occur when the rifle fails to properly chamber a round from the magazine into the barrel. This can manifest in several ways, including rounds getting stuck halfway, cartridges getting bent or damaged, or the bolt simply refusing to pick up a round from the magazine. Identifying the specific symptoms is the first step towards a solution.
- Failure to Extract: The bolt might not be pulling the spent casing out of the chamber after firing.
- Failure to Eject: The rifle might successfully extract the casing but fail to eject it clear of the action.
- Failure to Feed: The bolt doesn't pick up a fresh round from the magazine, or it picks it up but jams before fully chambering it.
- Stovepipe: A spent casing gets caught in the ejection port, resembling a stovepipe.
These problems often stem from a few key areas, which we'll address in detail:
- Magazine Issues
- Chamber Problems
- Bolt Problems
- Ammunition Issues
Troubleshooting the Magazine: The Heart of Reliable Feeding
The magazine is often the prime suspect when it comes to Ruger American feeding issues. After all, it's the component directly responsible for presenting the rounds to the bolt. Here's how to diagnose and fix magazine-related problems:
Magazine Inspection and Cleaning
Start with a thorough inspection and cleaning of your magazine. Dust, debris, and old lubricant can accumulate inside, hindering the smooth movement of cartridges. Disassemble the magazine (if possible – check your owner's manual for instructions) and clean all parts with a solvent designed for firearms. A simple cleaning can make a world of difference.
Here are some steps for magazine cleaning:
- Disassemble the Magazine: Carefully take apart the magazine. Usually involves depressing a floorplate button or sliding the floorplate off.
- Clean Internal Components: Use a gun cleaning solvent and a brush to remove dirt, grime, and old lubricant from the magazine body, follower, and spring.
- Inspect the Follower: Check the follower for any damage, cracks, or excessive wear. The follower should move freely within the magazine body.
- Clean the Spring: Wipe down the spring to remove any debris.
- Reassemble the Magazine: Carefully reassemble the magazine, ensuring all parts are properly aligned.
Important: Avoid using excessive oil when reassembling the magazine. A light coating of a dry lubricant is usually sufficient.
Magazine Spring Issues
The magazine spring provides the force that pushes the cartridges upwards towards the bolt. Over time, the spring can weaken, leading to feeding problems. If you suspect a weak spring, consider replacing it. Ruger and aftermarket manufacturers offer replacement springs.
To test your magazine spring, you can use the following method:
- Empty the magazine completely.
- Carefully insert one round into the magazine.
- Observe the upward pressure exerted by the spring on the cartridge. The round should be held firmly against the feed lips.
- Repeat the process with increasing numbers of rounds. If the upward pressure noticeably decreases as you load more rounds, it could indicate a weak spring.
Magazine Feed Lips
The feed lips are the part of the magazine that holds the cartridges in place and releases them into the action. Damaged or bent feed lips can cause cartridges to be presented at the wrong angle, leading to feeding failures. Inspect the feed lips for any signs of damage. If they are bent, you cancarefullytry to reshape them with needle-nose pliers. However, this is a delicate operation, and it's often safer to replace the magazine altogether if the feed lips are significantly damaged.
A good example of a poorly feed magazine is one of a Glock 19. If the metal lips become misshapen, they're likely going to need replacing to fix the issue of miss-feeding.
Magazine Compatibility
While this might seem obvious, ensure you're using the correct magazine for your Ruger American rifle. Different calibers and models may require different magazines. Using the wrong magazine can definitely lead to feeding problems. Even aftermarket magazines, while sometimes more affordable, may not always meet the exact specifications of the factory magazines and can lead to reliability issues. Stick with Ruger factory magazines if possible.
Fact: Ruger American rifles utilize a variety of magazine designs depending on the caliber and model. Double-check your owner's manual or the Ruger website to confirm you're using the correct magazine.
Examining the Chamber and Bore
A dirty or damaged chamber can also be a culprit in feeding problems. The chamber is the part of the barrel that holds the cartridge before firing. If it's excessively dirty or has any imperfections, it can prevent the cartridge from fully seating, leading to malfunctions.
Chamber Cleaning
Regularly clean your rifle's chamber using a chamber brush and a good quality bore cleaner. Pay particular attention to removing any carbon buildup or residue. A clean chamber allows the cartridge to seat properly, improving feeding reliability.
Here's a simple guide:
- Ensure the firearm is unloaded and safe.
- Use a bore brush and solvent to clean the bore of the barrel.
- Use a chamber brush, which is a specialized brush designed for cleaning the chamber area.
- Apply solvent to the chamber brush and scrub the chamber thoroughly to remove any residue.
- Wipe out the chamber with a clean cloth.
Chamber Polishing (Proceed with Caution!)
In some cases, a slightly rough chamber can contribute to feeding issues. Polishing the chamber can smooth out any imperfections and improve feeding. However, this is a job best left to a qualified gunsmith. Improper polishing can damage the chamber and make the problem worse. If you're considering chamber polishing, consult with a professional.
Bore Condition
While not directly related tofeeding, a heavily fouled or damaged bore can affect accuracy and potentially contribute to cycling issues in some cases. Regularly clean your bore to maintain optimal performance. Inspect the bore for any signs of damage, such as pitting or corrosion. If you notice any significant damage, consult with a gunsmith.
A proper cleaning of your bore is essential in keeping any fouling from impeding the feeding of any round.
Bolt Inspection and Maintenance: Smooth Cycling is Key
The bolt is the heart of the rifle's action, responsible for stripping rounds from the magazine, chambering them, and extracting spent casings. Any issues with the bolt can directly impact feeding reliability.
Bolt Face Cleaning
The bolt face is the part of the bolt that contacts the base of the cartridge. Carbon buildup and residue on the bolt face can prevent the cartridge from seating properly, leading to feeding problems. Clean the bolt face regularly with a solvent and a brush.
Extractor and Ejector
The extractor is responsible for pulling the spent casing out of the chamber, and the ejector kicks it clear of the action. If either of these components is damaged or not functioning properly, it can cause malfunctions. Inspect the extractor and ejector for any signs of damage. Ensure the extractor has a sharp edge and can grip the cartridge rim securely. Ensure the ejector moves freely. If necessary, replace these parts.
Bolt Lubrication
Proper lubrication is crucial for smooth bolt operation. Apply a light coat of gun oil to the bolt rails and other moving parts. Avoid over-lubricating, as excessive oil can attract dirt and debris. Use a high-quality gun oil specifically designed for firearms.
Ammunition Considerations: Choosing the Right Rounds
The type of ammunition you use can also influence feeding reliability. Some rifles are more sensitive to certain types of ammunition than others. Factors such as bullet profile, case material, and overall cartridge length can all play a role.
Bullet Profile
Some bullet profiles feed more reliably than others. For example, round-nose bullets tend to feed more smoothly than flat-nose bullets. If you're experiencing feeding issues, try using different types of ammunition to see if it makes a difference.
Cartridge Overall Length (COAL)
The cartridge overall length (COAL) is the distance from the tip of the bullet to the base of the cartridge. If the COAL is too long, the cartridge may not fit properly in the magazine or chamber. If the COAL is too short, the cartridge may not be held securely in the magazine. Consult your rifle's owner's manual or a reloading manual to determine the correct COAL for your cartridge.
Case Material
Most ammunition uses brass cases, but some manufacturers use steel or aluminum cases. Steel and aluminum cases can sometimes be more prone to feeding issues than brass cases, especially in tighter chambers. If you're experiencing problems with steel or aluminum-cased ammunition, try switching to brass-cased ammunition.
Case Study: Many AR-15 owners report that their rifles cycle brass ammunition far more reliably than steel-cased ammo, and the Ruger American, while a different design, can exhibit similar preferences.
Seeking Professional Help
If you've tried all of the above and are still experiencing feeding issues, it's time to seek professional help. A qualified gunsmith can diagnose and repair any underlying problems with your Ruger American rifle. Don't hesitate to take your rifle to a gunsmith if you're not comfortable working on it yourself.
Remember, safety is always paramount. Always follow proper gun safety procedures when handling firearms. And if you're unsure about anything, consult with a qualified gunsmith.
Final Thoughts
Fixing Ruger American feeding issues can often be accomplished with a systematic approach. By understanding the potential causes and working through the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can often resolve the problem and get your rifle back in action. Remember to prioritize safety and consult with a professional if needed. Good luck, and happy shooting!