Introduction
The Ruger American Rifle: a staple in the world of modern firearms. Its affordability, accuracy, and reliability have made it a popular choice among hunters, sport shooters, and those seeking a dependable rifle for personal defense. But even the best-engineered firearms can occasionally encounter problems, and one of the most frustrating of these is feeding issues. A rifle that fails to feed properly can render itself useless in the field or at the range, disrupting your experience and potentially compromising your safety. This comprehensive guide delves into the common causes of feeding problems in the Ruger American Rifle (RAR) and provides you with the knowledge and practical steps to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve these issues, getting your rifle back to performing at its best.
Understanding the complexities of your firearm is the first step in resolving any malfunction. The Ruger American Rifle, while generally reliable, relies on a precise interaction between various components to feed rounds smoothly from the magazine into the chamber. A breakdown in this process, whether due to wear, debris, or incompatibility, can manifest in a variety of feeding problems. Before we jump into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Many feeding issues stem from the magazine. Magazines are subjected to significant wear and tear, particularly during loading and unloading. The magazine lips, the follower, and the spring all play a vital role in the feeding cycle. The interaction between the magazine and the action of the rifle is equally important.
Several other factors can contribute to these problems: bolt-related issues, problems with your ammunition, any rough surfaces, or a general lack of proper maintenance. The key is to methodically eliminate potential causes until you isolate the culprit.
Magazine Troubleshooting
The cornerstone of a reliable rifle rests on the function of the magazine. It’s the unsung hero, silently feeding rounds into the action, but when it malfunctions, your rifle’s performance suffers. Proper magazine maintenance is critical, and the first step involves careful visual inspection.
Visual Inspection
Begin by thoroughly examining the magazine body for any visible damage. Look for dents, cracks, or deformities that could impede the movement of the rounds or hinder its ability to seat correctly in the rifle. Pay close attention to the feed lips, the small edges at the top of the magazine that guide the cartridge into the chamber. These lips must be perfectly aligned to ensure smooth and consistent feeding. Look for any signs of distortion, either bent inward or outward, which can disrupt the feeding cycle.
The magazine follower, the plastic or metal piece that pushes the rounds up into the chamber, also deserves scrutiny. Ensure that the follower moves freely within the magazine body, without any sticking or binding. If the follower is sticky, it may be due to debris buildup or a worn spring. Also, examine the magazine spring itself; it must exert enough pressure to lift the rounds consistently and feed them to the rifle.
Magazine Cleaning and Maintenance
Now, clean and maintain your magazines regularly, as this is critical to prevent feeding problems. Disassemble your magazine carefully. This is often done by depressing a small button or plate at the base of the magazine, allowing you to remove the follower and spring. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions or online videos if you’re unsure how to disassemble your particular magazine model.
Once disassembled, meticulously clean each component. Use a solvent or a specialized gun cleaning solution to remove any dirt, grime, or debris. A small brush or a cotton swab can be helpful in reaching tight spots. Pay attention to the inside of the magazine body, ensuring it’s free from any obstructions that might interfere with the feeding of the rounds.
After cleaning, lubricate the magazine follower and spring lightly. Avoid excessive lubrication, as this can attract dirt and debris, ultimately exacerbating the issue. A small amount of a dry lubricant, such as graphite or a silicone-based spray, is generally preferred.
Finally, reassemble the magazine, ensuring all parts are correctly aligned. Before you declare it good to go, cycle the magazine to test its operation, loading a few dummy rounds to check for smooth and consistent feeding.
Magazine Compatibility
Compatibility is another important aspect to consider when dealing with feeding issues. Verify that you are using the correct type of magazine for your specific Ruger American Rifle model. These rifles are offered in many calibers, with varying magazine designs to accommodate different cartridge dimensions. Consult your rifle’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to confirm the correct magazine type.
The market also presents several alternative brands of magazines designed for the Ruger American Rifle. These might offer improvements in materials, construction, or capacity. Experimenting with different brands could potentially resolve your feeding problems. Be sure to research reviews and choose reputable magazine manufacturers known for quality and reliability.
Bolt and Action Troubleshooting
The bolt and action of your Ruger American Rifle are the heart of its feeding system. They take the ammunition delivered by the magazine and chamber it for firing. An action that doesn’t operate properly can result in a myriad of feeding difficulties.
Bolt Operation
Carefully observe the bolt’s operation. Cycle the bolt manually, both with and without rounds loaded in the magazine, and note any inconsistencies. Does the bolt move smoothly and easily, or does it bind or require excessive force to operate? A binding bolt can indicate a problem with the action components, such as dirt, debris, or a damaged part.
A sluggish bolt may not completely chamber the cartridge or extract the spent case, leading to jams or failures to feed. If you experience issues, this warrants a closer inspection.
After cycling the bolt a few times, inspect it for a snug fit. Check to see if the bolt face properly engages with the cartridge rim. The bolt face must fully encompass the base of the cartridge to extract it from the magazine and chamber it.
Cleaning the Action and Bolt
Maintaining a clean action and bolt is essential for reliability. Disassemble the bolt and action components for a thorough cleaning. Consult your rifle’s manual for instructions on proper disassembly.
Use a solvent and a cleaning brush to remove any dirt, powder residue, or debris from the bolt body, bolt face, and the interior of the receiver. Pay particular attention to the locking lugs on the bolt and the corresponding surfaces within the action, as these areas are critical for secure lockup and reliable cycling.
After cleaning, lubricate all moving parts with a quality gun oil or a grease designed for firearms. Apply a thin coat of lubricant to the bolt body, locking lugs, and other friction points. Make sure you don’t over-lubricate, since excessive lubricant can attract dirt and debris, which can then cause additional issues.
Inspecting the Extractor
In the process of inspecting your action, don’t forget to check the extractor, the small hook-shaped part on the bolt face. The extractor is responsible for grabbing the rim of the spent cartridge and pulling it out of the chamber during ejection.
Make sure the extractor firmly grips the rim of the cartridge. It should hold the spent case securely without slipping or losing its grip. If the extractor fails to engage the rim, it will result in failures to extract, causing the rifle to jam.
Check the extractor spring. The spring provides the necessary tension to ensure the extractor maintains a firm grip on the cartridge rim.
If the extractor is damaged, worn, or malfunctioning, consider replacing it.
Ammunition Analysis
The ammunition itself is another factor that can affect the feeding of your Ruger American Rifle. Ammunition selection, cartridge inspection, and experimentation with different types are all critical steps.
Ammunition Selection
Choosing the right ammunition is paramount to avoiding feeding issues. Only use ammunition that matches the caliber of your Ruger American Rifle and the bullet type that it’s designed to use. Refer to your rifle’s manual or consult with a gunsmith if you have any doubts.
Cartridge Inspection
Reloaded ammunition can sometimes be the cause of issues. Handloads may not be manufactured to the same exacting standards as factory-loaded ammunition, so there’s an elevated risk of inconsistencies in cartridge dimensions. Before reloading, it’s always best to have an experienced reloader inspect your equipment to ensure all of your equipment functions well and is up to industry standard.
Visually inspect each cartridge before loading it into the magazine. Look for any damage, such as dents, deformities, or bulges, on the cartridge case or the bullet itself. Damaged cartridges can create feeding problems because the shape is not perfect. Discard any rounds that exhibit damage.
Carefully measure the overall cartridge length (OAL) with a caliper to ensure it falls within the recommended specifications for your rifle and the ammunition type. Cartridges that are too long may not chamber properly, while those that are too short may fail to feed consistently. Compare the OAL of different cartridges, and make sure that each cartridge is loaded to the same length.
Experimenting with Different Ammunition
Experiment with different ammunition types and brands to see if it resolves the issue. Your rifle might be optimized for one brand or bullet shape. Testing can tell you what works and what doesn’t.
Feeding Ramp Issues
Feeding ramps guide the bullet into the chamber, and any imperfections can disrupt this process. Inspection, cleaning, and, potentially, polishing are the keys to resolving this.
Inspection and Cleaning
Begin by visually inspecting the feeding ramp for any obstructions, burrs, or rough spots. If you can see anything that doesn’t appear smooth, it could cause problems. A rough or uneven surface can snag or impede the bullet’s movement, resulting in feeding failures.
Clean the feeding ramp thoroughly, using a solvent and a cleaning cloth. Remove any dirt, debris, or other contaminants that might be causing friction. Pay close attention to the transition between the ramp and the chamber, as this is a common area for buildup.
Polishing the Feeding Ramp
Polishing the feeding ramp can help improve reliability. Be extremely cautious, and only use polishing compounds and tools designed for firearms. Use a low-speed Dremel tool with a felt bob and a polishing compound. Apply a small amount of the compound and gently polish the ramp, working in small, circular motions. Avoid removing too much material, which could alter the ramp’s geometry. Consult a gunsmith if you’re uncertain.
Maintenance and Lubrication
Regular maintenance and lubrication are essential. Keeping your Ruger American Rifle clean and properly lubricated will go a long way toward preventing feeding issues.
Cleaning Schedule
Establish a regular cleaning schedule, and stick to it. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the amount of use the rifle receives. After each shooting session, remove any loose debris, and clean the barrel and action. Clean your rifle thoroughly after it has been exposed to harsh conditions or extreme temperatures.
Lubrication Points
Proper lubrication is vital for smooth and reliable operation. Lubricate the bolt and action components with a quality gun oil or grease, as previously discussed. Avoid over-lubricating, since excess lubricant can attract dirt and grime.
Advanced Troubleshooting and When to Seek Professional Help
Some problems require a deeper understanding of the mechanicals of your rifle. For example, if you suspect headspace is off, which is the distance between the bolt face and the part of the chamber that stops the cartridge from going in further, then you need to take extra precautions.
When to Consult a Gunsmith
When to call a gunsmith is a question that can be asked at any point when troubleshooting. If, after following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, your Ruger American Rifle continues to experience feeding issues, it’s time to seek professional assistance. A qualified gunsmith can diagnose more complex problems, perform repairs, and identify underlying issues that may be contributing to the malfunction.
Consider seeking professional help when:
- You’re unable to diagnose or resolve the feeding problems on your own.
- You suspect a mechanical issue with the bolt, action, or other critical components.
- You’re uncomfortable performing more advanced maintenance tasks.
- The rifle exhibits recurring feeding issues, even after completing basic troubleshooting steps.
- You suspect any issues with your headspace.
Conclusion
This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and resolve common feeding problems in your Ruger American Rifle. By understanding the potential causes, performing regular maintenance, and following these practical steps, you can ensure that your rifle functions reliably and consistently. Remember to always practice safe gun handling procedures, and if you’re ever unsure, consult a qualified gunsmith. Always prioritize safety when working on your firearm.
