So I went to the range this weekend to remount my ACOG and was banging through rounds when all of a sudden comes that kerchunk noise and different feel in cycling that indicates an issue. So I tap mag and work charging handle and nothing.

Well come to find out I must have inadvertently loaded a previously fired case into the magazine that had ejected into my ammo box. Boy that case was bent all to hell

So there you have it an AR15 will not feed empty cases.

Clearly, your AR is not a quality firearm.

(There was a time when "feeding empties" was touted by mall ninjas as proof that a firearm was of exceptionally high quality. As in: "My custom 1911 is so well-made, it'll even feed empties!!!!!!1 )

I’m reminded of reading that at one time it became the “thing” among upper-tier 1911 gunsmiths to tune the pistols so they would chamber empty cases: If they will chamber empties, surely they will be utterly reliable with loaded rounds—right?

Nope; turns out that after being set up to chamber empty cases, some of them were no longer reliable with loaded ammunition. (Just noticed that RogueJSK said the same thing.)

And yeah, putting an empty in a student’s rifle magazine is a good way to see if they know how to clear a malfunction that requires more than tap/rack/continue.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
And yeah, putting an empty in a student’s rifle magazine is a good way to see if they know how to clear a malfunction that requires more than tap/rack/continue.

Definitely.

I've been to some carbine classes where the instructors progressively found more creative ways to jam my carbine, as I learned to clear malfunctions.

Must be a cheap AR, mine shoots empties just fine.

so you have a problem loading hollow points

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:


And yeah, putting an empty in a student’s rifle magazine is a good way to see if they know how to clear a malfunction that requires more than tap/rack/continue.

Also, drives home the point that identifying the actual problem should be done BEFORE trying to fix the gun. That way you aren't doing the wrong action. For example, Tap/rack, on a double feed, is wasted action/time, and might make the problem worse.

Word to the wise, if you try this, even with pistols, used SIZED empty brass.

don't ask....