How do I clear this?
Posted by IAmCalledAustin@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 113 comments
I’m relatively new to firearms, even more so how the internals work. I was out shooting with some friends the other day and we couldn’t get this round out.
I’d like to note that the round never went off. It’s not just the casing, but the entire round. How do I safely remove this?
Freash_air_plz@reddit
If it wont go back any further, "mortar" it outside.
acidbrain690@reddit
This.
ProductMindless5867@reddit
Put hearing pro on - did this last weekend with my 14.5 and the MFER went off -
Flashy-Brain@reddit
Eh… what’s one round. Yeah your ears will ring and you’ll be deaf, but it’s only once in a blue moon. Is it a great idea to do that, no, but ear pro to mortar a round out of the chamber seems a bit excessive. Especially when that round probably won’t go off anyway…
sewiv@reddit
Hearing damage starts at 140 dB. It's permanent. 5.56 is 169 dB at the muzzle. Log scale, so 10 dB is double the volume. 169 is about 8 times as loud as 140.
There's no excuse for not using proper PPE for a deliberate act that might result in a round firing right next to your ear. Laziness resulting in permanent disability is just incredibly stupid.
Flashy-Brain@reddit
Why on earth would you logarithmically scale that. Unless your firing pin weighs too much, the chances of that round actually going off are slim to none, so it's really a moot point. You'll be fine just this once.
IAmCalledAustin@reddit (OP)
It appears this just might be the way.
feelin_cheesy@reddit
Best not to put any of your body parts in front of the muzzle when doing this. It’s not inherently dangerous…but don’t let us see you in the news.
reamesyy82@reddit
If you can imagine it, it’s probably happened
GunGooser@reddit
Don't forget to collapse your stock all the way before doing it.
jotnarfiggkes@reddit
Pointed away from you of course :)
IAmCalledAustin@reddit (OP)
UPDATE: I went at it with the 'mortaring' method for a solid 20 minutes or so and nothing. The charging handle will only go back about half way. The trigger is also dead stiff.
Also, it seems that the round is stuck to the bolt. I'm not sure what to do.
Pist0lPetePr0fachi@reddit
Hot round or case? Mortar if hot. Rod it if casing.
K3rat@reddit
https://youtu.be/tFBTUGYvlR8?si=sGbdP8Z-fU8eIOM2
Habrecht@reddit
Sorry but the direction of the irons is killing me!!! 😆😂🤣
WhispyButthairs@reddit
Please be careful. I was a small arms repairmen in the army for 12 years. While the “mortar” method can work. It can lead to even more unsafe situations. Mainly. It can shove that live and marred up round into the chamber. Thus giving you a seized gun. With a round in the chamber and the hammer cocked.
Put it on safe.
Designate a safe direction and make sure that barrel is always pointed there.
3.Start with Lubrication. On that cartridge. Then flip the gun upside down a liberally apply it. Try to get some on the top side of the bolt and back toward your buttstock. The gun doesn’t look like it’s seen many rounds. So it could be factory dry up there.
Insert an empty magazine.
try with all your might to pull back the charging handle.
Leave the mag in and do the mortar method if all else fails.
CrossShot@reddit
Sorry, a bit curious why do the mortar method with an empty mag in as opposed to no mag?
WhispyButthairs@reddit
If that bolt comes all the way back it will lock it. Opposed to it closing the bolt and potentially chambering that round.
CrossShot@reddit
Makes sense thanks!
IAmCalledAustin@reddit (OP)
I’ll give that a shot. Thank you!
Rum_dummy@reddit
Looks like everyone’s got the troubleshooting part clear for you. Now tell us what the fuck happened to your bolt.
RandoAtReddit@reddit
Yeah, looks like someone went at it with some vice grips. Lol.
Demonae@reddit
As an RSO my first guess is shitty mags.
Almost every FTF and FTE I see is caused by cheap aftermarket or worn out magazines. Like seriously, 95% of them. It's very rare it's actually an issue with the rifle.
I keep spare new P-Mags on site and when someone is having consistent issues I'll loan them one and their issues just go away.
I've thrown away scores of shit aftermarket or when out mags for people once they realize how badly they will fuck up your AR.
Rum_dummy@reddit
I bought an aluminum mag out of a clearance bin a while back. Decided to use it last weekend and my 5 year old rifle that has never had anything close to an issue jammed worse than I’ve ever seen anything jam. A good mag is so valuable.
Theothedestroyer1@reddit
Could that have played a role? It really does look tore up and could be stuck.
coolguy12314@reddit
!update
Zesty-Lem0n@reddit
AR-15 problems 😂 # AKgang
Inspi@reddit
Remember to wear your brown pants when you mortar it.
ErikTheRed99@reddit
And a red shirt.
HellBringer97@reddit
Only if he wants to die and not see the next episode of Star Trek.
Flat_chested_male@reddit
Name checks out
BroskiSlavSquad@reddit
Mortar that sucker and pull back on the charging handle
BustaMimes88@reddit
Might mortar time
acidbrain690@reddit
It’s called “mortaring” look up a YouTube video.
Grab your charging handled and smack the buttstock against a hard surface, it will eject the round I promise. Whoever commented first is a dumbass lol.
what-name-is-it@reddit
One important point, if it’s a collapsible stock, make sure it’s all the way down in its shortest configuration to mitigate damage to it.
SplashingChicken@reddit
And don't do this in your house. Take it to a range or a safe, remote location.
IAmMagumin@reddit
A little overkill, but it is Reddit.
LordGaben01@reddit
Ya I think an obligatory “pointed away from you” would have sufficed
Brufar_308@reddit
Pointed away from you like the Polish judge…. That guy will be a meme forever.
Chilipatily@reddit
What is this meme you speak of?
Brufar_308@reddit
Wow not sure how you missed it it’s been posted in so many subreddeits repeatedly over the past week…
https://www.reddit.com/r/Firearms/comments/1gu1zgw/polish_shooting_judge_accidentally_shoots_a/
Kite005@reddit
https://www.reddit.com/r/Firearms/comments/1gu1zgw/polish_shooting_judge_accidentally_shoots_a/
CockpitEnthusiast@reddit
nah man I've done a basement pop before and everything was fine, fuckin send it
Destroyer1559@reddit
Also, mortar it on the upper part of the stock, not the toe. Don't want to crack off the toe of the stock.
SnowDin556@reddit
Yea he’s right. The slide needs to go back further and the brass will bend vs. your ejector.
JohnnyRoastb33f@reddit
No slide on that gun.
HeeHawJew@reddit
Mortar it.
huh82@reddit
Butt stroke mate
Col_Clucks@reddit
Punch that forward assist a few times, that always helps.
Don't do that, the forward assist is dumb and you should never use it except to maybe quietly chamber a round while you're hunting.
Rattle_Can@reddit
since there's a live round chambered, when you go mortar it, make sure your support hand has a firm grasp on the handguard & keep the muzzle away from your face area
highly improbable it'll go off, but as safety precaution/best practices
mkosmo@reddit
I'd also add to put the ejection port away from you.
TheHancock@reddit
Just have your friend do it. 💁♂️
^(for legal reasons this is a joke)
mkosmo@reddit
Hey buddy, can you lend me a hand?
^(...And maybe a foot and a face?)
Deathregent@reddit
Yeah mortar it like everyone else has said kust don't get shot
ottermupps@reddit
Mortar it, you've gotten good advice for that already.
What I'm curious about is what the hell happened to the brass and that bolt? Looks all scratched to shit.
PandorasFlame1@reddit
Right? That bolt almost looks twisted.
unluckie-13@reddit
Pull and lock the bolt back, and then using a metal cleaning rod, from the front of the barrel, give it a whack.
17_ScarS@reddit
Hit it with your purse
this_weeks_hyperfix@reddit
What if i only have a vertx handbag?
Key-Sprinkles-9680@reddit
This is the comment I was looking for
poeticfuckcum@reddit
🤣
Blakefilk@reddit
What kind of sights are those?
Tiny-General-3700@reddit
The backward kind
IAmCalledAustin@reddit (OP)
Magpul iron sights.
Took my scope from Pinty Scopes off of it right before taking the pictures.
Blakefilk@reddit
Rear sights backwards king
IAmCalledAustin@reddit (OP)
Haha I’ve never even used them. I’ll make sure to give shit to guy that built it for me ;)
Blakefilk@reddit
I’d also clear your BCG after you mortar it, that things hella dirty
poeticfuckcum@reddit
💀
CAPTAINxKUDDLEZ@reddit
The other one is likely backwards too. They should flip up an away from you, towards the muzzle.
Closing them you should pull them back and down towards the stock
Worried_Community594@reddit
Bite it with your teeth and yank it out like a man.
I only said that because like 30 other people have already said to mortar it.
I did like the advice from two of the guys to wear your red shirt and brown pants, can't go wrong there.
National-Mongoose-16@reddit
This is the fucking reason why we have permits in europe. Are you fucking aware that this can possibly go off during transportation or manipulation and kill somebody? Dig deep into how to clear malfunctions. I have never ever had a malfunction that cannot be cleared out in five seconds. This also looks to be your fault as the round itself looks heavily damaged. Are you aware that you don't shoot woth damaged rounds?
Adorable-Bug762@reddit
Use the forward assist /s
Yayo30@reddit
Ah, you mean the malfunction enhancer
GunsAndWrenches2@reddit
Automatic jam button
KnightofWhen@reddit
Damn I’ve never had to mortar an AR
RandoAtReddit@reddit
Look at this guy with his ammo all in spec and shit.
iamaconsolepsnt@reddit
I bet he cleans his bore 🤢
GunsAndWrenches2@reddit
He's probably never even seen cheap polycoated steel .223 🙄
GregTheHaint@reddit
Mortar that shit
Callsign_Texas@reddit
Ground 'N Pound baby
ClosetLVL140@reddit
Ask it nicely
santar0s80@reddit
Step 1 remove the rear sight, turn it 180 degrees then reinstall.
Step 2 see other more helpful comments about the mortar method.
IAmCalledAustin@reddit (OP)
🤣
hidude398@reddit
He’s not joking about the sight btw, really common mistake but you do have it backwards
santar0s80@reddit
How many MBUS sights do you think there are out in the wild installed backwards?
mentive@reddit
Now I'm starting to think my 10" has them installed backwards. Hopefully I remember to look later 🤣
UNIGuy54@reddit
I can guarantee at least 4….plus OP’s
IAmCalledAustin@reddit (OP)
Yes, I know. About 50 other people have said something. I will make it correct after I mortar.
CatCong@reddit
Didn't realize the rear was backwards lmaoo
BlankCreative@reddit
OP thinks you’re joking 😂
Ok-Image1782@reddit
Depending on the brand...just throw it away and upgrade.... I'm lookin' @ you ~~~> PSA/BEAR CREEK
Coeruleus_@reddit
Wrench
Voodoo338@reddit
My GUY what?!
Thats-My-Purse-IDKU@reddit
Mortar it
Antique-Quantity-608@reddit
Carefully.
jared8410@reddit
Mortar it.
Crash_override87@reddit
Shoot that round out with another gun. Duh
Pte_Madcap@reddit
Mortar, and then invest in some lube and keep it wet. Unless you are in a dusty environment, you can't really add too much lube. Then just hit it with a can of carb cleaner every once in a while.
RandoAtReddit@reddit
Or you could actually clean it.
Just kidding, I don't do that shit either.
CatCong@reddit
Is that a rare brass over bolt?
Brufar_308@reddit
No this one still in the bolt face. The one you are referring to would be completely above the bolt and not as easy to get out as this one.
ArceusTwoFour_Zero@reddit
If it's just the casing, lock the bolt back and use a ram rod or cleaning rod to knock the casing out. You can just put the rod down from the muzzle of the barrel until it bumps into the casing. You might need to use a couple of light taps with a mallet. And be sure to lubricate your AR. Make sure the chamber is clean and put lube on the star extractor on the bolt.
jaebassist@reddit
Read, my guy. READ.
Woodpusherpro@reddit
It's not just the casing. Read the story, please.
bowtie_k@reddit
Your rear sight is on backwards.
I've had success clearing jams like this by popping both pins out and wriggling the upper off. It'll be a bit difficult because the bolt is halfway in the buffer tube but it should still come out. Now you don't have to fight the spring or hammer when trying to pull the bolt out
jotnarfiggkes@reddit
Can we start with why your rear sight is on wrong?
Dry_Ad3367@reddit
Make sure to give it a good cleaning after you mortar it
marksman1023@reddit
More than that, completely disassemble the rifle and look for something wrong.
You said you're new to guns but plain metal where there used to be finish, gouges, cracks, etc should be visible to the untrained eye.
Mythran101@reddit
Alt+F4
Competitive-Key7940@reddit
Mortar it
poeticfuckcum@reddit
It’ll b okay Austin
dogegambler@reddit
Mortar, outside in a safe area. If you can get your bolt locked I to the rear you can use a multitool or screwdriver to assist in removing the cartridge.
As always, be safe, and have fun!
Tommygun1921@reddit
Yup mortar it.