Armorer Tips With Sons of Liberty Gun Works co-founder Mike Mihalski

Published on October 4, 2022
Duration: 2:39

Mike Mihalski, co-founder of Sons of Liberty Gun Works, provides an expert armorer tip on maintaining AR-15 reliability by proactively inspecting and replacing action springs. He explains the critical role of action springs in the rifle's cycling and provides specific measurement guidelines for both carbine and rifle springs. Regular inspection and replacement of worn springs are emphasized to ensure mechanical certainty and prevent common malfunctions like failures to feed.

Quick Summary

Mike Mihalski of Sons of Liberty Gun Works advises proactive inspection of AR-15 action springs as part of routine maintenance. A worn spring can cause failures to feed by not returning the bolt to battery. For carbine springs, check for lengths between 10 1/16" and 11 1/4"; for rifle springs, 11 3/4" to 13 1/2". Replace springs nearing the lower end of spec to ensure mechanical certainty.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Armorer Tip
  2. 00:17Importance of Action Springs
  3. 00:46Failure to Feed & Worn Springs
  4. 01:02Action Spring Measurement Specs
  5. 01:22Spring Wear and Power Loss
  6. 01:57Preventative Maintenance for Reliability
  7. 02:27Armorer Class Invitation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of an AR-15 action spring?

The action spring, along with the buffer, is crucial for the AR-15's operational cycle. It 'fills the hole' by providing the necessary force to return the bolt carrier group to the battery after firing, ensuring the rifle is ready for the next shot.

How can a worn action spring cause a failure to feed?

A worn action spring loses its tension and power. This can lead to the bolt carrier group not returning fully to battery, especially when encountering resistance like the first round of a full magazine, resulting in a failure to feed or a stovepipe.

What are the recommended inspection lengths for AR-15 action springs?

For carbine action springs, the inspection length range is 10 1/16 inches to 11 1/4 inches. For rifle action springs, the range is 11 3/4 inches to 13 1/2 inches. Springs nearing the bottom of these ranges should be replaced.

When should I inspect my AR-15's action spring?

It is recommended to incorporate action spring inspection into your regular firearm maintenance schedule, ideally on an annual or biannual basis. Proactive inspection helps prevent malfunctions before they occur.

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