Smyth Busters: AR-15 Dents Primers - Is It Broken?

Published on October 19, 2021
Duration: 4:29

This video debunks the myth that primer dents on unfired cartridges in an AR-15 indicate a malfunction. It demonstrates that the AR-15's floating firing pin design naturally causes a slight inertia strike when the bolt closes, creating a minor indentation without igniting the primer. This is normal operation for firearms with this design.

Quick Summary

AR-15s dent primers on unfired cartridges due to their floating firing pin design. When the bolt closes, the firing pin's inertia causes a slight forward movement, creating a minor indentation on the primer. This is normal operation and not a sign of a malfunction, as the strike is not forceful enough to ignite the primer.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: AR-15 Primer Dent Myth
  2. 00:42AR-15 Floating Firing Pin Explained
  3. 01:34Historical Context: SKS Firing Pin Issues
  4. 01:48Advanced Options: Titanium Firing Pins
  5. 02:07Demonstration Setup: Primed Case and AR-15
  6. 02:37The Inertia Strike Test
  7. 03:43Observation: Minor Primer Indentation
  8. 03:57Conclusion: Myth Busted, Normal Operation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my AR-15 dent the primer on an unfired cartridge?

This is normal for AR-15 style firearms due to their floating firing pin design. When the bolt carrier group closes, the firing pin's inertia causes it to strike the primer with just enough force to leave a slight indentation, but not enough to ignite it.

Is a dented primer on an unfired AR-15 cartridge a sign of a problem?

No, a minor dent on the primer of an unfired cartridge removed from an AR-15 is typically a sign of normal operation. It's caused by the firing pin's inertia as the bolt closes, a characteristic of floating firing pin designs.

What is a floating firing pin in an AR-15?

A floating firing pin in an AR-15 is a component within the bolt carrier group that moves freely. It's not held back by a spring and relies on inertia to strike the primer when the bolt closes, which is a standard design feature.

Can the firing pin on an AR-15 accidentally fire a cartridge just by closing the bolt?

No, the firing pin's inertia strike when the bolt closes on an AR-15 is not sufficient to ignite the primer. This design has been proven safe and reliable for decades, ensuring the firearm only discharges when the trigger is pulled.

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