Smyth Busters: Can I Rest My AR-15 on the Mag While Shooting?

Published on March 2, 2021
Duration: 1:49

This video debunks the myth that resting an AR-15's magazine on the ground will always cause a malfunction. Experts Caleb and Steve from Brownells explain that while some magazines and lower receivers can cause issues due to rubbing on the bolt, quality components generally function without problems. The key takeaway is to use high-quality parts to avoid potential malfunctions.

Quick Summary

Resting an AR-15 magazine on the ground can cause malfunctions if the magazine is too high and interferes with the bolt's cycling. This issue is often linked to 'tolerance stacking' and the quality of the magazine and lower receiver. Using high-quality components is the best way to ensure reliable function.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction: Smith Busters AR Myth
  2. 00:10The Myth: Resting Mag Causes Malfunction
  3. 00:26Why Some Magazines Work, Others Don't
  4. 00:33Mil-Spec Magazines and Quality Receivers
  5. 01:01Magazine Height and Bolt Interference
  6. 01:13Tolerance Stacking Explained
  7. 01:17Moral of the Story: Quality Components
  8. 01:33Questions and Tech Line Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can resting an AR-15 magazine on the ground cause a malfunction?

Yes, it can. If the magazine is too high, it may rub against the bolt and slow down the cycling of the firearm, leading to a malfunction. However, this is not guaranteed and depends heavily on the quality of the magazine and the lower receiver.

What makes some AR-15 magazines work when rested on the ground, while others cause issues?

The primary factor is the quality of the components. Mil-spec magazines and quality lower receivers are designed with tighter tolerances, reducing the likelihood of interference between the magazine and the bolt when the magazine is used as a rest.

What is 'tolerance stacking' in relation to AR-15 magazines?

Tolerance stacking refers to the cumulative effect of small variations in the dimensions of individual firearm components. When these variations align in a certain way, they can lead to functional issues, such as a magazine interfering with the bolt when rested on the ground.

What is the best advice for avoiding AR-15 malfunctions related to magazine resting?

The most crucial advice is to invest in high-quality components. Using reliable magazines and receivers from reputable manufacturers significantly reduces the risk of malfunctions, including those that might occur when resting the magazine on a surface.

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