had an issue with my charging handle at the range the other day. it started to cycle with the bolt. wtf was my first reaction. but i looked at it more and noticed a roll pin that keep that little latch in place on the charging handle assembly deal was comming out. its kinda hard to explain how it works but i took it out and it worked fine. i did replace it but it looks like this pin isnt stayin in place well either. im thinking about just taking it out completely. would you guys think its a good idea? its always good to have a forward assist but the action is smooth as hell and unless i see it getting extremely muddy or something. i dont know what do yall think?
reciprocating charging handle
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
Joined
·
2,791 Posts
I don't think it would hurt anything. Even when it's working correctly, if the charging handle is not locked all the way forward it will reciprocate. That is also how it works as a bolt forward assist. Only thing you might notice is more ware on the ends of the charging handle channnel. IIRC, some of the real low serial numbered ACR's had a problem with a under sized roll pin in that area. (I might be wrong.)
Joined
·
1,586 Posts
There was a fellow or two on arf that had the same or at least very similar problem w/ a roll pin in the charging assembly. Bushmaster is apparently aware of the issue and said it is something that happened on lower serial numbered rifles. You should give them a call and get it fixed.
Joined
·
19 Posts
I've got a lower number ACR and just recently my charging handle starting reciprocating too. I've noticed since i bought my rifle that the charging handle is always real loose and wobbly. I suppose a call to Bushmaster's in order. Any other suggestions?
Joined
·
4,922 Posts
I'd remove the Charging handle assembly and make sure either one of the 2 hooks aren't broken. If so I'd call BM and see if they can get a repair order for you (or even better yet just send you a replacement for the POS charging handle mechanism, then you can sell the spare one on here)
Joined
·
336 Posts
It means that it is an early production rifle and there may have been quirks that got addressed in later models.
my sn is 2300 something
is that consideted a low number?
Joined
·
288 Posts
What can happen is if you don't make sure the charging handle is all the way forward, the forward assist latch will still be engaged, and will cycle with the bolt. That would just a minor annoyance, except for the fact the bolt can travel further than the charging handle. When it tries, it will mess up that roll pin, and loosen it up so it will work its way out, and in more extreme cases never release from the bolt so it will slam it around until something breaks.
I would replace the roll pin, and make sure your charging handle is all the way forward when you shoot, and make sure the roll pin stays in its place.
You can also just take it out, it will work fine, but you won't have a forward assist.
Currently I have a new latch that is slightly different and alleviates this problem, but I am still testing it. I hope to offer it soon, and I know there are others working on it as well.
Seeing how my silencer just came in, I'll be shooting the ACR a lot
-Sterling
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
