Tech Note

December 10, 1998

TECHNICAL NOTE 25: What to do if Your Rifle Malfunctions

Every firearm manufacturer receives complaints of guns that malfunction in the field.

Each ArmaLite rifle is successfully function fired before leaving the factory. Despite this, a few ArmaLites malfunction in the field too. The problem is based on the fact that we can only fire a limited number of rounds from each rifle before receiving a complaint that we shipped a used rifle.

We find that very most problems are due to a few common conditions or errors that are easily cured. To prevent your rifle from malfunctioning, or to correct a malfunction you should:

Read your operators manual thoroughly, and understand it. Pay particular attention to the safety instructions.

Disassemble and lubricate your rifle. Your rifle was cleaned and largely stripped of lubricants before it left the factory. The cam pin and other bearing surfaces of the bolt carrier group are especially important.

Assure that only factory ammunition, in good condition, is used. Many malfunctions are caused by inferior or damaged ammunition.

Assure that the magazine is clean. The magazine is the most crucial and problematic part of a self-loading rifle.

If all else fails, send a note or email to ArmaLite clearly describing the problem and providing a telephone or other way for ArmaLite to contact you.

MAW

Copyright © 1998 ArmaLite, Inc.