How to Fix Failure to Eject
Woody's answers are based on published federal and state law. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Check gas system pressure, inspect extractor claw and spring tension, verify ejector function, and ensure proper buffer weight. Most FTE issues stem from undergassed systems or worn extractors.
How This Affects Your Build
Failure to eject kills your gun's reliability and can create dangerous double feeds or stuck cases. Understanding the ejection cycle helps you diagnose whether you're dealing with gas system problems, bolt carrier group wear, or improper component selection. Getting extraction and ejection right is fundamental to a functional rifle.
The Detail
The ejection process requires proper gas pressure to drive the bolt carrier rearward with enough force to extract the spent case and fling it clear of the ejection port. Start by checking your gas system, since most FTE problems trace back to insufficient gas pressure. Look for gas key looseness, gas tube alignment, and proper gas block positioning over the gas port. An adjustable gas block can help you fine tune pressure if you're running a suppressor or have borderline gas flow.
Your extractor does the heavy lifting of pulling the case from the chamber, so inspect the extractor claw for chips, wear, or rounded edges that prevent solid case rim engagement. The extractor spring provides the tension that keeps the claw engaged with the case rim throughout the ejection cycle. A weak spring lets cases slip free prematurely, while an overly strong spring can prevent proper extraction timing. Most quality extractors use a rubber insert behind the spring to provide consistent tension.
The ejector is a small plunger in your bolt face that kicks the case clear once extraction begins. Verify the ejector moves freely and has proper spring tension behind it. A stuck or weak ejector leaves extracted cases hanging in the bolt face instead of clearing the rifle. Buffer weight also affects ejection timing, with heavier buffers slowing bolt carrier velocity and potentially causing short ejection or cases hitting the deflector.
Check your brass for extraction marks and ejection patterns. Deep extractor gouges suggest overpressure or timing issues, while light marks indicate weak extractor tension. Cases ejecting straight down or hitting your face point to ejector problems or incorrect buffer weight. Consistent ejection at 3 to 4 o'clock tells you the system is functioning properly.
Build Impact
Choose quality bolt carrier groups with properly heat treated extractors and verified gas key staking. Match your buffer weight to your gas system length and intended use, since suppressor shooting often requires adjustable gas blocks or heavier buffers to maintain proper timing.