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System malfunctions can always happen on any gun model you are shooting. Barrels, bolt-actions, revolvers, and handguns can all fail while you are using them.
However, we shall be focusing on the proof research barrel in this article.
Proof Research barrel is a popular rifle and has a lot of unique features. Unfortunately, despite the many advantages and benefits this rifle offers, it is prone to several issues.
If you are using the proof research barrel for the first time, you may encounter some unprecedented common issues.
The maintenance of the proof research barrel is more complicated than using a basic hunting rifle or regular barrel. Not to worry, you can easily detect and fix most of these problems.
So let us look at some of the common issues of the proof research barrel and suggest solutions on how you can solve these problems.
Common Problems
Below are the common issues you may experience while using the proof research barrel:
- Stoppage issue
- Feeding failure
- Firing issue
- Extraction failure
Stoppage Issue
At one point, you’ll probably run into a situation where your proof research barrel will suddenly begin to malfunction in ways you don’t expect.
You may pull the trigger and see that it doesn’t perform much or as expected, or nothing happens after you press the click.
There are also situations where after firing several rounds, the rifle will just stop firing.
When any of these issues occur, then there is something wrong with the stoppage of your research barrel system.
In simple terms, a stoppage issue occurs when your research barrel is unable to complete one operation cycle.
Stoppage can either be a result of human error or mechanical failure. A stoppage by human error occurs when you fail to chamber the first round before you pull the trigger.
Stoppage issues are generally easy to fix. However, some types of stoppage can be more complex, especially mechanical failures.
This is a malfunction from your barrel system. You may need a professional to fix this type of error.
Solution
The first step to take if you want to solve stoppage issues on your barrel is to understand the immediate action which is “Tap, Rack, Reassess”.
- “Tap” on your magazine to make sure it is seated properly
- “Rack” pull your rifle charging handle with enough force and safely release it.
- “Reassess” replaces the “blowout” part of the cycle. Many veterans know about this. Before shooting, make sure there is a reason to do this and that it is safe for you to shoot. Once these conditions are met, you can try the “bang” part.
The “tap”, “rack”, and “reassess” action solves stoppage issues in most cases on the proof research barrel. Current estimates are that about 95% of stoppage issues are quickly resolved through this action.
Feeding Failure
The issue of failure to feed normally occurs when you load the rifle or during a firing round.
A symptom of this problem is that the bolt carrier group won’t move with sufficient force to complete a feeding or chambering operation.
In this type of situation, you can easily resolve the issue with the “tap, rack, and reassess” action.
If it is a reoccurring issue, then your barrel has a malfunction that needs repair.
If you are still not able to resolve the issue after attempting the “tap, rack, and reassess” action, then you must follow these steps:
- Pull the bolt back and ensure you lock it.
- Pull out the magazine.
- Clean the damaged round chamber.
As simple as these steps sound, you have to understand that you must exercise especially when some pieces are stuck there. and you may need some smithing tools to remove those brass pieces.
After you have successfully resolved this issue, ensure you check if your barrel is working properly before continuing the operation.
Two Main Factors Can Cause Feed/Chambering Issues
- Magazine problems
- Buffer spring problems
Magazine Problems
If you are experiencing failure to feed, then your magazine may be faulty. Before proceeding, make sure your magazine is properly loaded and seated. If you’re in doubt, remove it and replace it with a new magazine.
Buffer Spring Problems
Aside from magazine issues, the support spring of your barrel may be damaged, worn, or broken. The only solution here is to stop the rifle and replace that spring with a quality buffer spring
Firing Issue
Firing failure is a serious issue that is common on the proof research barrel. After you properly load the barrel with cartridges and then you pull the trigger to release the firing pin, the cartridge may not fire.
There are two major causes of firing issues that account for most of this category of malfunctions: it is either the ammunition is damaged, or the firing pin did not strike the primer hard enough to trigger the first explosion which ignites the gunpowder inside the casing.
Solution
The first thing to do is to attempt immediate action. If the problem reoccurs, you should complete troubleshooting and fix the problem.
To determine the cause of firing failure, check for cartridges that didn’t go off. Look at the primer in question and take note of the mark left by the impact of the firing pin.
You can also compare the cartridge to the empty cartridge that went off successfully.
If you notice that the indentation inside the primer is a normal depth, then the cartridge is defective and you must dispose of it safely.
If the primer is not marked or the indentation looks a little shallower than it should normally be, then the firing pin is faulty.
Extraction Failure
While firing failure may seem like a serious issue, failure to extract have far more serious consequences if you don’t quickly detect the problem.
There may be cartridges in the chamber yet to be fired. and if you load another cartridge, you can cause a massive explosion.
This will almost certainly result in an injury that can stop you from shooting for life. Therefore, you must be able to detect this problem immediately and address it on time.
In the event of extraction failure, the bolt and bolt carrier may not strike fully. In both cases, the cartridge remains in the cartridge chamber.
In the next cycle, ammunition can be loaded and forced into the bottom of the case.
Solution
This is a complex issue that may be difficult to resolve. You have first to determine if the cartridge is stuck inside the cartridge chamber and if another round of cartridges has been loaded.
- Lock the BCG on the breech rear and toggle the safety selector switch to safe.
- Remove the magazine and any loose cartridges.
- Strike the butt of the rifle on a hard surface to remove the remaining cartridges.
Wrapping Up
All the issues highlighted above are the common problems you can experience while using your proof research barrel.
You must remember that when addressing any of these problems, always put your safety first and be sure of the problems.
Since the magazine is a very common source of proof research barrel failure, you must always have a few spares of ammunition with you.
Don’t panic or rush the steps because of the inconvenience. One thing you can learn from this article is the comfort you can get from a clean-proof research barrel.
And there’s nothing wrong with asking an experienced gunsmith for advice. Learning is a continuous process, especially for barrels.
