If after adjusting the ejector you find you are still getting a failure to eject, there’s one more thing to check.
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I recently had a puzzling problem. I purchased a new Kaw Valley Precision (KVP) 9mm bolt, which initially seemed to work fine. Soon, however, I started having ejection failures every 2-3 rounds. At first I thought it was the gas deflector on the upper. I removed the deflector and dust cover completely, but the same exact failures kept happening.
The empty cartridge spun 180 degrees, but didn’t eject.
I made sure the ejector was properly adjusted, but the problem persisted.
I tried a nearly identical Brownells bolt in the same upper/lower and it worked fine. No ejection failures.
I put the KVP bolt in a different upper, then a different lower, then using different buffer weights. Always the same problem.
Since the Brownells and KVP bolts are practically identical and both use a standard AR-15 style extractor, I took out the extractors to see if there was something different. Here’s what I found:
See something missing? The extractor assembly consists of an extractor, spring, rubber spring insert post, O-ring, and roll pin. The KVP bolt is missing the tiny rubber spring insert post. A missing tiny part that probably costs about 5¢ may have caused all the issues.
I contacted KVP and they confirmed their bolts do include an extractor spring insert post and it should have been there. They have offered to replace the bolt. It turns out it was just my bad luck that it was missing from the particular bolt I received.
Why would the extractor effect ejection?
When the empty cartridge is being ejected, it needs to be held firmly in the bolt face pocket. The ejector pushes against the left side of the cartridge base, and the cartridge pivots around the ejector claw on the right. If the ejector claw isn’t holding the cartridge firmly enough to act as a pivot point, the case just spins around in the action instead of flying out the port.
If you’re having ejection problems and the ejector is properly adjusted, take a look at the extractor. If it’s an AR-15 type extractor, it could have too little tension due to a weak spring, missing or damaged O-ring, or like mine, a missing spring insert. Conversely, it may have too much tension and needs the O-ring removed. Check the extractor claw for damage as well. It may need to be replaced.
If the extractor is the old 1911 style, it may need a slight bend inward, or the extractor claw may be missing or damaged.
Unfortunately trial and error experimentation may be needed.
Springs, inserts, O-rings, and AR-15 extractors are available from Damage Industries for AR-15 style extractor bolts.
Note:
There are 2 types of springs available for the AR-15 type extractor: 4-coil and 5-coil.
The 4-coil is the milspec (see picture above) and uses an O-ring for extra tension. The 5-coil is an extra power spring and may not need the O-ring.
Mr. GunsNGear has a great video on the extractor parts and replacement for AR-15 type extractors. He demonstrates replacing the 4-coil spring with a 5-coil spring on a 5.56 bolt. The only real difference between an AR-15 bolt and 9mm bolt is that AR9 bolts use a roll pin instead of a regular pin to hold the extractor. Instead of just pushing out the pin like he does, it has to be driven out with a bench block and pin punch. Pay attention to the orientation of the spring and the insert.
Blowback9.com 