I have recently obtained a AR-10T used with less than 20 shots fired, all the same as with any rifle new or used, I treat it as a out of box unit. I was proceeding through my pre-fire testing and when doing a butt drop test to test the trigger, I noticed when I dropped the butt on the ground the bolt fell. I have an AR-15 and it does not do this. I have had many 15's but this is my first 10. I thought that the bolt would lock and would not fall into the buffer during a butt drop test. Does the 10 have a different locking mechanism, or am I just paranoid. And for those that don't understand dropping into the buffer. It drops against the spring in the buffer tube and then returns to normal rest position. Thank you for your insite.
The bolt or the bolt carrier? If the bolt carrier moves rearward then the bolt will open. Think of it this way: The charging handle is used to pull the bolt carrier which unlocks the bolt and opens the breach. When you drop the rifle on its butt gravity is acting on the bolt carrier which will cause it to move rearward, unlock the bolt, and it is likely that it will open.
The whole AR-10 bolt carrier is much heavier than the comparable AR-15 parts which may be the reason for the varying results.
All content of this site is copyright 2003 - 2017 AR-10(T)™, AR-10™, are trademarks of ArmaLite, Inc.® AR10T.com is NOT endorsed or affiliated with ArmaLite, Inc.®
About AR10T.com
AR-10(T) is a community focused on rifles, optics, scopes, gear, accessories, and components used by the professional operator and skilled marksman. Enthusiasts, shooters, and gunsmiths alike contribute to our gallery, articles, and reviews Thank you for visiting!