Brand New AR57 won't fire

[LargemouthAss]

Hi Everyone,
New to the forum and hoping someone can help me!
I completed my AR57 build a few weeks ago and took it to the range for the first time yesterday and the gun would not shoot. The gun is as follows:
57Center 12" complete upper
Aero Precision stripped lower
Geiselle SD3G trigger (using the 3.5lb springs)
KAK industries buffer tube for the Sig stabilizing brace
Sig stabilizing brace
57center buffer and buffer spring
50 round mags from 57center.com





(Have since put on an aimpoint micro and an Advanced Technology Scorpion pistol grip)

I attempted to use FN SS198LF ammo

After inserting the loaded mag and charging the gun I pulled the trigger and heard "click" with no bang. Removed the magazine and removed the round manually and saw that the tip of the round was damaged and no primer strike on the rear. Tried 3 more times with the same result every time. We noticed that the rounds would stick out of the chamber a bit so we stopped trying to shoot it for fear of a catastrophic failure. Today I read that having 30% of the round sticking out is normal for 5.7 rounds so I am not sure what to do. The upper arrived pretty dry (at least from what I could tell) and the instructions said the only maintenance required was "swabbing down the bore and wiping down all surfaces including the bolt face" so I did not lubricate it (plus a specific tool is required to open the bolt). I called 57center.com and they want me to send it to them but if there is something else I should check rather than paying for shipping I would be thrilled!

Here are pictures of two of the rounds that I tried to shoot (notice no visible primer strike), I will post a picture of a round in the chamber when I get home:

[jgreenberg01]

Normally I would suggest trying some different rounds, but it's not likely your ammo - as you said, there's no visible primer strike.

I am using a Timney 4lb trigger in mine with no issues. I'm wondering if your lighter Geiselle trigger is the problem. Do you have a standard trigger group that you can install?

[LargemouthAss]

I have some standard triggers that came with lower part kits and I have the 4.5lb spring for this trigger. I will see if that makes a difference.

[Hobknob]

The firing pin isn't missing by chance is it? (or obviously getting hung up on something)

I know it seems excessively obvious, but I've seen a BCG get put back together without the pin on accident. Granted, the AR57 doesn't have the same kind of bolt, but it is at least worth a quick look.

[LargemouthAss]

Checked out the firing pin and bolt last night. Gave it a good lubing. It looks like the firing pin was not coming out far enough. I am confused because the manual from 57center.com says a tool is needed to remove and replace the firing pin but I see no reason for a tool. Using mild hand pressure I was able to twist the bolt and unscrew the two pieces, is this normal? The pin sits inside the bolt but nothing is preventing it from being pulled out the back?! I have a feeling my bolt might be incomplete.

Here is the round chambered, is this normal?:



Here is bolt face and I am manually pushing the firing pin from behind as far as it will go:



Here is the firing pin and spring:

[jgreenberg01]

The way your round is sitting is normal. I will pull my bolt apart and compare the firing pin to yours when I get home tonight.

[LargemouthAss]

Thanks!

[LargemouthAss]

Just called 57center and the tech guy Dennis said that the trigger is causing the problem and ONLY mil-spec triggers work with the 57 upper. Since it never said that anywhere on their website and I spent a lot of money on a Geissele trigger that I can not use, I am a little ticked off! Has anyone successfully used a Geissele trigger on an AR57? The Super Dynamic 3 Gun trigger is two stage with a very fast reset which I was hoping to use for this gun.

[Oldbindlestiff]

Well, I guess that I would install the stock trigger and test it for function. If it works, I would call Geissele to explain the problem and ask if they have a fix. If not, go back to the manufacturer. Good luck.

[LargemouthAss]

57center is sending me a new bolt! Hopefully this fixes the problem!

[hategordon]

I am using a CMC 3.5lbs drop in trigger on a New frontier lower and have no problems with it.

[LargemouthAss]

OK new bolt arrived. It is a mm or two longer than the one that came with the upper. I put the new bolt in the upper and put the front pivot pin in but the new bolt sticks out too far from the back and I could not attach the rear takedown pin. I tried putting the upper onto the lower so that I could attach the rear takedown pin first but I cannot put the front pin in now. It looks close to fitting and I could probably dremel out the front hole on the upper to make it fit but I am hesitant. I e-mailed 57center and they are asking me to send the whole upper back to them now. Should I dremel or send it back?

I am honestly losing enthusiasm on this whole project. 57center has been nice and all but nothing has worked and I don't want to shell out more money to ship all this stuff to them and wait for a new upper that may or may not have the same problems.

[Oldbindlestiff]

Here is a vote to send it back!

[jgreenberg01]

Here is a vote to send it back!

I have to agree. There is no reason that should cause you to put a dremel to a brand new gun to make it function properly.

Personally, I would insist that they pay for the shipping at this point!

[Rapier1772]

:agree:

Plus, if you dremel, that will void any/all warranties & you'll be stuck with an expensive paperweight.

[LargemouthAss]

I guess I will be sending it back! I will insist that the replacement one be tested for full function before they send it out.

[CPTKILLER]

Too bad. I hate to read this. I understand.