By Your Friendly Gun Gear Expert - July 2025

If you’re spending any serious time with an AR-15, you’ve probably run into a hiccup or two. Whether you’re out at the range, prepping for a hunt, or just doing some target practice, malfunctions happen. The good news? Most AR-15 jams and stoppages have quick fixes that’ll get you back on target in no time. Let’s break down the most common AR-15 malfunctions—from double feeds to stovepipes—and how to clear them like a pro.

Double Feed: The Pesky Jam That Won’t Budge

Double feeds happen when two rounds try to load into the chamber at once, causing a nasty jam that stops everything cold. This usually happens because of a weak mag spring, dirty feed ramps, or limp fingers during reloads. To fix it, start by locking the bolt back and carefully removing the magazine. Then, clear out the stuck rounds by pulling the charging handle—sometimes a little tap on the magazine helps too. Before reloading, give your magazine and feed ramps a quick clean and inspect your mag springs. Keeping these parts clean and in good shape is key to avoiding future double feeds.

Stovepipe: That Classic Casing Jam

If you’ve seen a spent casing hanging out of your ejection port like a stubborn chimney pipe, you’re dealing with a stovepipe. This usually happens when the bolt doesn’t push the spent casing all the way out before chambering the next round. Causes range from limp grip, weak extractor springs, to dirty chambers. Fixing this is a quick two-step: drop the mag, pull back the charging handle to clear the casing, then pop your mag back in and rack the bolt. Pro tip: keeping your chamber and bolt clean can drastically reduce stovepipes.

Failure to Feed: When Your AR-15 Refuses to Chamber a Round

This one’s frustrating—your rifle tries, but the round just won’t chamber.