Smyth Busters: AR-15 Dents Primers - Is It Broken?
This video addresses a common concern among new AR-15 owners: a dented primer on an unfired cartridge. Brownells Gun Techs Steve and Caleb explain that this is a normal characteristic of firearms with a "floating" firing pin, such as the AR-15 and M16. When the bolt slams into battery, the inertia of the firing pin can cause it to briefly strike the primer. However, without the force of the hammer, this impact is insufficient to ignite the primer. The video demonstrates this phenomenon with a primed cartridge case, reinforcing that it is an intentional design feature and not an indication of a faulty rifle.







