Soooo——you had a one-shot AR-15? Here we call that a “Bidum gun.”
But write this down. It’s the simple test we always do when working/trading/building semi autos. I regularly get “fiddled with” auto loaders so this check will keep a Smokie or Feebie off your case.
Check it clear.
Safety off.
Pull the trigger to dry fire and HOLD the trigger back.
Keep the trigger back.
Cycle the action to recock.
Listen/watch for the hammer to fall when closing the breech.
There must be no hammer drop.
Turn loose of the trigger to reset the sear.
Pull the trigger again and check for hammer fall.
If the hammer does not fall when closing the breech you’re good to go with a proper semi auto action.
I regularly see guns (AR’s) where the cowboy who had/has it has filed off the safety lug on the sear to try to go auto. But the action loses its rate control so they tend to jam after 3 rounds. I usually charge 50 bucks plus parts to fix that cute little foobar.
Incorrect spring installation for my Bidum gun! :)
I’ve done those checks on the 1911, plus make sure the grip safety works, the actual safety, and with hammer back, smacking (with my hand) each side of the slide to see if I can cause it to drop.
I also learned to check my AR fully after I reassemble it, or anything on it. Even a cleaning deserves a safety check, if only to stay in practice.
Time to go back outside and finish putting the concrete stone border along the planter. Slow, tedious work, but much nicer than those plastic borders.