Which malfunction may indicate a worn extractor in the M249 AR?

A worn extractor in the M249 Automatic Rifle can lead to specific malfunctions, and one of the primary indicators of this wear is the failure to extract. The extractor is a crucial component responsible for removing the spent cartridge case from the chamber after firing. When the extractor is worn or damaged, it may not grip the case properly, which can result in the cartridge not being pulled out of the chamber.

This malfunction can manifest as a failure to extract, where the round is fired, but the spent casing remains lodged in the chamber instead of being ejected. This situation can lead to stovepipe jams or double feeds, complicating further operation of the weapon. Recognizing this symptom is important for maintenance and repair, as it directly relates to the functionality of the extractor, distinguishing it from other issues that might arise in the feeding or chambering processes.

The other malfunctions indicate separate issues: failure to strip involves the belt or ammunition not being lifted properly, failure to feed pertains to a round not getting into position to chamber, and failure to chamber concerns rounds not being seated correctly in the chamber. Each of these problems has different causes and does not specifically signal an extractor issue like a failure to extract does.