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Posted: 10/31/2013 9:13:33 AM EDT
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I recently did a complete build from the ground up which I'm having issues with the Bolt not locking back on an empty mag. It will Manually lock back on a Mag, it's only during operation that it doesn't lock.
After the first two outings I found the Gas Block was slightly loose, so I tightened it, but next outing made no difference. I think it has something to do with the Phase 5 Bolt Catch, which I'd like to keep if I can. This has occured with Federal 5.56, PMC 223 and reload 223 in both Lancer Mags and PMags. Gun specs Franklin Armory lower and upper AR Stoner 18" Midlength gas stainless barrel with SJC Titan Comp Fortis lo pro gas block Wilson Combat tube Fail Zero BCG Rifle Length Buffer tube, standard spring and buffer (nothing fancy there) Phase 5 Bolt Catch (I think this might be the problem, but haven't swapped it for a standard catch yet) The gun cycles perfecty, but just doesn't lock on an empty magazine. I'm not opposed to going to a JP Captured Buffer spring kit for the tuneable spring rates, but I don't want to drop that coin "Hoping" it will resolve the issues. Other info that might be important, it also has a Lancer system handguard, I only mention this as the instructions for it say to tighten a set screw onto the Gas tube, then back it off 1/2 turn. If following this correctly, it leaves the gas tube able to float, so it can move around a little. |
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Quoted:
I recently did a complete build from the ground up which I'm having issues with the Bolt not locking back on an empty mag. It will Manually lock back on a Mag, it's only during operation that it doesn't lock. After the first two outings I found the Gas Block was slightly loose, so I tightened it, but next outing made no difference. I think it has something to do with the Phase 5 Bolt Catch, which I'd like to keep if I can. This has occured with Federal 5.56, PMC 223 and reload 223 in both Lancer Mags and PMags. Gun specs Franklin Armory lower and upper AR Stoner 18" Midlength gas stainless barrel with SJC Titan Comp Fortis lo pro gas block Wilson Combat tube Fail Zero BCG Rifle Length Buffer tube, standard spring and buffer (nothing fancy there) Phase 5 Bolt Catch (I think this might be the problem, but haven't swapped it for a standard catch yet) The gun cycles perfecty, but just doesn't lock on an empty magazine. I'm not opposed to going to a JP Captured Buffer spring kit for the tuneable spring rates, but I don't want to drop that coin "Hoping" it will resolve the issues. Other info that might be important, it also has a Lancer system handguard, I only mention this as the instructions for it say to tighten a set screw onto the Gas tube, then back it off 1/2 turn. If following this correctly, it leaves the gas tube able to float, so it can move around a little. Did you check to make sure the gas block was still correctly positioned over the gas port before you retightened it? Does the bolt release lever move freely? |
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Quoted:
Did you check to make sure the gas block was still correctly positioned over the gas port before you retightened it? Does the bolt release lever move freely? Quoted:
Quoted:
I recently did a complete build from the ground up which I'm having issues with the Bolt not locking back on an empty mag. It will Manually lock back on a Mag, it's only during operation that it doesn't lock. After the first two outings I found the Gas Block was slightly loose, so I tightened it, but next outing made no difference. I think it has something to do with the Phase 5 Bolt Catch, which I'd like to keep if I can. This has occured with Federal 5.56, PMC 223 and reload 223 in both Lancer Mags and PMags. Gun specs Franklin Armory lower and upper AR Stoner 18" Midlength gas stainless barrel with SJC Titan Comp Fortis lo pro gas block Wilson Combat tube Fail Zero BCG Rifle Length Buffer tube, standard spring and buffer (nothing fancy there) Phase 5 Bolt Catch (I think this might be the problem, but haven't swapped it for a standard catch yet) The gun cycles perfecty, but just doesn't lock on an empty magazine. I'm not opposed to going to a JP Captured Buffer spring kit for the tuneable spring rates, but I don't want to drop that coin "Hoping" it will resolve the issues. Other info that might be important, it also has a Lancer system handguard, I only mention this as the instructions for it say to tighten a set screw onto the Gas tube, then back it off 1/2 turn. If following this correctly, it leaves the gas tube able to float, so it can move around a little. Did you check to make sure the gas block was still correctly positioned over the gas port before you retightened it? Does the bolt release lever move freely? Yeah, gas block hadn't moved, set screw was still in the dimple, just needed to be snugged down a little. I can double check again since the last range trip was the same result. Bolt release/catch moves nice and smooth. It does seem to have a little more side to side free play, but when compared to my other AR it's really about the same, its just exagerated due to the long arm on it. My next step is to change the Bolt release/catch for a stock one and see what happens, but I almost think it's something with not cycling quite far enough back. |
| This sounds like an issue of magazine spring tension vs. weight/tension of the Phase 5. Basically, the mag follower cannot push the Phase 5 up quick enough to catch the bolt as it cycles. It is lagging due to the tension/weight ratio. Does it lock back when you manually charge it with an empty magazine inserted? |
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Quoted:
This sounds like an issue of magazine spring tension vs. weight/tension of the Phase 5. Basically, the mag follower cannot push the Phase 5 up quick enough to catch the bolt as it cycles. It is lagging due to the tension/weight ratio. Does it lock back when you manually charge it with an empty magazine inserted? Yes, bolt locks back when everything is cycled manually. During the first outing I did have 2 of 8 mags lock back. Those were using range supplied reload 223, when Federal white box 556 did not. |
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