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7/15/2006 10:15:05 AM EDT
I just completed my first AR build which was with a 16" mid length kit froim M and A and a DPMS lower. The bolt catch has not been functioning properly however. Only if I insert an empty mag and press down on the bolt catch button as hard as possible will it keep the bolt open but not in the proper position:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/550679677/2806629080074850058ImUYYQ

Notice how the bolt hangs over the magazine. I placed the upper on a RRA lower assembled by RRA and it held the bolt open just fine. I really don't know where I went wrong other than it is not the bolt catch assembly, which I have assembled over and over and even returned to M and A for a new one. I have also had problems when charging the first round into the rifle. I use mags that have worked flawlessly on another AR but with this build the bolt gets hung up on the first round. After that, it loads just fine on its own. Thanks for your help guys!
7/15/2006 10:15:58 AM EDT
[#1]
I dunno why the pic isn't working but here is a link:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/550679677/2806629080074850058ImUYYQ
7/15/2006 10:19:01 AM EDT
[#2]
Does the bolt pull all the way back properly?
7/15/2006 10:58:01 AM EDT
[#3]
I just pulled the bolt as far back as I could a couple of times and it never got far enough back to properly engage the bolt catch.
7/15/2006 11:10:24 AM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
I just pulled the bolt as far back as I could a couple of times and it never got far enough back to properly engage the bolt catch.


Rifle buffer/spring in carbine tube?
7/15/2006 11:16:13 AM EDT
[#5]
Well first off, from the picture obviously your bolt catch is holding the carrier, not the bolt.  It should go back almost an inch further, since the bolt will go back past the stop a ways when it's correct.

Another vote for incorrect spring or buffer.
7/15/2006 11:16:49 AM EDT
[#6]
oops!
7/15/2006 11:21:24 AM EDT
[#7]
Well I am using a rifle buffer so I guess that explains it. But I was supplied with an A2 stock and buffer tube so why wouldn't a rifle buffer work?
7/15/2006 4:41:43 PM EDT
[#8]
Do you mean you have a rifle spring and buffer in a rifle buffer tube?  That should work.
7/15/2006 6:00:50 PM EDT
[#9]
Any chance you've got a buffer in the receiver tube?  Plus the spring and buffer you're putting in?  Take the spring and buffer out then use a light to look down the receiver tube, see if there is anything in there.. Extra buffer, .223 round, anything like that.

Also make sure the tube isn't bent, dented or the like.
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