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Posted: 5/23/2011 8:51:14 PM EDT
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Alright so I may have caused a bit of a hiccup...I put together my first lower this weekend and I was fairly proud of myself for getting it done without losing anything and without any of the recommended tools really.
One part that gave me trouble was that damn pin that holds the bolt catch in place...really had to force it in there. Now i'm worried I shouldn't of forced it. The spring does not seem to be keeping the catch out of place, whenever I charge the rifle, the catch flips up and catches the bolt. I know I put the spring and detent in there, (unless they slipped out without me noticing which I doubt). I'm thinking the pin is so tight that the catch is just caught in the "up" position and only down if I push it or the bolt is holding it down. Does this explanation make sense to ya'll? How should I go about fixing this, I have thought about ordering a new pin, problem I have now is what is the best way to get the damn thing out now? Happened to anyone else? |
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Quoted: Are you charging the rifle with an empty magazine in it? If so, then it's doing exactly what it is supposed to do.  This is definitely one possible solution. If that isn't the case, try moving the bolt catch. It should move pretty freely and feel "fluffy" and not super stiff. Feel free to lube it up if you need to. Remove the lower from the upper, put a magazine in the lower and then the bolt catch should be up, correct? Try pushing the magazine follower into the magazine, the bolt catch should "drop" back down to normal. If it isn't doing that, something is wrong... Take it apart and make sure the spring is in there, that it isn't worth out (or too short) and check that you put the little nubbin (detent?) in there also. Also what kind of magazines are you using? Some people (me included) have had problems with PMAGS catching the bolt catch with the small little "flare" piece that sticks off the back. Trimming that piece off has resolved the problem for me. |
Embarrassing...really that is bad. I was so set on the fact that I had messed something up and it just had to be that pin I wasn't even paying attention to having the empty mag in...stupid me. Oh well I can admit it, won't be happening again and thanks for the most simple response |
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Quoted: Embarrassing...really that is bad. I was so set on the fact that I had messed something up and it just had to be that pin I wasn't even paying attention to having the empty mag in...stupid me. Oh well I can admit it, won't be happening again and thanks for the most simple response It's all good.  I'd still function check it though the way I described if you're worried about it at all. Otherwise, drive on! |
To Mfranks dont feel too bad bro when I first took apart the FCG of my first Colt AR back in 92 I took out the trigger pin first then the hammer and spring trigger,disco all get ejected..so im looking at the marine corps armorers manual and im looking for the slave pin the 2cnd disconecter then after an hour I realise im looking for parts that werent in the rifle to begin with it happens to us all bro we were all new at this once.
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Quoted:
Embarrassing...really that is bad. I was so set on the fact that I had messed something up and it just had to be that pin I wasn't even paying attention to having the empty mag in...stupid me. Oh well I can admit it, won't be happening again and thanks for the most simple response 
Be proud and you've learned a lot from "hands on" about how it's supposed to function. No worries, we're not all natural born armorers and we've all likely been there in some way! Hmm, you'll also have much more confidence when you start your upgrades, buy your next one, etc. (For humor, please tell us you don't plan on that...  )
Function check the FCG once more, use good lube, and then hit the range. Report/pics soon –– Mainly, ENJOY! B2 ETA: Oh yeah, I once whipped though a stripped lower because I was on a "roll/knew what I was doing"... No hold back on an empty mag and was temporarily confused. Hmm, got cocky and completely missed installing those particular parts. 
Heck, the fact you never launched, much less lost a pin, spring or anything else, along with "fixing your issue" should have you feeling redeemed. |
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Function check mentioned above performed and passed...
I wish I had a good camera and knew how to post some good pictures, all I've got is a cell phone and no knowledge of posting pictures, sorry guys. And I know all about spare parts somehow forming a new rifle, this is technically my 2nd AR, first build though. I know all about how 1 collapsible stock can somehow sprout receivers and a barrel. I will however give a range report in due time and perhaps attempt to post some pics from that...seeing everyone else's works of art makes me want to share mine 
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