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Old 11-08-2021, 05:43 PM
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FfNJGTFO FfNJGTFO is offline
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Update: The replacement Bolt Catch groups arrived today and took less than 1hr to install (including removing the old parts).


These are some pics below of both the original group and the replacement group. The original is on the right. First the spring and detent.




You'll notice the spring on the right (original) is shorter and a little thicker, but it matches the fit of the detent/plunger on the right. The spring and detent/plunger on the left also match each other and the spring is softer. So, I conclude that the original spring and detent/plunger were the correct ones for the bolt catch group installed. But was the group itself correct?

Now, the view of the bolt catches, themselves. Original on the right.





You'll notice the big difference in design. I think this was the primary issue causing the catch not to lock. The spring didn't help either, but I think this was the real culprit.

I completely replaced the original parts with the replacements, all except the roll pin which fit back in properly.

The bolt catch works flawlessly, now. I tested it with some new snap caps that actually had the same weight as live rounds. They ejected properly and the last ejection resulted in the catch locking strongly. I dropped the empty mag and then gave the weapon a light bang, and it held. Only when I pressed the release did it close and go into battery. I will do a final test at JTAC this month at my next visit to confirm it will hold after firing/ejecting the last round in the mag.

Thanks to all for your help. The AR is fully functional now. Confidence totally built.



Sometime early next year, I will begin the 2nd build. Hopefully, to go a lot smoother.
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