How have any of you reprofiled the more modern bolt catch bumps (more rectangular) into the more rounded retro shaped bumps?

TIA

Travis

Not sure but Braceman did mine for my 602 build. If your doing a 602 or 601 don't forget about having the flashing on the lower smoothed away.

Travis;

I have reprofiled the bolt catch "bumps" on all of my early builds (601's, 602, XM16E1's, and 604's).  It is not difficult to do with either a file, or a STEADY hand with a dremel tool (my preferred method), followed up with sand paper.  An early build just does not look right without this modification.

Any pics for comparison? Thanks

Sure @CamoXJeep, here you go:

Here is an original set of XM16E1 bolt catch ears:

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Here is a set of NoDak bolt catch ears:

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Here is a set of reprofiled NoDak bolt catch ears:

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Ureeka

What do you think about this approach.

Rout out a half round groove(appropriately sized) into a piece of hardwood accounting for sandpaper thickness and then go over both lugs at the same time from front to back with the sandpaper lined wood form?

Awesome thanks, more work to do now lol

Yes, it is more work, but it is the little details that can really make your builds stand out.  I have seen several builds where the builder uses ALL real parts, and even has the correct markings expertly duplicated, but they forgot to do the "ears" and/or leave the forging flash on 601 and 602 builds.  In my opinion, it is the last little details that make a good build into a GREAT build. Now, if you REALLY want attention to detail, like I do, you send your NoDak receivers to Braceman to have the rears correctly profiled.  I know, you might ask why not just start with 80% receivers and have Braceman reprofile them.  The answer is simple:  the NoDak receivers have forging flash, and NONE of the other 80% receivers have it.  And ALL M16 series of receivers other than 601 & 602's have forging flash.

Original Colt receiver:

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NoDak receiver:

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NoDak receiver that has been reprofiled by Braceman to more closely resemble an original receiver:

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I guess it just depends how far you are willing to go to make it look "right"

yep, when he engraved the lower I had him reprofile it also. All my parts are time period correct Colt except moderator, (barrel is colt and already had the bayo lug off from factory but 1/7 twist), Gotta find me a set of takedown pins. Took me a while and lots of money but got everything else.

Mike;

Sorry about that, and I have replied to Harlan's IM too.  I grabbed the wrong photos out of my photo library (dang little images) and have replaced them with the correct ones. I was not knocking your product, and am/have always been a loyal customer.  I was just pointing out that if anyone else is as anal about builds as I am, that the profiling on the rear of the receivers can be made more like originals.