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Posted: 6/14/2025 5:20:02 PM EDT
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One thing I never liked was the bobbed bolt catch release that replaces the oem release to facilitate clearing the wide MCR upper. I contemplated the $85.00 Fightlite MCR extended bolt release, but I really wanted something even better like the Phase 5 (EBRV3) extended release that protrudes thru the finger guard to the right side of the lower. I use my M16 lower on a few different uppers and I wanted something that would be compatible with every upper I use. Started thinking about bending a Phase 5 version to be able to work with my MCR. Seeing as it was $30 cheaper than the Fightlite, I figured it was worth a shot. I ordered the black finish which is a Black Manganese Phosphate which I figured I could replicate if the original finish was compromised by heating the 8620 steel to make it more malleable. I clamped the portion of the release that resides inside the lower to try to keep the roll pin hole from deforming. I started out heating the upper portion with a map gas torch and bending the lower lever about 45 degrees down and that gave me the clearance to bend the vertical leg to clear the MCR upper by also bending it about 45 degrees in my 5" vice. It did discolor slightly from getting red hot, but after fitting it up and tweaking it one more time I quenched it in used motor oil and the finish came out really close if not perfect to the original color. Even where I ground a radius into the steel to give it a little additional clearance, it took on a nice dark grey color after quenching. All said and done it took me about 30 minutes. It was the best $50 I've spent in a long time. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/e9hk969s25k6ibl3m8s50/AHad8Ww3ivI0zGIGouakDKQ?rlkey=nqfpqdxd53vhgmlibx27gk4na&st=rotz1fzs&dl=0 |
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