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Posted: 4/8/2005 9:08:24 PM EDT
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I'm building my first AR lower, and I've encountered a problem with the installation of the bolt catch. I'm not sure if the clearances between the spring and the receiver are just a little off, or if I was overzealous with my spring installation, but the spring has fixed itself in a compressed position inside it's hole. The net effect is that is isn't applying pressure to the bolt release plunger, so there is no spring action of the bolt release. How do I get this spring out? Obviously either I need to install it more softly or I need to bore out the spring holding hole in the receiver very slightly. But so long as the spring is stuck there, I'm dead in the water. I've trying sort of picking at it with my punch, but without success, and I'm worried I may be doing nothing but further seating it in there. Any suggestions? |
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Remove the bolt catch and roll pin (if you have not already). You are going to have to get the spring out by using a "pick". I doubt that your punch will get it out if it is stuck like you described. I would recommend a dental pick of somekind which you can usually get at a hardware store. You may end up damaging the spring getting it out if it is jammed in there good. Once you get it out, make sure that it was the proper spring that you used by looking HERE before you bore out the hole in the lower. I would definitaly try a new spring before I did anything to the lower. BTW, What brand lower and LPK are you using? I have heard of slightly out of spec parts kits coming from some vendors. Make sure you buy a quality LPK. I would suggest the RRA LPK. I think Eaglefirearms.net has them for $60.00. You may need to "clean up" the machined holes with a drill bit by hand to remove any burs inside the holes on your receiver before continuing with your build. Again, I would avoid opening up the hole size until you are sure that is the problem. |
I just had this same problem on my first lower. It is an RRA lower and an RRA LPK. The ends of the spring were facing slightly out and it was grabbing onto the sides of the hole. I used a very small allen wrench to pull the spring out and then turned the spring ends inward. It works fine now. |
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