Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
8/13/2010 4:32:20 PM EDT
So apparently I screwed something up while building a lower.  The bolt catch will not go up with a magazine inserted. Its as if the bolt catch spring is too strong.  I can force it up by hand, but the magazine wont push it up far enough to engage the bolt.  This results in a gun that wont lock back on an empty magazine.  Not exaclty what I want after putting over $2000 so far into this Noveske SBR.  Im guessing that if i can either shorten or replace the bolt catch spring, that will fix my problems.  However, I cannot for the life of me figure out a way to remove the roll pin without damaging the lower.  Is there a trick to doing this?  Im extremely frustrated and just want my gun to function correctly!  Any help would be much appreciated.  Also, where can I get just a replacement bolt catch, bolt catch spring, and bolt catch roll pin?  Where is the best place to pick up single parts?  Ive only bought complete kits before.

Thank you!
8/13/2010 4:58:28 PM EDT
[#1]
I've had to do the exact same thing, I use a homemade punch (ground down nail set), and some duct tape to protect the finish. Brownell's has the right punch for the job, and they have the parts as well. Riflegear.com has parts, as do many others.
8/13/2010 5:03:21 PM EDT
[#2]
like he said. put it in a vise, put some masking tape on the lower so you don't mark it and tap it out with a small enough punch. i had a buddy slam his roll pin in so hard that it jammed on an angle and wouldn't allow the catch to move... might be the same prob. sometimes the pin appears to be through the catch and into the other nub but actually is crooked and jamming the catch.
8/14/2010 9:05:21 AM EDT
[#3]
As the others have said, tape off the lower and use a punch. I would like to add, use a roll pin punch and a plastic mallet if you have one. I use a small plastic headed hammer when working on mine.
Dallas Jack
8/14/2010 12:44:59 PM EDT
[#4]
There is a specialty punch made just for this. It is a normal punch with one side milled flat to clear the mag well. You could probably make one using a bench grinder then a file to clean it up.
AR Sponsor