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9/17/2011 8:01:14 AM EDT
Just got my AR Lower and was function checking the trigger mechanism.  There is no upper on this rifle yet.  My thumb slipped and the hammer hit the bolt catch.  Yes I am an idiot, but aside from that it appears theres no damage to either parts.  Obviously I won't do this again, but after one incident of this what are my chances of damaging the Lower

Thanks

9/17/2011 8:06:10 AM EDT
[#1]
I know the feeling.  Did the same thing with my SBR lower and it scared the hell outta me.  Doing this could crack the lower but most likely won't happen with just one hammer strike.
9/17/2011 8:30:00 AM EDT
[#2]
Just don't let it happen again, Private!
9/17/2011 8:30:25 AM EDT
[#3]
Doing this does not damage the lower but can break/crack the bolt catch, since that is what the hammer hit when you released it.  If you feel uneasy, go ahead and replace the bolt catch, they are cheap.  If you do not see any bend or cracks, and especially if this is a non serious use rifle, just use it.  If the bolt catch breaks later on, fix it then.  More than likely one drop will not crack or hurt the bolt catch but I have heard people claim that dropping it one time caused their bolt catch to break, so one time could do damage, but more than likely not.
9/17/2011 9:44:02 AM EDT
[#4]
If your bolt catch has not been damaged then you have nothing to worry about. Just be careful not to continue to let the hammer fly without an upper attached.
9/17/2011 10:45:04 AM EDT
[#5]
haha Private!  
Thanks for the all info guys.  I'll sleep assured tonight.

G
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