Bolt catch hard to operate

Zbizzle911

Zbizzle911

Charter Freedom Lover
Charter Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2016
Messages
4,370
Location
Midway Nc
Rating - 100%
23   0   0
Put a new pistol together this weekend. Everything function checked fine. Went to the range today and after about 2 mags the bolt catch became hard to press. If you break the gun open it operates fine but when the bolt is holding pressure on it it’s pretty stiff. Without a doubt the stiffest one I’ve ever used. Any ideas on what to check? I lubed it up and it still is tough. I can do it with my thumb but is much tougher than all my others.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
under pressure, is the bolt actually being caught by the catch or the magazine lip/follower or is it hanging up on something else? Same with a loaded magazine vs. empty?
 
Last edited:
Tim said:
under pressure, is the bolt actually being caught by the catch or the magazine follower or is it hanging up on something else? Same with a loaded magazine vs. empty?
Click to expand...

It’s actually catching the bolt face. It’s the same with empty , loaded or no magazine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Have you tried more than 1 bolt? Perhaps an out of spec bolt face?
 
Tim said:
Have you tried more than 1 bolt? Perhaps an out of spec bolt face?
Click to expand...

Does it with my other bcm bcg too. It’s not impossible to do it’s just harder than I’m used to. Maybe it’ll break in?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
When you installed the roll pin might you have raised a burr that’s maybe rubbing between the catch and the tabs on the lower? Maybe drive the pin out and check that the catch pivots freely on the pin and look for rubs on the sides of the catch and lower.
 
Any chance you have a super duper heavy recoil spring? Maybe jammed a .308 rifle length spring in a carbine extension? Or extra heavy buffer?
 
Last edited:
Tim said:
Any chance you have a super duper heavy recoil spring? Maybe jammed a .308 rifle length spring in a carbine extension? Or extra heavy buffer?
Click to expand...

It’s a geiselle super 42 recoil spring and buffer. I’ll switch it and see it it makes a difference this sis straight from his website. It could be a bit stronger than I’m used to.

dfc96ed0d377aee55797b2cdad82ab54.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Tim
@Tim I just swapped it for the one that came with the SBA3 and it acted the same way. Maybe I'll just have to get used to it, like I said its not impossible but its harder than the others I've got. I will try and check the roll pin today if I have time and wee if it or the slot in the lower has a burr on them. BTW The gun functioned great yesterday and the "twing" was gone with this recoil spring.
 
JimB said:
When you installed the roll pin might you have raised a burr that’s maybe rubbing between the catch and the tabs on the lower? Maybe drive the pin out and check that the catch pivots freely on the pin and look for rubs on the sides of the catch and lower.
Click to expand...
I will try this today if I have time. It operates just fine when theres not pressure on it so I wonder if it could be a burr in the slot in the lower where the bolt catch sits and when under pressure it is pushed up against it?
 
I had one of my builds that exhibited that issue. Polish the bolt contact surface if rough. Also, just the lower, recreate the pressure of the bolt on the release and work it to feel for sooth movement. If not then remove pin and see where it's catching.

My problem was from excess coating on the lower. Smoothed out after 15min of working the release.
 
Last edited:
rdinatal said:
I had one of my builds that exhibited that issue. Polish the bolt contact surface if rough. Also, just the lower, recreate the pressure of the bolt on the release and work it to feel for sooth movement. If not then remove pin and see where it's catching.

My problem was from excess coating on the lower. Smoothed out after 15min of working the release.
Click to expand...
This is a mil spec finished Aero lower but I will check the surfaces good when I get a chance to take it apart.
 
If it does it with two different bolts, maybe it's just the bolt catch. How's the play when it isn't being pressed by the bolt face? I've had some that were tight, some flopped around and one was actually bent. Suppose if it's generic there could be a number of ways it's out of spec or just doesn't like the lower. I've just replaced the catches, no muss no fuss and worked fine after.
 
ontheroad said:
If it does it with two different bolts, maybe it's just the bolt catch. How's the play when it isn't being pressed by the bolt face? I've had some that were tight, some flopped around and one was actually bent. Suppose if it's generic there could be a number of ways it's out of spec or just doesn't like the lower. I've just replaced the catches, no muss no fuss and worked fine after.
Click to expand...

It’s a bit floppy when not under pressure. I might just order a new one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I haven't built many but I have had to smooth up the coating on the inside of the bolt catch slot in the lower on at least one build - it just didn't feel right. I never got where you are at but I predict it would have led to a similar issue. Some 600 grit sandpaper on a piece of cardboard fixed it right up.
 
Update:

Got the BAD enhanced bolt catch in the other day and put it on tonight. Works perfectly. The old one had a small surface imperfection that was causing the problem. I really like the new one. Going to order one for the rest of my guns that fell in the lake.


@Tim @Burt Gummer

e31ba7dc2d5dff2ebcd5f14b58d0650c.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Zbizzle911 said:
Update:

Got the BAD enhanced bolt catch in the other day and put it on tonight. Works perfectly. The old one had a small surface imperfection that was causing the problem. I really like the new one. Going to order one for the rest of my guns that fell in the lake.


@Tim @Burt Gummer

2fd4cd7f8460af50663d4d9f077d6e16.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

In other words, it needed polishing? :D
 
Zbizzle911 said:
Nah it was too pronounced to be polished. Looked like the casting was bad. Needed a grinder. The $13 BaD one is much better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Joking.

It looks good. Even if the pic is upside down lol
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom