Can't get bolt to stay open

[wildwilly]

Charging handle, or gas key out of spec. Substitute another charging handle.

[Pardini]

Maybe some thing going on with the buffer tube assembly or the charging handle. Sounds like the issue is not being able to pull the bolt back far enough manualy, but the force of the recoil blows the bolt back far enough to catch.

Something must be binding or blocking the bolt/handle travel completely to the rear with just hand pressure.

[larkja]

I'll try a different charging handle. If that doesn't work, I'll just take it to our local gunsmith. I have spent enough on this build and want to make sure everything is working right.

Thanks for all of your replies.
Jim

[bigbully]

From the pic it looks like the mag follower is moving past the mag catch. Is that correct? Are they pmags?

I had the same problem with pmags in one of my lowers. Turned out the lower was out of spec and had to be warranty replaced.

[mej16489]

Charging handle, or gas key out of spec. Substitute another charging handle.

I agree, it sounds like the charging handle is not pulling the bolt far enough to the rear to catch the bolt stop.

[tonelar]

Do you have anything besides a buffer spring and buffer in your tube?

[golfish]

I'm thinking of just spending $10 and buying another bolt catch. If that doesn't work, I'll take it down to our local smithy.

Thanks for all of the replies.
Jim

Jim, If your local, save your money, I have extra parts and the easy bake oven tools to remove the roll pin...

[larkja]

Tried a different charging handle. Same result.

Thanks,
Jim

[golfish]

Tried a different charging handle. Same result.

Thanks,
Jim

Jim, I'm just throwing a line in here, have you tried a little lube on the moving parts, bolt catch? The bolt catch might have a rough spot or burr on it. Might just need a little polishing.

[gemini1]

With the last round fired, bolt locks back, and you're able to eject mag and reload. By that alone, the rifle seems to work properly.
But when you're manually charging it, you cant get the bolt catch to engage? Are you sure you're pulling the CH all the way back? no binding or feel anything is keeping the spring from compressing fully? can you see how far back the bolt goes when you pull the CH?

By the way, the pics you showed, that mag follower is not catching the bolt catch notch. Is that the same mag you used when you said bolt holds open when last round is fired? Do you have another mag to test? looks like either that mag or your bolt catch is not in specs.

[larkja]

The Verdict

So, went down to our local shop (Brentwood Armory) and they had a spare bolt catch ($5 - thanks guys). Installed this plus a new POF drop-in trigger - great upgrade. And voila, it works!

So, I guess the bolt catch was not within spec. Pretty annoying, but glad it was a cheap fix.

Thanks again for all of the troubleshooting help.
Jim