Building Confidence

[FfNJGTFO]

Update: The replacement Bolt Catch groups arrived today and took less than 1hr to install (including removing the old parts).


These are some pics below of both the original group and the replacement group. The original is on the right. First the spring and detent.




You'll notice the spring on the right (original) is shorter and a little thicker, but it matches the fit of the detent/plunger on the right. The spring and detent/plunger on the left also match each other and the spring is softer. So, I conclude that the original spring and detent/plunger were the correct ones for the bolt catch group installed. But was the group itself correct?

Now, the view of the bolt catches, themselves. Original on the right.





You'll notice the big difference in design. I think this was the primary issue causing the catch not to lock. The spring didn't help either, but I think this was the real culprit.

I completely replaced the original parts with the replacements, all except the roll pin which fit back in properly.

The bolt catch works flawlessly, now. I tested it with some new snap caps that actually had the same weight as live rounds. They ejected properly and the last ejection resulted in the catch locking strongly. I dropped the empty mag and then gave the weapon a light bang, and it held. Only when I pressed the release did it close and go into battery. I will do a final test at JTAC this month at my next visit to confirm it will hold after firing/ejecting the last round in the mag.

Thanks to all for your help. The AR is fully functional now. Confidence totally built.



Sometime early next year, I will begin the 2nd build. Hopefully, to go a lot smoother.

[FfNJGTFO]

And yet another Update. Had an excellent day on the precision range. Got a really nice grouping on the RPR. I just have to adjust a smidge more and I'll be right on target. But I also have to learn to control my own movements as well because no matter how accurate you are with your rifle, you also must have accuracy in how you hold it. And I'm complicating things by learning how to shoot left handed (I'm right handed, left eye dominant).


The AR is working perfectly and the bolt catch held after I emptied a mag. It is 100% now. I just have to keep it cleaned and oiled. And I have to make some minor adjustments in re: zeroing it in. At least, I'm on paper and very close to zero. I think one more range session should do it.



Thanks all. I'll most likely start the 2nd AR build in early 2022.

[FfNJGTFO]

Quick Question: What are you all recommending for "Frangible 5.56?" If I'm going to put either this build or "Build #2 (comming in 2022) into the HD plan, I'm not going to be able to use "Green Tip" for that So, I'm looking for some good Frangible 5.56 that will get the job done without overdoing it.


Any recommendations?

[BlackKnight]

Originally Posted by FfNJGTFO

Quick Question: What are you all recommending for "Frangible 5.56?" If I'm going to put either this build or "Build #2 (comming in 2022) into the HD plan, I'm not going to be able to use "Green Tip" for that So, I'm looking for some good Frangible 5.56 that will get the job done without overdoing it.


Any recommendations?

What do you mean by "HD plan?" Home Defense? If so, you don't need frangible. Get good hollow point ammo and stay with 55 grain.
We did some extensive testing on .223/5.56 ammo when we switched from the MP5's to M4's. Everyone was afraid of over penetration.
What we learned, and it's going to sound counter intuitive, is the 9mm was over penetrating, more than the 5.56.
The heavier 9mm was plowing through 2 X 4's, sheet rock and many obstacles, while the lighter .223 was more susceptible to deflection as well as slowing down and being stopped by solid obstacles.
If you were to fire a 9 vs 5.56 outside then yes, the 5.56 would go farther. What we discovered, and this was supported by the sate AG's office as well, within most interiors the 9mm was penetrating more than the .223/5.56.


Now me personally, I have handguns for home defense, but my go to is a pistol caliber carbine, a HK USC. It's loaded with Federal 230 grain Hydroshoks.

[DrHenley]

Originally Posted by BlackKnight

What do you mean by "HD plan?" Home Defense? If so, you don't need frangible. Get good hollow point ammo and stay with 55 grain.
We did some extensive testing on .223/5.56 ammo when we switched from the MP5's to M4's. Everyone was afraid of over penetration.
What we learned, and it's going to sound counter intuitive, is the 9mm was over penetrating, more than the 5.56.
The heavier 9mm was plowing through 2 X 4's, sheet rock and many obstacles, while the lighter .223 was more susceptible to deflection as well as slowing down and being stopped by solid obstacles.

Now me personally, I have handguns for home defense, but my go to is a pistol caliber carbine, a HK USC. It's loaded with Federal 230 grain Hydroshoks.

My 5.56 load is 55 grain soft points made for varmint hunting. No worries about overpenetration with those.
But that's for exterior home defense, not for indoor home defense. For indoors I have a 45 ACP Hi-Point carbine loaded with 230 grain XTPs.

[Caleb]

Hey bud, sorry for being out of touch lately.

I’m glad you were able to get the AR to 100%. Now that you have experience building and troubleshooting this platform, your second one will be as easy as on his first date.

I can’t imagine learning to shoot precision shots with my off hand, but you have to do what you have to do. Work on your fundamentals before every shot at first and you will eventually just do it properly unconsciously. Remember, don’t death grip the grip. A light touch with focus on the trigger finger is all that’s needed. Your shoulder and either bag or bipod will hold the gun steady.

I don’t know anything about frangible ammo, sorry.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FfNJGTFO]

Originally Posted by Caleb

Hey bud, sorry for being out of touch lately.

I’m glad you were able to get the AR to 100%. Now that you have experience building and troubleshooting this platform, your second one will be as easy as on his first date.

Bad Omen....

Originally Posted by Caleb

I can’t imagine learning to shoot precision shots with my off hand, but you have to do what you have to do. Work on your fundamentals before every shot at first and you will eventually just do it properly unconsciously. Remember, don’t death grip the grip. A light touch with focus on the trigger finger is all that’s needed. Your shoulder and either bag or bipod will hold the gun steady.

It's more my left eye than the hand. I'm right handed, but left eye dominant. I'm actually zeroed-in at 100 yards, even using the left eye. But I have much more practice to do. I think more so with controlling the rear bag sufficiently so that the scope lands where it needs to. Once I get that down, I'll pop for the 2nd Long Range course at JTAC.

Originally Posted by Caleb

I don’t know anything about frangible ammo, sorry.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No sweat. But thanks anyway. I'm just going to have to remember everything I've learned. I'll probably start the 2nd build in early February.

[Caleb]

Pig banned again, surprise surprise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RKP]

Originally Posted by Caleb

Pig banned again, surprise surprise.

The real 'surprise surprise' is they keep letting P ig back in.

[FfNJGTFO]

Originally Posted by RKP

The real 'surprise surprise' is they keep letting P ig back in.

I can see wanting to keep the account. I still have my FB account but I keep it totally locked down. No updates, no friends, nothing. This way, no one can attempt to fake an account in my name and say I do nefarious things with it... (for ransom or whatever). I can always point to mine an say, "Nope, this one's mine..."