AR Bolt Catch Assembly Help

[CGA]

I'm putting together my first build with a JD Machine Tech lower and a White Oak Armament LPK. The bolt catch seems awfully tight. Without the spring and detent in place, shouldn't the bolt catch slide into it's slot freely so the roll-pin holes align? Thanks.

[5pins]

Yes it should.

[Jay Cunningham]

Pics will probably help us help you.

[CGA]

This is about as far as I can insert the bolt catch. I'm assuming it needs to be level so that the catch's "shelf" rides on top of the channel.

3113

3114

[5pins]

You either have an oversized bolt catch or an undersized slot in the receiver. I don’t suppose you have another bolt catch to try?

[5pins]

Try squirting some oil on it and see if that helps. You may need to work it in a little but it should not take too much force.

[CGA]

You either have an oversized bolt catch or an undersized slot in the receiver. I don’t suppose you have another bolt catch to try?

I'm fairly certain the bolt catch was oversized. I had another lower and it wouldn't fit in it either (although I ordered the 2 lowers together and I suppose they could both be out of spec ... which would kinda suck). I figured it's always best to alter the least expensive part, so I ended up taking a medium diamond file to the bolt catch until it fit.

[Wayne Dobbs]

If you have a lower built to spec, then a spec bolt catch should drop in WITH NO FITTING.

[Paul]

I just measured a few. The catches are running .152-.154" and the slot in the receiver of are running .159-.164". If you don't calipers handy, in terms of common house hold items, two nickels should fit in the slot of the receiver with maybe a hair of wiggle room.

[Suvorov]

I'm just wondering if that is a mag catch for an AR10 pattern gun? The paddle also kind of looks oversized. I'd just get yourself a AR15 spec catch and try it out. :confused: