Out of Spec Noveske Reciever?

[SvenJorgensen]

Problem: I recently purchased a NON-Chainsaw Noveske N4 forged lower receiver from Rainier Arms. After assembling it with Colt LPK, I realized that the bolt catch would not engage the bolt face at all. Initially I assumed it was a problem with the plunger, spring, or the depth of hole that they both fit into. After unsuccessfully trying to solve the problem by modifying the spring or plunger, I sent the receiver to Rainier Arms to get a confirmation. A week later I receive a phone call saying that their armorer had done his checks and that the receiver is operationally functional. When it was returned to me, the problem was obviously still there. After a few days, I decided to eliminate the spring and plunger to see if the catch had full range of motion with out them installed... It did not. To rule out my bolt catch, I pulled one from a working AR receiver. This bolt catch showed some improvement, but it just barely engaged the lugs. A few empty mags and it would probably break the tip of the lug off.

My findings: Upon further scrutiny, I discover the "shelf" that the bolt catch contacts to be 1mm less-deep than my other receivers. This translates into 1mm less contact with the bolt face. This 1mm is the same distance that would allow for the catch to fully contact the lugs... exactly my problem. Also, I notice that the hole the spring and plunger inserts is off-center about .5mm. This does not affect the function, but it may be indicative of sloppy machining.

Solution #1: Dremel my Colt catch to get full range of motion. This is a band-aid fix and doesn't solve the issue of having a $180 out of spec receiver.

Solution #2: Complain more and get a new receiver from Noveske or Rainer Arms.

This is a fairly simple problem, but I've decided to consult the wealth of knowledge on this forum before I bitch to get a new receiver (now out of stock). Let me know if there is a fix I'm not aware of or if there is something that I have not yet considered. My background is aviation maintenance, mostly electronics, but I have experience with airframe and fabrication work. I'm not a rube when it comes to mechanics, but I am not an AR Armorer either.

I've included some thumbnails for reference

Thanks!

[Great-Kazoo]

go with #1. fix it yourself. it's wouldn't be the first receiver i've seen with bolt catch issues.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

I'd get a new one.

[Blowby]

Contact Noveske and have them replace it. Done deal!

[baglock1]

Contact Noveske and have them replace it. Done deal!

This would be my route as well. If I bought a DPMS lower, I'd consider fixing it myself, but not for a Noveske. If nothing else, I'd want to know if I was a top-shelf manufacturer so I could investigate my processes.

[SvenJorgensen]

This would be my route as well. If I bought a DPMS lower, I'd consider fixing it myself, but not for a Noveske. If nothing else, I'd want to know if I was a top-shelf manufacturer so I could investigate my processes.

Thanks for the replies so far.

[MarkCO]

Is it within "specifications"? If it is out of spec, I see no problem asking Rainier or Noveske to replace it.

[BPTactical]

It may be the plunger that is out of spec. Make sure it travels freely in its bore. Is it possibly too long and bottoming out, preventing the catch from raising completely? Edit: disregard, you tried it without.
Nibble down the back of the bolt catch. It will do the same thing as deepening the well for it. Go a little at a time and try it frequently. Use a piece of wire or a drill bit for a slightly undersized pin, it will save you and the receiver from monkeying with the roll pin too much.
Only whittle on the receiver as an absolute last resort.

[brutal]

I would press the spec issue with Noveske and send it back.

[SvenJorgensen]

Is it within "specifications"? If it is out of spec, I see no problem asking Rainier or Noveske to replace it.

According to Rainer it "works fine," but it does not.


It may be the plunger that is out of spec. Make sure it travels freely in its bore. Is it possibly too long and bottoming out, preventing the catch from raising completely? Edit: disregard, you tried it without.
Nibble down the back of the bolt catch. It will do the same thing as deepening the well for it. Go a little at a time and try it frequently. Use a piece of wire or a drill bit for a slightly undersized pin, it will save you and the receiver from monkeying with the roll pin too much.
Only whittle on the receiver as an absolute last resort.

Yeah, I checked the plunger and spring first. I actually shortened a plunger to see if that freed up any travel, but the catch is definitely hitting the little "shelf" on the receiver that I pictured.
I was tempted to file the bolt catch to make it work like you said, but my plans for this receiver was to engrave and register it as an SBR. I can't foresee ever having to replace the bolt catch, but I don't want to have to deal with any "modifications" with a receiver that has a $200 stamp on it.

I'm going to contact RA/Noveske on Monday. I was basically looking for confirmation that I'm not just being a finicky, or stupid, asshole, and the consensus is leaning toward replacement.

Thanks for the responses and feel free to keep chiming in... They might help someone out in the future. The serial is "X##434" from their most recent run in case anyone else comes across a similar QA issue.

[RonMexico]

I'll check the serial number.