Just one revolution in reverse. It’s a quick and free check. And take the buffer out. Start back a few steps and remove everything to just check pinning together is good first, without buffer,bcg etc. if it goes together with the pins, then add buffer. Check that. It it’s good still at that point, then andd bcg and check closing again. Do a step by step check to eliminate as many varying factors as possible
And triple checking all of our various brands of ARs, it looks like you’ve got one more buffer thread protruding out, than all of ours. Plus in your pics, it looks like some raw aluminum is starting to show where the upper might be hitting the tube.
That’s what I originally saw also. With both pins out, you should be able to put the upper on the lower and push it back into position.
Will back the buffer out. Unfortunately that means the lower may have issues. IIRC, that is the how far i had to screw it in to retain the pin.
What lower parts kit did you use? you only need to barely capture the pin, and honestly it isn’t even needed except to be able to separate the lower and upper without the buffer popping out.
The PSA/Magpul MOE kit.
Does the buffer tube have the cut out for the pin? I can’t tell from your pics. If you can, push the buffer in with your finger and take a pic of where the tube captures the retaining pin.
Yes, it has the cut out.
Will get that pic later.
My boss has built numerous ARs. He volunteered to look at the entire thing for me. Most of his tools are in another state, since he is getting ready to retire in a few months, but said he has a few here.
I agree with the concensus. It appears to me that you have installed the buffer tube just one rotation too much. You should still have enough threaded to capture the buffer retaining pin and spring, it may not look like it at first, but it should not be an issue. Once you back it out , you should be able to latch the lower to the upper starting with either the front pin or the back pin. Please let us know if you have done this, and if so, photos are a big plus. best of luck
Thanks man, appreciate the info. Will keep everyone informed here.
I agree with everyone else in here. The buffer tube (receiver extension) is most likely the problem. I had issues with Magpul as well. It BARELY hangs on the buffer retainer.
Blowing that pic up it looks like the notch in the tube is on the right side of the picture, and that the tube is not aligned correctly.
Boss still has it. Says the upper is fine, but the the lower looks out of spec, after applying white lithium grease. No contact being made to the buffer tube, per flashlight test. Says it appears to be a minute amount of material was missed in the milling process.
*edit: i have it back now. Will post pics later of the area in question.
Hi @joelumberjack and welcome to the PSA community forums ![]()
- Jammo
Looking at your photos I have to also agree with the others who have said that the buffer tube extends too far into the lower receiver.
Still willing to try the buffer tube. Looks like you’ve got an extra thread.
That one is bone stock PSA factory built, about as far as you can get away with without pushing out of pin engagement.
guitar guy is right, his photo is how they should look… yours should back out one turn to be good still.




