I have now put about 5K rounds through my AR-V9 since purchasing it in 2022. Had some hiccups here and there, and still working on some modifications for 100% reliability. My question to someone that can help me is… Is this normal wear and tear on the charging handle/catch tab (or whatever the contact point of the BCG and the charging handle is called)???
Whoa…….that doesn’t look right at all
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The way that mock carrier key/charging handle catch is peened over at the rear, it’s pounding something rearwards. Is the lower damaged?
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The upper as well. Shoot it sans buffer and spring?
No damage to lower/upper whatsoever… I just need to keep having to tighten the feed ramp screws once and while… Using about 21 oz of buffer/buffer spring combo…(about to add another 3 oz by adding a heavier buffer)… Shotting has been done 99% with 147 gr subsonic and a Deadair Wolf can on.
Is that damage from the can? Too much rearward pressure? Or is it from bolt bounce? I can’t really figure out what’s causing it.
So, if I understand correctly, I can’t get a replacement BCG because it’s “proprietary” and there’s none for sale on PSA website. So how do I get spare parts/new BCG?
That is not normal at all. What charging handle are you using? Can you show us the underside of the full charging handle?
Im wondering how it cycled like that.
Not only is it not normal, but the carrier key bolts were not staked correctly, with the front one not being staked at all (QC). Another good reason for support for spare parts availability.
Send us a picture of the front of the buffer tube. Have you changed the weight of your buffer or spring, if so what weight buffer are you using? I just looked at the replacement I received with only a couple of hundred rounds through it, everything stock, and I can see some crushing in the same area. Neither of my bolts are staked. I tried to take the picture as level as possible.
If torqued correctly, staking is not necessary. Several BCG companies used to not do it. Its become a thing on the internet just like staking a castle nut at the buffer tube.
Although the military says it is “mil spec” to stake, Young Manufacturing used to explain why they didnt stake them. With todays modern thread lockers it shouldnt be an issue.
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…and since it is not a true “carrier key” it does not have the hot gases which would degrade the thread locker. Bottom line, his is going to be hitting on the lower receiver just above the buffer, might indicate a light spring.
I bought a “Blem” PSA AR-15, the blem was they missed the second stake on the castle nut. That doesn’t bother me, would just make it easier to remove if I have to replace it, or put on a strap mount.
That is my next move. Because I am running a CQB shorty stock, my options for heavy buffers are limited because of length. I’m currently running about 21 oz total (5.4 oz buffer+spring+BCG) but I found out Odin works 9mm 7.4 oz buffer will fit as well. That will increase the total weight of the system to just over 23 ozs (which from my research should be enough to mitigate heavy cycling).
The problem is I would like to install a new BCG to see if this new heavy buffer would stop this chewing of the parts from happening. I contacted PSA to see if I can buy a couple of extra BCGs so I can figure this out.
And I am running a generic, AR 15 tac latch charging handle on it.
You don’t even need the whole BCG, you just need the “carrier key” portion., and some new screws. Probably a $5 part that cost $25. Like you said, it’s a proprietary part and china hasn’t started making them “yet” LOL
That just gave me a thought. I have some aluminum stock in my machine shop, I might could mill one.
It appears your spring tension and buffer is not strong enough to overcome the force of the blowback from bottoming out.
It also makes me want to go ahead and increase my buffer weight, but alas, mine just sits in the safe since I do not find it reliable enough to do anything but shoot at paper. Lesson learned.
Do see you see any damage on the inside of your lower where I put the arrow? I also looked on Maxim Defense and found their spring systems for this.
Just on a whim, check the charging handle channel vs another. Years ago on my 308 i broke a charging handle latch. Upon inspection the CH channel was not milled all the way. It was an aftermarket one and the company replaced it.
With your bcg, i would be concerned about a crack somewhere. That “gas key” should be steel and harder than the aluminum receiver.
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On the ARV, the “KEY” is made of aluminum and is not magnetic. The AR is steel. That’s why it deforms instead of damaging the lower.
You sir have an amazing eye!!! Indeed, as you can see, that gas key and the entire BCG seem to be slamming the lower and even at the bottom end of the charging handle quite violently!!! Thank fully it’s just marring the parts, I went through it thoroughly last night to make sure there’s no major damage/cracks.
So, you think the fix is just to increase the buffer/spring/BCG combo weight? I go that Odin works coming and I also got this Maxim system you suggested. I even tried their roller delayed one but didn’t really see any fixed issues with the reliability.
I guess for now I will just place a new charging handle… I can use it as a marker to see if there’s still hard slamming once I drop the new buffer system. I opened a warranty ticket with PSA to see if they will send me/let me buy new BCGs or the gas key system.
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I didnt have a magnet here to check mine. Still, with that much deformation a crack or other damage should be present.
That is a lot of wear, even on the lower receiver. Was this a factory build or did you buy the set and do it yourself?
I have been tinkering with mine since they first came out to make it reliable, without spending more than I paid for it. I am on the 3rd BCG. But I can’t do modifications which would void the warranty.
That’s why they make the key from aluminum, it doesn’t have any hot gases from a typical AR, also it’s a sacrificial part and just a guide, hence “carrier key” instead of “gas key”. Better to damage the key than the lower. Just to clarify, I’m not trying to argue with you, just help this guy out a little.
As far as cracking, I kind of doubt it because the aluminum if deforming, that’s why I asked to see the rear of the receiver.
Looks to me like it’s hit enough times to work harden.
Your charging handle is superficial scraping. caused by the deformation of the key. If you put in another charging handle, it will end up in the same shape. You could file down / reshape the key a little to keep it from scraping, but then you risk the bolt traveling past or damaging your lower.
I would need to know more specs. I’m guessing the length of your buffer tube is shorter than a stock tube?
IMHO, your buffer is probably going to have to exceed the recommended weight for a regular ARV ie: more than 22oz. My first thought is the spring tension force.
My next approach on mine is going to (floating) sliding buffer weighs or a hydraulic buffer. It’s not just the weight of the buffer we have to worry about, but the ability to slow the blowback force. So contrary to many post on the forum, it’s not just the weight of the buffer, but how it functions. There are debates on flat springs, but I haven’t researched, or done much lately. I don’t go out and fire a bunch of round. I fire about 25 rounds, then come home and inspect all parts of the gun, just so I don’t get into your predicament.
Two links to look at if you haven’t already.
With the lack of available parts, it’s very hard for anyone to fix their own gun, or try modifications to make it function.
BTW, They need to get rid of this Norton ad… Norton sucks anyway.
