Tight... Too tight?

[kazech]

I just finished my first build and have an issue that I'm not sure about... It is ready to shoot and break it in. But... Things are a bit tight... and I'm not sure if it's an issue or not.

I'm using a Scorpion Tactical mil-spec upper with a Windham Arms BCG, BCM medium charging handle and a BHW 18" midlength regular barrel. After completing the build, I checked the chamber using Forster Go - NOGO gauges (yes I removed the ejector). Neither gauge would close. OK. So, the chamber is tight. That can be a good thing for accuracy. But... If I put in an AZOOM .223 snap cap and load it normally from the magazine, the bolt gets stuck and I have to remove the upper and gently tap out the BCG using a brass hammer...

I'm afraid of trying to chamber a live round here at the house.

Now my questions,

1) Is this OK for the BCG and barrel to lock up this tight? I would think it's OK...
2) If I try to load and fire a live round, will I need to worry that it's so tight it's not locked up? Do I worry about slam fire?
3) If it's so tight, will there be issues with the gas cycling the BCG?

Any ideas to try? I'm at a loss...

If you need more info, let me know.

Thanks,
Kurt

[GLSHOOTER]

May 7, 2013 14:49:47 GMT -8 kazech said:

I just finished my first build and have an issue that I'm not sure about... It is ready to shoot and break it in. But... Things are a bit tight... and I'm not sure if it's an issue or not.

I'm using a Scorpion Tactical mil-spec upper with a Windham Arms BCG, BCM medium charging handle and a BHW 18" midlength regular barrel. After completing the build, I checked the chamber using Forster Go - NOGO gauges (yes I removed the ejector). Neither gauge would close. OK. So, the chamber is tight. That can be a good thing for accuracy. But... If I put in an AZOOM .223 snap cap and load it normally from the magazine, the bolt gets stuck and I have to remove the upper and gently tap out the BCG using a brass hammer...

I'm afraid of trying to chamber a live round here at the house.

Now my questions,

1) Is this OK for the BCG and barrel to lock up this tight? I would think it's OK...
2) If I try to load and fire a live round, will I need to worry that it's so tight it's not locked up? Do I worry about slam fire?
3) If it's so tight, will there be issues with the gas cycling the BCG?

Any ideas to try? I'm at a loss...

If you need more info, let me know.

Thanks,
Kurt

No problem with a slam fire if the primer is seated normally. Hers is what you do.

Take the Upper off. Drop a live FACTORY NON-RELOADED/RE-MANUFACTURED round in the chamber. MANUALLY throw the BCG forward to see if it locks up. It probably will. Pull the charging handle back, you did leave it in place, right, and extract the round. It probably will. If it doesn't close all the way or extract easily you might have to pop the charging handle with a piece of wood to get the round loose. Do it three or four times as things might just be slightly tight.

Be sure and lube the BCG and bolt. A dry one will not lock up well. Make sure that bolt goes in and out of the BC without a huge amount of resistance. I have found that to be one reason that they appear to not lock up.

I'm sure you are GTG but send me a PM if it is an issue.

Greg

[kazech]

Thanks Greg! I dropped a factory round in there and pressed the BCG closed on it. It was tight, but a decent push and pull cycled the round just fine. I think it just needs to be fired and broken in. I'm excited to see it so tight. Good lockup means consistency and potential for good accuracy.

I'll take some pics and let you know how it shoots!

Good luck on your move!!

Thanks again!

-Kurt

[GLSHOOTER]

May 7, 2013 17:48:18 GMT -8 kazech said:

Thanks Greg! I dropped a factory round in there and pressed the BCG closed on it. It was tight, but a decent push and pull cycled the round just fine. I think it just needs to be fired and broken in. I'm excited to see it so tight. Good lockup means consistency and potential for good accuracy.

I'll take some pics and let you know how it shoots!

Good luck on your move!!

Thanks again!

-Kurt

Glad it worked. Fifty rounds will slick it up nicely.

I'm not moving anywhere. I just lend my limited expertise here. I am in Phoenix.

Greg