Strange AR-10 bolt damage

rgitzlaff · February 3, 2024, 10:48 PM

I have a PSA AR-10 in 308. Everything functions fine but I have now noticed some damage to the front corners of the locking lugs on the bolt. I know what some are going to say, it's a PSA what do you expect. I'm really just looking for others that have seen this and the probable cause. I'm thinking maybe somehow the barrel extension is twisted slightly. Maybe the notch in the upper receiver is slightly off center. If the bolt is coming in and glancing off the lugs it might cause this. There is some slight amount of damage visible on the corresponding barrel extension lugs. I'll post a picture when I can get to a computer and reduce the size enough.

50 shooter · February 3, 2024, 11:47 PM

Have you contacted PSA?

They're pretty good at taking care of customers from what I've heard and seen.

rickyrick · February 3, 2024, 11:51 PM

Get the Tapatalk app, makes adding photos a snap.

jetinteriorguy · February 4, 2024, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 50 shooter

Have you contacted PSA?

They're pretty good at taking care of customers from what I've heard and seen.

Definitely do this, at least they used to be good at responding quickly.

HiBC · February 5, 2024, 04:59 PM

It could be a quality issue.

But consider that a dirty or contaminated BCG, specifically in the cam/cam pin area .

Thats one spot you can remedy,if its the problem. And check your gas key is tight.

bfoosh006 · February 27, 2024, 07:18 PM

Your are probably correct, the barrels receiver extension is out of clock.

It is possible that the alignment pin is loose. or broken.

I would send it back to PSA , and tell them what you think has happened.

Dependent on who looks at it at PSA... they might say it will be fine, however, the AR system wasn't designed to batter the bolt against the lugs.

stagpanther · February 28, 2024, 04:53 AM

Without pictures--impossible to say. I'm kinda doubtful of "major" issue if the rifle otherwise functions fine as you say--a major clock/cycling issue would likely have symptoms of trouble going into battery/ unlocking etc. when you take pictures also take pictures of the carrier sides/bottom. Another thing I'd recommend is doing a few tests like locking/unlocking the bolt to see if there is notable resistance. Sometimes brand new lugs can have sharp edges that may develop burrs as they wear in. If you have obvious asymmetric wear--like only one or two lugs that show abnormal wear--then yeah, you might have an alignment issue. I've had a couple AR 10 upper receivers that needed serious lapping to get an even ride of the carrier.

February 3, 2024, 10:48 PM	#1
rgitzlaff Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2006 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 524	Strange AR-10 bolt damage I have a PSA AR-10 in 308. Everything functions fine but I have now noticed some damage to the front corners of the locking lugs on the bolt. I know what some are going to say, it's a PSA what do you expect. I'm really just looking for others that have seen this and the probable cause. I'm thinking maybe somehow the barrel extension is twisted slightly. Maybe the notch in the upper receiver is slightly off center. If the bolt is coming in and glancing off the lugs it might cause this. There is some slight amount of damage visible on the corresponding barrel extension lugs. I'll post a picture when I can get to a computer and reduce the size enough.

February 3, 2024, 11:47 PM	#2
50 shooter Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2002 Location: SoCal PRK Posts: 986	Have you contacted PSA? They're pretty good at taking care of customers from what I've heard and seen. __________________ I see the world thru bloodshot eyes Streets filled with blood from distant lies The dogs of war never compromise, No time for rearranging.

February 3, 2024, 11:51 PM	#3
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,238	Get the Tapatalk app, makes adding photos a snap. __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

February 28, 2024, 04:53 AM	#7
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,801	Without pictures--impossible to say. I'm kinda doubtful of "major" issue if the rifle otherwise functions fine as you say--a major clock/cycling issue would likely have symptoms of trouble going into battery/ unlocking etc. when you take pictures also take pictures of the carrier sides/bottom. Another thing I'd recommend is doing a few tests like locking/unlocking the bolt to see if there is notable resistance. Sometimes brand new lugs can have sharp edges that may develop burrs as they wear in. If you have obvious asymmetric wear--like only one or two lugs that show abnormal wear--then yeah, you might have an alignment issue. I've had a couple AR 10 upper receivers that needed serious lapping to get an even ride of the carrier. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!* Last edited by stagpanther; February 28, 2024 at 09:14 AM.

February 5, 2024, 04:59 PM	#5
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,289	It could be a quality issue. But consider that a dirty or contaminated BCG, specifically in the cam/cam pin area . Thats one spot you can remedy,if its the problem. And check your gas key is tight.

February 27, 2024, 07:18 PM	#6
bfoosh006 Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2009 Posts: 1,089	Your are probably correct, the barrels receiver extension is out of clock. It is possible that the alignment pin is loose. or broken. I would send it back to PSA , and tell them what you think has happened. Dependent on who looks at it at PSA... they might say it will be fine, however, the AR system wasn't designed to batter the bolt against the lugs.