Bolt catch issues and aftermarket parts.

[CleanChooter]

So, I?m having a hell of a time with my bolt catch on my Bren S1 carbine. It just won?t seem to hold without a empty mag. I added some after market parts, a trigger guard from Dan Haga and a lower mlok rail from manticore arms and they just seem to not play well together at all. I figured the manticore arms bottom rail was out of spec and sure enough a new Midwest industries rail helped significantly but did not completely solve the problem. After running my rifle hard in training courses the bolt catch stops working without a mag after about 200-300 rounds. My questions for y?all are has anyone had a problem with their bolt catch? Should/can I send it into CZ with the custom configuration? After calling CZUSA I?m hesitant to do so, the rep told me there isn?t even a bolt catch feature on the CZ Bren 805. Obviously I corrected him for confusing the bolt catch with the bolt release and he stuck to his dumb statement saying there?s no bolt catch feature.  I have training nearly 2-4 times a month till august and can?t just send them my rifle all willy nilly at the moment. I honestly believe it?s coming down to the bolt catch button and the spring that raises the bolt catch plate. It?s literally just a hair off.  If anyone has any advice for me I would greatly appreciate it.

https://instagram.com/p/BtTfypeHRoO/

[CZBren805]

From your description, it is hard to visualize how the after market items you mentioned would likely interfere with the bolt catch.  It is a simple mechanism so likely it has been fouled by something or has a bad spring.

I believe the CZ warranty is 5 years to the original owner.  You need to get a RMA first so they should screen your issue to see if it is covered before you send it.  An alternate option would be to pay for the repair if it is not covered.  You can also buy parts from CZ at the link below if you prefer a local gunsmith. 

It is strange how they use "bolt release" terminology online and in the manual for the bolt catch.  It is possible it was mis-translated or maybe it was originally intended to be a fully functioning release but was not finished in time.  Conspiracy theories begin.....

https://shop.cz-usa.com/productdetail/370004301601_bolt-release-805

[Laughing Snake]

How do you like the flat faced trigger? I was waiting for someone to make one and didn't know it was already available.

As for your issue, my guess would be either a bad spring or maybe something worked itself loose. It shouldn't be too hard to separate the magwell from the trigger housing to see the problem. Honestly mine has not been apart but there has not been a reason to do it yet.

I think it would be possible to add a bolt catch/release in or around the trigger guard like the Bren 2 but it would obviously take permanent modifications.

[CZBren805]

By the way CleanChooter,

I forgot to mention you have a sweet looking rig.  Nice mods.

[BG ARMORY]

pictures of the catch itself would be helpful. Bolt catch issues usually come down to it being worn, spring being weak, magazine not pushing it fully into engagement with the bolt face, or bolt not fully reciprocating to rear

[CleanChooter]

From your description, it is hard to visualize how the after market items you mentioned would likely interfere with the bolt catch.  It is a simple mechanism so likely it has been fouled by something or has a bad spring.

I believe the CZ warranty is 5 years to the original owner.  You need to get a RMA first so they should screen your issue to see if it is covered before you send it.  An alternate option would be to pay for the repair if it is not covered.  You can also buy parts from CZ at the link below if you prefer a local gunsmith. 

It is strange how they use "bolt release" terminology online and in the manual for the bolt catch.  It is possible it was mis-translated or maybe it was originally intended to be a fully functioning release but was not finished in time.  Conspiracy theories begin.....

https://shop.cz-usa.com/productdetail/370004301601_bolt-release-805

Actually took it to my local gunsmith after spending some time on the phone with the gunsmith from CZUSA. They unfortunately didn?t have any springs in stock to send out but it turns out I?m having the opposite problem. The ?bolt release spring? which really a bolt catch spring (lol in Czech) is too strong and is making it struggle to reach a proper height to catch the bolt when the button is pressed. My gunsmith took a few rings off the spring free of charge which improved it greatly but the catch still gives out with a swift smack to the stock and there?s some wear on the plate for sure too. Not enough to cause this issue I don?t think.. CZUSA?s parts department is sending me a new plate to replace it anyways. Talking to my gunsmith we?re thinking of adding a little metal to the plate where it meets the spring to bring it higher just a hair to secure the bolt completely. Probably going to give this a try on the old plate when the new one arrives to see if it works out. If not we?ll go with the new one coming in and call it a day. It?s definitely much better with a softer spring now though, just not perfect.

[CleanChooter]

By the way CleanChooter,

I forgot to mention you have a sweet looking rig.  Nice mods.

And thanks buddy! I switched to an RDS finally! Posting a new pic this week. Gotta thank Dan Haga for half of the custom work I had done on her. He?s been a great help through this issue as well!

[CleanChooter]

How do you like the flat faced trigger? I was waiting for someone to make one and didn't know it was already available.

As for your issue, my guess would be either a bad spring or maybe something worked itself loose. It shouldn't be too hard to separate the magwell from the trigger housing to see the problem. Honestly mine has not been apart but there has not been a reason to do it yet.

I think it would be possible to add a bolt catch/release in or around the trigger guard like the Bren 2 but it would obviously take permanent modifications.

The trigger is awesome, got it from Dan Haga and highly recommend! Might require a little polishing on install but feels amazing now. The trigger housing half of the lower is from him as well and let?s me throw and angled ar grip which has made it super comfortable to shoot and run drills as well.

As for the issue it?s coming down to the spring and plate mostly. Got some work done on the spring to soften it up and might do some work on the plate but as of 2 days ago it?s catching much better. Not perfectly, but good enough to rely on now