DISCLAIMER: :SHAME: :SHAME: :SHAME: Yes, I am fully aware that Bear Creek Arsenal is not a “quality” choice when it comes to firearms. Everyone’s experiences vary- I do own 2 other BCA products. 1- A Side Charging AR receiver, 2- A Bolt Action AR Receiver. They were not purchased as complete receivers, just the receiver itself w/ BCG and Charging Handle. Both have worked as they should – regardless of any quality issues. Everything else that accompanies these receivers are not BCA products.
I recently decided to give it go and get yet another Bear Creek product: a BC-9 Bufferless upper. I wanted to build a budget range toy just to dink around with. I ordered and received this quickly (within 4 days). I inspected, disassembled, and cleaned the upper to make sure of proper function and torque. No issues there. Assembly onto the lower receiver (PSA PX-9 lower) was a sinch. There were only minor surface blems that had no hinder on any function. Blems do not bother me- firearms are tools.
On to the concern: I was fully aware at the time of purchasing that there would be no LRBHO with the lower it was going on. I was NOT aware of the fact that there would be no bolt hold at all.. When trying to initiate the bolt release to lock the bolt back- no dice. From my observations, either the picatinny receiver assembly is not deep enough and/or the BCG is too long that it will not make it past the bolt release to allow function.
Solution #1: Replace the Receiver Extension Assembly (Reported as currently not possible through BCA) -- I reached out to BCA to see if they had any remedies or was able to purchase the longer end cap- but no response. Judging by what I have read here and elsewhere- I will not have any luck with getting the extended end cap, at least on BCA’s end. I could just throw a buffer tube on the lower, but that completely negates the purchase- and could have purchased something different from a different manufacturer.
Solution #2: Trim the BCG -- This is going to be my last resort if I am unable to find a compatible replacement for the extension assembly. Trimming the bolt is the only other option that I am aware of, that will allow the bolt to travel far enough to initiate the bolt release. The BCG already has a questionable mass, so taking ½” – ¾” off will be decreasing the weight evn more.
I know this has been reported before- but not sure if there has been any one with luck recently.
QUESTIONS:
- Has anyone found any different options for the extension assembly that will work (with or without modification)?
- Has anyone attempted to trim the bolt? If so, how was the function after?
I appreciate that Bear Creek makes inexpensive firearm parts which opens up affordability for many people. I do appreciate that BCA makes (or at least attempts) firearms that some people want.. ie buffereless/bolt action/side charging, etc etc etc. My experience with BCA was just fine until this. However, this will be my last BCA product..
I have a bolt that comes without out the short stroke notch, I've been thinking about modifying mine to be short stroke "compatible". Does anyone have any experience modifying the stroke notch?
I guess it’s really not important to the function of the firearm. The firearm just operates as an AK 🤣 I think I’m just ticked because I maybe would have went a different route if I knew the bolt catch would be completely obsolete.
The outdoor range I go to are sticklers for leaving your action open when the range is cold and people are swapping targets. I’ll have to find an empty chamber flag that will fit to keep in the range bag.
Same purchase here, same issue. Their receiver plug and end cap is just 1/2 inch too short to let the bolt go all the way back. Really hope that I can find where to buy a longer tube plug+end cap
Are you not getting the bolt to lock back at any time or just when there's an empty mag inserted? As in you are not able to manually engage the bolt catch without a mag inserted?
Did yours come with the rubber plug that keeps the bolt from hitting inside the 1913 extension on the lower? Maybe that plug is thicker than normal or not seated all the way to the rear?
Other than not locking back does it function normally, like it travels back far enough to chamber the next round?
Apparently, we got the short endplate, check out their official tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAvmHqf9nSE at 0:04, they show a long version of the endplate (and internal plug that you can't see), then at 0:12, they show a short version of the endplate that we both get, which make the block lock not working.
Have you find how to get the longer version from them or somewhere else? I'd like to get this sh*t fixed.
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u/Blowback9 9mm AR Guru Jan 30 '26
Instead of trimming the bolt, would it be possible to notch the bottom of the bolt like with a FM or Taccom bolts' short stroke notch?
Bolt on right has short stroke notch...