Problem with a new BCM lower

[Beat Trash]

I could use some advice.

I bought a complete BCM lower receiver (not a blem). I paired this with a factory built BCM upper (14.5” ELW-f with a 13” KMR rail and BCM BCG).

From a closed bolt, this setup would not permit a fully loaded PMAG (verified 30 rds, not 31) to be seated. Several different magazines tried. All magazines tried functioned in DD and Colt factory guns.

I contacted BCM and shipped the lower back to them. They eventually returned the lower, shipping it to my FFL instead of me. (Not a requirement as they are the manufacture and I already own the lower) This generated a second transferee fee.

There was no notation as to what was discovered, no communication from BCM, just the same lower returned to me. It would now seat a loaded PMAG, barely, with a closed bolt.

Yesterday was the first time I had a chance to shoot this gun. With the magazine seated on a closed bolt, and loading the gun by working the charging handle, it would fire that round, but it would not pick up the next round in the magazine. This continued to occur even as rounds were taken out of the magazine, as in it occurred with 30 rds in the magazine or even with 25 rds in the magazine.

Just to ensure it was not a magazine issue, I also had two Daniel Defense guns and a Colt 6720 with me. I tested the magazine in the other guns, no issues.

Before anyone tells me to load from an open bolt, or to download magazines, etc, this gun was intended to be my new “patrol rifle” while at work. Department policy mandates a fully loaded 30 rd magazine, and the gun to be stored in a manner referred to as “cruiser ready” which is bolt forward on an empty chamber, safety on and a magazine in the gun. Activate the charging handle to chamber a round as needed. Carrying a gun in this manner is not an issue with my personally owned DD or Colt guns. Nor is is an issue with the agency owned S&W or even the older Bushmaster guns.

As it is, I can not trust this gun for it’s intended purpose if I can not guarantee the second round will actually chamber after firing the first round.

The upper used was tested on a different lower receiver, and performed without issue. So I assume the issue is not with the upper receiver.

Any ideas of what the issue might be? I assumed initially it was a slightly out of spec lower receiver. But…?

[albatrossarmament]

Have you tried any other magazines besides P Mags? It does sound like something is slightly out of spec with the lower.

[WickedWillis]

I would try a few other magazines, but yes, it really sounds like something is out of spec with this lower.You did the right thing by contacting BCM before addressing it on here. Hopefully some pros can nail down whats up.

[1911-A1]

Possibly try swapping the Colt magazine release assembly with the BCM and see if that affects the problem.

[Beat Trash]

My intent with this topic is not to bash BCM. My intent was to see if the collective expert wisdom that is out there has ever ran into this type of thing.

I have decided to send it back to BCM one more time to see what happens. The customer service at BCM answered quickly to today's email and they want to "aggressively look into the issue".

Until then, I will ask the moderators to close this topic, as I don't want the impression that I am bashing BCM in the internet. I'll reopen this once they have another chance to look over the gun.

[WickedWillis]

My intent with this topic is not to bash BCM. My intent was to see if the collective expert wisdom that is out there has ever ran into this type of thing.

I have decided to send it back to BCM one more time to see what happens. The customer service at BCM answered quickly to today's email and they want to "aggressively look into the issue".

Until then, I will ask the moderators to close this topic, as I don't want the impression that I am bashing BCM in the internet. I'll reopen this once they have another chance to look over the gun.

Honestly though, with how you worded everything I am not sure anyone here will think you were bashing the company at all.

[Toecheese]

I would try a few other magazines, but yes, it really sounds like something is out of spec with this lower.You did the right thing by contacting BCM before addressing it on here. Hopefully some pros can nail down whats up.

Not sure why sending it back to BCM before posting about the issue is a big deal.....everyone knows BCM is legit and stands behind their product, so if the OP just wanted to start his own thread about a BCM lower being out of spec before contacting BCM, that's entirely his prerogative.

[lengthofpull]

Not sure why sending it back to BCM before posting about the issue is a big deal.....

Perhaps because it is a forum rule?

[Toecheese]

Perhaps because it is a forum rule?

So if the OP sent his lower back to BCM, and started a thread that said basically "issues with BCM lower, sending it back will keep everyone posted".......what code of ethics or rules is he breaking? I find it interesting how the overall consensus on these forums is to throw a blanket over everything in regards to gun companies, basically giving them a free pass regardless of if they are at fault or not. I guess when you rely on sponsorship just to stay afloat, it's important not to bite the hand that feeds, which is a shame because there is zero transparency and a complete conflict of interest.

[JBecker 72]

Sorry to hear about your issues. Regarding the LMT lower, I have one and I recommend it. They use good parts in their lowers just switch out the buffer to what you normally run as they come with a carbine buffer. Other than that my experience with 2 LMT uppers and 1 lower has been great. My rifle I have now is all LMT and I'm satisfied. No issues seating a loaded gen 3 PMag on a closed bolt.