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Thread: Cracked lower repair?

  1. #1
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    Cracked lower repair?

    I'm pretty new to ARs, so I wasn't aware that you're not supposed to let the hammer drop on a lower receiver when it's separated from the upper receiver. I had a Geissele trigger which has a stronger hammer spring and a cutout so that it contacts the receiver instead of the bolt catch. I let it drop a few times and I have a crack on my lower receiver now. I'm pretty bummed about this and since this is a Noveske lower, I want to know if it's salvageable. Since it's forged 7075 aluminum, I don't think it's weldable. Alternately, I wonder if something like epoxy would do the trick.
    Last edited by ta0117; 05-24-22 at 15:46.

  2. #2
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    Got any pics of the damage?
    "What would a $2,000 Geissele Super Duty do that a $500 PSA door buster on Black Friday couldn't do?" - Stopsign32v

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    It's hard to capture on camera but on the forward wall of the receiver where the fire control group cutout is, there is a hairline crack near the left corner.

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    Quote Originally Posted by ta0117 View Post
    I'm pretty new to ARs, so I wasn't aware that you're not supposed to let the hammer drop on a lower receiver when it's separated from the upper receiver. I had a Geissele trigger which has a stronger hammer spring and a cutout so that it contacts the receiver instead of the bolt catch. I let it drop a few times and I have a crack on my lower receiver now. I'm pretty bummed about this and since this is a Noveske lower, I want to know if it's salvageable. Since it's forged 7075 aluminum, I don't think it's weldable. Alternately, I wonder if something like epoxy would do the trick.
    7075 is not considered a weldable alloy . . .

    Pics? It may just be a "don't do it again" kind'a thing.

  5. #5
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    Does the bolt catch still move freely?
    "What would a $2,000 Geissele Super Duty do that a $500 PSA door buster on Black Friday couldn't do?" - Stopsign32v

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    Quote Originally Posted by markm View Post
    Does the bolt catch still move freely?
    Bolt catch still moves freely.

    Running my fingernails along the front wall I can notice it. Currently the lower seems to function fine.

    Also, before this accident, I had this lower cerakoted, so I’m not sure if the crack is even longer and the cerakote is obscuring it.
    Last edited by ta0117; 05-24-22 at 17:03.

  7. #7
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    Since it's not weldable, I would probably try and clean it real good and try and press some JB weld into. Keep and eye on it. Seems worth a try, it's that or toss it.

    Of course there may be some better options I'm not aware of.

  8. #8
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    If it's functioning correctly I'd not do it again, use the lower as intended and keep an eye on it for signs of change.

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    I was considering JB weld or some kind of epoxy with aluminum powder, but the crack is quite fine and I‘m not sure if I can get the compound in there. It's a Noveske lower, and I had it cerakoted too, so I rather not have to throw it away.

    Does that area of the lower receiver normally see a lot of stress?
    Last edited by ta0117; 05-24-22 at 18:39.

  10. #10
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    You can weld lowers, John Norrell used to weld saw cut demilled M16A1's back together and I have also heard of cloner's having mag wells welded on 80% back ends to get the markings. But unless it's a really special lower it would be cheaper to just replace it.

    Here's a link to a Norrell Hydra-Matic By GM Corp. M16A1 weld that sold for $20.5 k in 2020.

    http://www.sturmgewehr.com/forums/in...-reweld-20500/
    Last edited by mack7.62; 05-24-22 at 18:00.
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