GW11 ;
That`s correct - the dime trick was the quick method of determining where the problem may be .
It is possible the tube was installed too short by several thousandths of an inch , and making things bang together. Not unheard of , just rare. In which case , you would need to remove metal from the end of the carrier. Again , rare, but not unheard of.
Remember : these are built from surplussed parts kits , and not on original fixtures. Some problems may occur during the build process , that don`t get caught until after the welds are cool...
Okay , assuming the cocking handle tube is cut to the right length , and installed correctly:
If you take a look at the charging handle pic I attached ( Thanks to Warthog , I believe ) the only place where the weld was added was the tip , or camming , surface. ( part in left side of pic)
This was done to ease the effort to unlock the bolt , in essence making the lever tip longer , and would only come into contact during the handle unfolding.
The charging handle carrier is still the same length , and will NOT contact the tube end piece during normal cycling. Presuming , of course , that the charging handle tube was installed correctly during the build process.
Given the quality of some of the welds I have seen , and the grind marks , and other things , I would have to say it`s entirely possible to have to add weld to the bolt carrier tube , as well as the tip of the charging handle camming surface , due to the tube being installed too long.
Again , I suggested the handle fix as a last resort . You are correct - it`s a lot easier to weld on the bolt carrier tube . As I mentioned , taking the charging handle out can be an all day affair. It took me about 4 1/2 hours the first time , and almost as long to get the elbow spring to line back up for re-assembly.
I used to have lots more time on my hands ... Note to self , dig out the slave pin & punch ...
As you say , it`s easier to fix the bolt carrier. I checked all my spares , and 10 15/16ths inches is the overall length they all have in common. B models, as well as our C models.
Oh , the recoil spring is 23 to 28 pounds , when fresh. I have several NOS springs if anyone is looking to replace theirs. G3 recoil springs also work , just don`t try to install the nylon button on the CETME recoil spring rod. It don`t fit.
I can measure some of the other parts involved , if anyone wants to know what new parts came from Santa Barbra looking like , dimensionally
Hope I haven`t confused anyone !
regards,
cevgunner