How to Build an AR-15 Lower Receiver: Bolt Catch

You’ve installed your trigger guard, but are you ready for the next step in building your AR-15 lower receiver? Let’s install the bolt catch. If you’d like a visual reference for the installation instructions detailed in this post, check out the video embedded above. I’ve included the time stamp in case you want to jump to the point in the vid that details this step.

As with the previous articles in this series, I’ll be using the tools and components I laid out in this post.

(06:53) Step 3 – Bolt Catch

Bolt Catch AR-15 Lower Receiver Build - thearmsguide.com — Notice how I used the other pin punch to help keep everything lined up. Oh, and don’t skimp on the tape. You don’t want to scratch your receiver.

Grab your bolt catch, bolt catch buffer and spring, roll pin, roll pin holder, and the 3/32″ and 5/32″ roll pin punches. Place the small end of the bolt catch buffer into the spring, and then place it into the hole on the left side of the receiver so the spring is inside the receiver and the buffer is facing outward.

Place the bolt catch with the “ping pong paddle” on top, between the two tabs on the receiver, over the buffer, and stick the 3/32″ roll pin punch through the front tab and through the bolt catch so it protrudes through the rear tab. This will hold the bolt catch in place while driving the bolt catch roll pin into place.