V51 New Stock from Vector, Spring is too Weak... I Think

[retrodog]

I ordered an A2 stock from Vector for my V51P, the special one with the retracting guide rod. I took it to the range yesterday to shoot FA. I started out in SA and the first round drove the bolt back in the receiver and it got stuck there in the rear. I cleared it and tried a few more times. It repeated the same thing.

The gun operated fine with the stock metal end-cap on there and my FA trigger pack earlier.

I noticed that there was no preload pressure on the recoil spring when I was attaching the stock. It just slid on there and had no resistance. So I compared the two stocks (metal end-cap and A2) and found that the end-cap version had a slightly longer contact point (about 1/4") and resistance was higher when measuring the compression at the 2" point of forcing the rod to contract (13 lbs vs. 11.9 lbs for the A2 stock). The metal end-cap also has a buffer and the A2 does not. I'm not sure if the lower spring weight or the absence of a buffer is causing the problem... or both.

It seems like the bolt is getting over-driven to the rear.

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

[Hk51fan]

Sorry Bro1 I have one on order, but haven't gotten it yet. I'll call them tomorrow and make sure they "test" it out!


Regards,

R.


Getting my V94/.357 back this week! Hopefully the cosmetics where done and the reciever is in spec enough to mount a rail system! Fingers are crossed!

[kwesi]

retro: although I had a problem or two this was not one of them, sorry to hear that you are. I would call Vector and ask to speak with Chuck before sending it back.

[Shattered Mind]

First thing I would ask you about would be about the bolt carrier. Does it slide freely right out of the gun? Is there any resistance at all at the end of the gun just as the carrier is emerging from the receiver? The stock may be sliding on real good but does it need a firm tap to get it all the way in for lockup?

The different stock may be pinching the receiver enough to hold the carrier back if so. Next time it locks back, try bipping the muzzle straight down against a table top or gun bench to see if the bolt carrier assembly might pop back out.

The Vector spring assembly is a full length G-3 spring, not the normal cut down spring found in the Fleming and Vollmer 51 conversions. It should have plenty of power behind it.

Don't know about the buffer in the Vector stock. I don't have a Vector stock. I made my own for my 51P out of a wooden G-3 stock. Seems weird that it wouldn't have a buffer as all the 308 guns I've run across have a buffer in the stock.

[retrodog]

I didn't have the metal cap with me on Saturday. Just took it along with the sear and A2 stock. I plan on going to the range some day this week and will test it with both (metal cap and A2 stock). That should "seal the deal" on whether it's the new stock or not.

[bspring]

I found mine to be on the weak side too, I purchased a new recoil spring from robertrtg.com. It was a PITA to install, but it is now much, much stronger. My V51 now feeds much better, recoils is a little softer. A very worth while upgrade.

Bill