BSE

I bent a brass punch knocking it out (opposite direction from pin with "c" clip). It is splined and pressed into the receiver. You need a lot of persuasion to get it out.

So I removed the bolt release (the threaded pin wasn't even screwed in all the way) and was surprised at how much further forward the hammer moves without the bolt release. I filed down a portion of the bolt release but was concerned about removing too much material and making it too thin. I used some bluing agent and put it all back together and will test it out next time I'm at the range. After seeing how much further forward the hammer moves w/out the release, I understand now why some remove it. I also need to budget for the T&N trigger!

I'm guessing I did diagnose the problem but wanted some reactions from the group and your comment about the bolt carrier blocking the firing pin if not in battery makes sense. As far as the bolt release goes, I did see some light marks on it. I may try removing/filing it down/reinstalling but my next time out I'll be using shot in lieu of slugs to see if that minimizes the lead fouling and allows me to break in the firearm. Thanks.

My VR80 was dripping with oil and I did clean it thoroughly before I shot it and I did look at the barrel gas ports before shooting because others noted there might be metal hanging in there (there was none there new nor after this problem happened). I will switch to shot vs. slugs for my next time out to try to minimize the lead accumulation and to break in.

Interesting. I looked at my lower and I can see how the hammer moves forward a fraction more if I move the factory bolt release but I'm still trying to understand why this would not happen immediately rather than after 50+ rounds. Certainly not something I would have considered...thanks.

I just purchased a VR80 yesterday and took to the range today. Shot approximately 50 rounds of Winchester Super X 1 oz. slugs (2.75", 1,600 FPS) using the "light load" piston with a few failures to feed. Then something strange happened--I would shoot, the gun cycles, I would squeeze the trigger again and just hear a "click" and no fire. Ejected the slug and looked at the primer--didn't looked like it was even struck. Tried again, and ultimately got it to shoot but then the very next shot the same misfire would happen. I started to hand feed rounds into the ejection port and same thing--click but no boom, primer did not look like it was even struck. I eventually gave up since I could not get the gun to fire. I thoroughly cleaned the VR80 when I got home and was surprised at the amount of lead on the piston and inside the gas block. There was so much I had to use a brass punch to separate the piston from the gas block--I couldn't remove it by hand. Also the gas retaining nut was slightly loose. The bolt and firing pin all seemed fine and all parts seemed to move freely. Is it possible that with the lead on the piston and gas block, plus with the retaining nut loosening up, that the bolt didn't fully go forward, thus the misfire and the lack of the primer being touched? Other ideas as to what happened? I've never had a firearm work for 50 or so rounds and then just go "click." Thanks