Noveske N4 Switchblock! I broke it... and then I fixed it?

Published on September 10, 2024
Duration: 15:40

This video details troubleshooting a Noveske N4 Switchblock that experienced significant malfunctions, including light strikes, extraction failures, and ejector issues, after approximately 800 rounds. The presenter found the Switchblock to be finicky with buffer systems and explored swapping components, including a Centurion bolt carrier. After returning to factory parts and cleaning, the rifle appeared to function correctly, though the exact cause of the initial problems remains somewhat unclear, potentially related to gas rings or component tolerances.

Quick Summary

The Noveske N4 Switchblock features an adjustable gas block with 'Suppressed,' 'Off' (T7), and 'Unsuppressed' settings. It can be finicky with buffer systems, leading to malfunctions like light strikes and extraction failures. A bolt test involves checking if the bolt holds itself upright on a table; failure may indicate an out-of-spec carrier or gas rings.

Chapters

  1. 01:22Introduction: Noveske N4 Switchblock Build
  2. 01:43Switchblock Gas Settings Explained
  3. 02:03Build Drill Setup & Unsuppressed Test
  4. 02:54Initial Malfunction & Video Restart
  5. 03:14Round Count & Early Malfunctions
  6. 03:30Detailed Malfunction: Light Strike & Bent Round
  7. 04:07Mountain Trip Malfunctions: Ejector & Extractor Issues
  8. 04:50Component Swap: Centurion Bolt Carrier
  9. 05:03Returning to Factory Configuration
  10. 05:29Bolt Test: Noveske vs. Centurion Carrier
  11. 06:24Preparing for Second Test Fire
  12. 06:48Post-Maintenance Test Fire: Suppressed
  13. 07:23Initial Test Fire Observations
  14. 08:55Switching to Suppressed Setting
  15. 09:04Gassiness on Unsuppressed Setting
  16. 09:49Apparent Fix & Further Testing
  17. 10:01Contacting Noveske & Gas Ring Speculation
  18. 10:28Fair Shake & Previous Round Count
  19. 11:04Positive Experience with Adjustable Gas Block
  20. 11:33Noveske Brand Reputation & Customer Service
  21. 12:11Overall Impression & Snappiness
  22. 12:34Stumped on Previous Malfunction Cause
  23. 13:04Final Thoughts & Kinks
  24. 13:47Running Another Mag on Unsuppressed
  25. 14:18Confused by Current Performance
  26. 14:30Overall Liking the Rifle Despite Kinks
  27. 14:38Filling the Void: Backup & FDE Build
  28. 15:03Future Updates & Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three settings on the Noveske N4 Switchblock's adjustable gas block?

The Noveske N4 Switchblock features three gas settings: 'Suppressed' for optimal function with a suppressor, 'Off' (nicknamed 'T7') which essentially makes the rifle function like a bolt-action by disabling the gas system, and 'Unsuppressed' for standard operation without a suppressor.

What kind of malfunctions did the Noveske N4 Switchblock experience?

The Noveske N4 Switchblock experienced several malfunctions, including light strikes where the round was still chambered but bent, failures to extract rounds from the chamber, and the ejector getting stuck halfway down the bolt.

How can one test for a potentially out-of-spec bolt carrier or bolt on an AR-15 platform?

A common test is to place the bolt assembly on a flat surface like a table. If the gas rings are functioning correctly, the bolt should hold itself upright under its own weight. If it falls over, it may indicate an issue with the gas rings or the carrier/bolt specifications.

Can an adjustable gas block like the Noveske Switchblock help with suppressor performance?

Yes, an adjustable gas block is crucial for optimizing suppressor performance. By adjusting the gas flow, you can reduce over-gassiness, recoil, and wear when using a suppressor, making the rifle more comfortable and reliable, as demonstrated with the SureFire RC2.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Juicey Media

View all →