AR firing pin retaining pin blues

boatdoc

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field stripping an AR is about as hard as field stripping a 1911 EXCEPT for the retaining pin for the firing pin in the AR BCG . Not sure why some companies spread the pin tips as much as they do,. it is IMPOSSIBLE to get the pin back in when they do.

any tips?

thought of finding a metal tool(like a thin screwdriver) to feed above the firing pin(if I can) to force the tips together. a hemostat did not work because as the cotter pin is pushed across the BCG, the tips spread just far enough apart that one prong is outsid e the guide hole. twisting did not help either. ARHHH!!!
 

Bender

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Meh.........
The cheaper firing pin retaining pins have square cut ends. The better pins will have a bevel on the outer of the pin tips. The bevels tend to allow for an easier insertation into the far side of the carrier.

Bevel the ends on some 320 grit paper. You want it to look like the pic below.
Or, message me your address and I'll get one out to you in the AM.

15F895EF-18CE-41D2-B66A-76C4D7D990B9.jpeg
 
Last edited:

boatdoc

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thanks so much Bender.

surprised you did not have a way to "bend" the tips closer together ;)

went to the LGS and had to buy a "missing pars kit" as they did not sell just the pins. the new pin is has rounded tips and the tips are NOT over spread.

your offer is much appreciated but unnecessary at thi s juncture.

during my search for an answer (so I can shoot my AR today) I found this:

http://www.primaryarms.com/kns-ar15-m16-firing-pin-retaining-pin-perma


might be an answer to pins with tips spread so far they will never go in
 

Bender

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Meh.........
Those were the original captured pins as Mr Stoner designed. The problem with them is, while uncommon, they will break vs bend as the cotter pin style will.

I really like the captured pins, a few manufacturers still use that design
 

boatdoc

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worth a try. I also went to brownells to get a fer traditional pins as back ups
 

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