I have a Colt SP1 (1967 vintage) with less than 100 rounds thru it. When I try to remove the cam pin from the bolt, the cam pin jams against the carrier key. The only way I can remove it is to pry with a screwdriver and it will finally pop out. To replace the pin, I have to tap it with a small hammer to get it past the carrier key. I know this is not normal and was wondering if it would be permissable to file a slight bevel on one side of the cam pin so it would be removable/replaceable without tools.
AR cam pin question
- Thread starter Henry455
- Start date
- Status
Believe me, I worked for over an hour trying to position the bolt and cam pin to get the pin out. Here is a picture, it hard to see but you can visualize the top of the cam pin hitting the edge of the carrier key. it would probably clear with a few thousands removed.
dfariswheel
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 6,657
In this case, a slight modification would be in order.
Note that the cam pin is HARD, and a file isn't going to do it.
Likely you'll need to stone it.
Other options are to first try another cam pin to insure your pin isn't slightly oversized, or to stone the carrier slightly instead of the pin.
Note that the cam pin is HARD, and a file isn't going to do it.
Likely you'll need to stone it.
Other options are to first try another cam pin to insure your pin isn't slightly oversized, or to stone the carrier slightly instead of the pin.
Darkside
Member
This is only a guess....I repeat this is only a guess.
Could you file a slight bevel on the lower part of the gas key, that would allow the cam pin to pass by? Some of the more knowledgable here may be able to say yes or no.
Darkside
Could you file a slight bevel on the lower part of the gas key, that would allow the cam pin to pass by? Some of the more knowledgable here may be able to say yes or no.
Darkside
Steve Smith
Moderator Emeritus
I would say that stoning of the carrier slot itself will cause the possibility of over-roatation of the bolt and will be a bad thing in general. Stoning or filing of the gas key will weaken the wall of the key and if you ever have a broblem with a mis-aligned key and tube, or there is debris inside the upper, you may have a problem with a bent key. The top (flat part) of the cam pin is not really mission critical where your concern is, so I would suggest grinding or stoning that side of the flat so that it will just barely make it past the key easily.
Darkside
Member
I pulled the bolt carrier out of my SBR yesterday to knock out the big chunks and thought of this post. I looked at the gas key and noticed mine (RRA) has a slight clearance bevel on that side, that allows the cam bolt to clear. I didn't think to take any pics but will try to post some tomorrow. I will also check my Bushmaster as well and let you know what I find.
A short note/Email to Colt might get you a new key. A simple swap that might take 5 minutes. Just a thought.
Darkside
A short note/Email to Colt might get you a new key. A simple swap that might take 5 minutes. Just a thought.
Darkside
TheDutchman
Member
Did you take the firing pin out
Yes, the firing pin was removed. I did slightly stone on side of the cam pin, and the problem is now solved. The lower edge of my key has no bevel, I probably could have stoned a slight bevel on the key and gotten the same results. Thanks for your input.
- Status
