AR firing pin/bolt

[blarby]

Ok, bear with me please, I'm new !

*holds up signs stating he's new at this*

Ok, my manual is a little short in the explanation of removing the actual bolt from the bolt carrier for cleaning.

Even less so on how to remove the contained items.

Breaking it down to this point, removing the handle and bolt carrier- Fine, easy as they come. Outside pieces cleaned and lubed ? No problem.


*stares intently at bolt in carrier*

Ok, I'm lost.

I no longer trust idiot tube, just you guys.


Could someone walk me through this slowly and carefully........

 

[rcmodel]

Take the cotter-key looking thing out of the left side of the bolt carrier.
Then the firing pin will fall out.
Then take the cam pin out of the bolt.
Then pull the bolt out of the carrier.

Assemble in reverse order.

rc

 

[blarby]

Got it !

Thanks again, RC.

 

[Coop45]

And make sure the gap in the gas rings on the back of the bolt do line up.

 

[taliv]

it is not necessary to align the gaps in the rings, as they will move around anyway.

 

[rcmodel]

Ahhh?

It's generally recommended thet the gaps DO NOT line up.

But it really doesn't matter.

They are constently moving during operation, and probably line themselves up from time to time anyway.

If the gun is right, it will run with the gas ring gaps all lined up, or even with one or two gas rings missing.

rc

 

[taliv]

it is oft repeated, i'll grant you that.

 

[Rottweiler]

I actually did a little experiment with the gas rings a few years back. Tried with them all lined up,staggered 180 degrees apart, one every 120 degrees ect. gun cycled every time in any variation I could come up with.

My conclusion was it don't matter where the gas ring gaps are in relation to each other.

 

[OilyPablo]

Just make sure you lube the rings up nicely.

 

[243winxb]

The M16A1 owners manual has,

Stagger gaps in bolt rings (5) to stop gas loss.

 

[blarby]

Just out of curiosity.....

wouldn't wd/40, stored for some length of time, be more likely to bind the pin ?

 

[Canuck-IL]

Yes - unless the gun has been thoroughly soaked and you need to displace all moisture before a cleaning and lube with the proper materials, there's no use for WD-40.
/Bryan