backwards AR15 takedown pin?

[Lucky]

I think the rear takedown pin on my AR15 is put in backwards. Any way I can get it out without breaking the rifle?

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

You're gonna have to explain in more detail. Any pictures?

 

[Zero_DgZ]

Yes.

The rear takedown pin is easy. The front takedown pin is hard. You need to take the stock off of your rifle: One big screw that goes into the buffer tube, maybe under a plug if you have a suitably tacticool stock. When you slide the stock off you will notice that a portion of it covers over a hole near the buffer tube about the size of a toothpick... The detent pin and spring that's holding your takedown pin in place is in here. Depending on the assembly and cleanliness of your rifle the spring and pin may fall right out, or you may need to tap it (gently!) on a non-marring surface to shake these parts loose. Don't drop them! The spring especially likes to hit the floor and then leap off into an alternate dimension.

With the detent pin removed there is nothing holding the takedown pin in place except sheer friction. It should pop out. So take it out, put it in the right way with the groove facing where the detent pin goes, and stick the pin and spring back in. Then replace the stock.

 

[Lucky]

Thanks guys. I think the pin must be stuck in there because it didn't come out with the spring, so I'll try giving it a shake.

Thanks again;
Scott

 

[DogBonz]

I don't think that it is possible

I have to look at mine, but I don't think that the pin would stay in because the detent rides in that little grove in the pin and I think that it can only go one way. I could be wrong, but I can't immagine it working "backwards"

 

[DogBonz]

wait

Thanks guys. I think the pin must be stuck in there because it didn't come out with the spring, so I'll try giving it a shake.

Did the little metal piece infront of the spring come out with the spring?
between the spring and the pin there is a little metal "tube" that sits in that groove in the pin.

Make sure that tube came out with the spring.

 

[Lucky]

Yea it was just stuck in there, tapping the buffer tube on the ground loosened it up so the pin came out, and then I tapped it until the little bic lighter flint fell out.

Thanks a million all.