Firing Pin Retaining Pin

[peck1234]

I ordered about 5 new pins, because when it comes to cleaning with my AR I can get the firing retaining pin out, but it never seems to want to go back in. usually because the end of the pin is split too much..

Does this happen to everyone else who owns ARs? Do you stock up on the little retaining pins? Or no!



Thanks for the reply's guys.... : )

 

[taliv]

yeah when i was first shooting ARs, i used to bend them all the time. a lot less once you figure out how to reinsert them w/o bending. i've also had a few break during firing. a spare or two is always a good idea

 

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

hm. I've never had this problem before. Am I in the minority?

 

[JRadice45]

Taurus I am also in the minority. I have had the original pin for my colt for over a year now with no troubles taking it out or putting it back in.

 

[briansmithwins]

Shrouded bolt carriers keep the FPRP from getting force applied to it. I bet the guys replacing and breaking their FPRPs have unshrouded bolt carriers.

Mine have lasted thru several thousand rounds.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Three words: "needle nose pliers".

 

[gvnwst]

i don't have any problems with mine. out and in, no problem

 

[ny32182]

I have never had to replace one, but I do have one that doesn't want to go back in as easily as the others. I guess it probably has something to do with the exact shape of the tips of the open end. A couple little twists will get it seated correctly.

Having some extras is probably not a bad idea.

 

[briansmithwins]

Three words: "needle nose pliers".

If you need needle nose pliers either you're doing something wrong or the rifle is broken. The FPRP should be easily removed with a bullet tip. I've had to rotate FPRPs thru 90 degrees to get them to seat, but I've never need tools. BSW

 

[TexasRifleman]

If you need needle nose pliers either you're doing something wrong or the rifle is broken. The FPRP should be easily removed with a bullet tip.

The question was not about removing, it was about getting it back in.

 

[Wes Janson]

I always just put a bit of an angle on it as I'm putting the pin back in, and it works perfectly. Never had to replace one...not that I'm shooing millions of rounds or anything, but I doubt I'll ever have to replace it.

 

[DevilDog0402]

I just got my first AR, but I've been shooting the M16A2 for over 9 yrs and I've never had a problem with it.

It is a small part that is very easy to lose, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to have spares on hand.

 

[matrem]

I agree with ny32182..and I'll add that changing the pin CAN make a difference.

 

[Bobarino]

i got tired of monkeying around with the pins. i had one break on me so i went to the hardware store and bought a few more and flattened the eyes so they're flush with the bolt carrier but no i just use a 1/16th inch stainless steel roll pin. i got a bunch of them at ~20 cents each and i have a few normal FPRP's also. for as much as i shoot and clean it, its not much of a hassle to tap out the roll pin and replace it when i clean.

Bobby

 

[possum]

hm. I've never had this problem before. Am I in the minority?

me too i guess.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Clearances on the bolt carrier vary. On my Armalite it is difficult to get the FPRP back in, though I can do it without damaging it. On other AR's I've had it's quite easy to put it back in.

Regardless, I would keep several spares on hand. They are cheap, easy to lose or damage, and essential.

 

[OOOXOOO]

I have the same problem, a real tight fit when reinserting the pin. I went out to my garage and got one out of the kits you buy with a bunch of assorted pins. I trimmed one down so it was maybe 1/16" longer than the stock one. When I cut it off I was very careful to cut it evenly, then I beveled the edge slightly on the extra 1/16". It sounds like a lot of work but only took me 30 minutes. The pin still fits tight, but it is easier to reinstall. Just make sure it does not stick out of the bolt carrier. Made a couple the next day because I have seen them break and it's better to have one ready than have it ruin your day.