Help: How to remove the front sling swivel on M1A.

[Retro]

Hi, I want to remove the USGI front sling swivel on my heavy weight GI stock, and install this replacement swivel:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=592613

But I encountered this problem: the USGI sling swivel is bolted in on the stock, and I am not quite sure how to remove them.

Advice would be appreciated.

Retro

 

[lipadj46]

The front swivel is held on by 2 rivets. There is no proper tool per-se you just need to pry the rims of the rivets up or in. I've never done it but you could probably use a needle nose plier and a flat head screw driver.

 

[Retro]

I tried but USGI rivets are very sturdy and didn't budge, and I am afraid of cracking the wooden stock. hmmm...

 

[lipadj46]

Did you try squeezing them with the pliers? I'm pretty sure you just have to pry them out somehow caveman style. Have you tried asking over at the M14 Firing Line Forum? There will be many over there that would know a good technique. Do you have a dremel tool with a rounded point grinder attachment you could use something like that to weaken the rivet?

 

[General Geoff]

I had to remove mine to install that same replacement piece you're looking at, and I had to drill out the rivets. Long as you use the right size bit, it's really simple.

 

[lipadj46]

Or you could use a proper tool like a drill

 

[Retro]

oh darn it... my friend borrowed my drill last week... I will try pliers again tonight after I ate dinner... too hungry right now and have no strength to squeeze anymore...

 

[LemmyCaution]

1/4" Drill bit from the inside of the stock.

Use oil and the lowest speed setting on the drill.

Drill lightly, and only enough to remove the swaged flare of the rivet, then tap the rivet out with and punch and mallet.

Clamp the stock in a vise, if you have one (pad the jaws of the vise).

 

[lencac]

Lemmy is right. Just do it as he describes. It's really too easy. I like the replacement part though. When I removed my sling swivel they didn't have such fancy chit. I removed mine and cut off the sling swivel part and kept the base proper and remounted it so I could install the mount attachment for my Harris bi-pod or the sling. Did that mod about 15 years ago and never had a bit of problem.
Maybe with the rail from Midway you could mount a flood light or a mini howetzer or something. Perhaps even a sign that says "smile for the flash"