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5/20/2026 11:49:25 PM EDT
Really stuck. I just opened the bag of a fn socom barrel that I've owned three or four years now and I can't for the life of me move these pins. I have deformed my midwest sight block beating on this thing. I put it on my anvil even. Yes Im driving or attempting to drive them the correct way as I have confirmed that by measuring them with calipers. Ive let clp and pb blaster sin on it. I guess I could try heating the fob? The plastic block is already trashed but don't want to get the barrel all plasticy. But if that's my last option I'll do it.
Thoughts?
5/21/2026 12:02:24 AM EDT
[#1]
Originally Posted By neight:
Really stuck. I just opened the bag of a fn socom barrel that I've owned three or four years now and I can't for the life of me move these pins. I have deformed my midwest sight block beating on this thing. I put it on my anvil even. Yes Im driving or attempting to drive them the correct way as I have confirmed that by measuring them with calipers. Ive let clp and pb blaster sin on it. I guess I could try heating the fob? The plastic block is already trashed but don't want to get the barrel all plasticy. But if that's my last option I'll do it.
Thoughts?
View Quote
Drill and Dremel.
All men are created equal. All guns are not.
5/21/2026 12:04:47 AM EDT
[#2]
I want to put it back on.
5/21/2026 12:12:49 AM EDT
[#3]
What are you using to hit the pins with? You likely need a larger (heavier) hammer, a better punch, or hit it harder.
5/21/2026 12:26:06 AM EDT
[#4]
Yeah I’m going to pick up a convex punch tomorrow. Was swinging a 3# smithy on it.
I deformed the block and kinda boogered up the fsb. Going in a RIS3 though. But that’s when I put more pb on it and walked away for the evening. It feels like the MI block is bouncing.
5/21/2026 12:31:49 AM EDT
[#5]
Soaking it in anything isn't going to help. You need to hit the pin HARD. The soft block is likely absorbing much of the force as well, so I would recommend finding a more solid surface.

When I remove FSB pins, I always start with a flat head punch that is slightly larger than the pin head, just to knock the pin loose. Then, I use a punch with a smaller diameter to drive the pin out.

I occasionally come across a very, very stubborn FSB pin, and the only solution is to HIT IT HARDER.
5/21/2026 2:14:19 AM EDT
[#6]
Are you doing heavy swings? You should have it out with one or two of them. Don't try to tap it like a roll pin
5/21/2026 3:08:43 AM EDT
[#7]
We need a hydraulic FSB pin remover.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
5/21/2026 6:47:33 AM EDT
[Last Edit: raverill][Edited] [#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:
We need a hydraulic FSB pin remover.
View Quote


The harbor freight press is great for pushing out gas block pins on AKs

OP try putting the upper in freezer for 12 hours and then using a drift, it’s tapered so it doesn’t get bent to shit after one strike
Attached File


The AK route uses the harbor freight press and these  tools from Robert Forbus

Attached File
Attached File
5/21/2026 10:17:37 AM EDT
[#9]
Oak blocks on concrete, a section of 5/8" brass round, and a BFH.

I haven't lost a battle yet. They need "shocked" loose and the brass transmits that initial force well.
5/21/2026 10:43:10 AM EDT
[#10]
When/if you give up, feel free to send it to me, and I'll remove it for free (you'd just need to cover the shipping costs).  If you are interested message or email me and we'll work out the logistics.

John Thomas
Retro Arms Works

5/21/2026 10:54:00 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By jntmjt1:
When/if you give up, feel free to send it to me, and I'll remove it for free (you'd just need to cover the shipping costs).  If you are interested message or email me and we'll work out the logistics.

John Thomas
Retro Arms Works

View Quote

Solid.
5/21/2026 11:06:03 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Originally Posted By jntmjt1:
When/if you give up, feel free to send it to me, and I'll remove it for free (you'd just need to cover the shipping costs).  If you are interested message or email me and we'll work out the logistics.

John Thomas
Retro Arms Works

View Quote

This is why he gets my business.
5/21/2026 11:30:10 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By jntmjt1:
When/if you give up, feel free to send it to me, and I'll remove it for free (you'd just need to cover the shipping costs).  If you are interested message or email me and we'll work out the logistics.

John Thomas
Retro Arms Works

View Quote


You sir are a great American, a gentleman and a scholar. I will be messaging you shortly. I don’t mind paying you for your time one bit either. Also wondering if I can send my socom four prong for you to prep it for a pin and weld?
5/21/2026 12:26:04 PM EDT
[Last Edit: jntmjt1][Edited] [#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By neight:

... Also wondering if I can send my socom four prong for you to prep it for a pin and weld?
View Quote


I can do that, it might be best just to have me pin/weld it.  The cost probably wouldn't be that much more than just "prepping" it, by the time you ship the parts.

JT
5/21/2026 2:06:51 PM EDT
[Last Edit: nvcdl][Edited] [#15]
I've moved stuck pins by placing a small ball peen hammer on them and then hitting it with a larger ball peen hammer.
5/21/2026 2:32:12 PM EDT
[#16]
Im honestly thinking about putting a drift in my palm nailer and putting that to it.
Or just sending it to RAW.
5/21/2026 3:10:27 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By neight:
Im honestly thinking about putting a drift in my palm nailer and putting that to it.
Or just sending it to RAW.
View Quote

Highly suggest.
5/21/2026 4:37:56 PM EDT
[Last Edit: neight][Edited] [#18]
Yeahuuuhhhh.
Must be this Georgia sun.
Soon as I sat down and ate I realized how dumb that palm nailer idea would be. Lol.
5/21/2026 6:32:42 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Originally Posted By jntmjt1:
When/if you give up, feel free to send it to me, and I'll remove it for free (you'd just need to cover the shipping costs).  If you are interested message or email me and we'll work out the logistics.

John Thomas
Retro Arms Works
View Quote

Well done, Sir!  This place can still amaze me, sometimes… 🍻
OK, see you later, Redcoat…
5/26/2026 12:03:28 AM EDT
[#20]
I use the corner of a 5" bench vise to press the pins out. Prior to that I was beating the pins so much they were starting to mushroom. Took all the drama out using the vise. Press the pins back in with the vise too.
5/28/2026 9:54:48 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Blowout:
I use the corner of a 5" bench vise to press the pins out. Prior to that I was beating the pins so much they were starting to mushroom. Took all the drama out using the vise. Press the pins back in with the vise too.
View Quote


I’m sending this one to JT but I’m curios what that set up looks like. Could you post some pics of how you’re doing that?
7/27/2026 11:44:47 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TGWLDR:
Oak blocks on concrete, a section of 5/8" brass round, and a BFH.

I haven't lost a battle yet. They need "shocked" loose and the brass transmits that initial force well.
View Quote


Exactly this.  Concrete, hard wood, ~8" long THICC brass rod and a FIRM strike with a ~3lb mini sledge.

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