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I disassembled the rifle this afternoon for the first time completly as specified on the ar15 front page. Everything looks in order. I had quite a bit of trouble getting the firing pin retaining pin back in the bolt carrier. As well getting the handguards off. Any suggestions to make this go easier?
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If you have trouble getting the firing pin retaining pin back in, you can try one of two things: 1) if the firing pin retaining pin is slightly bent, replace it, they are about .50 cents.
2) if the firing pin retaining pin is not the problem, the pin opening on the inside of the carrier may be tight, not fully tapered,or at a slight angle variation, do this: take a small allen key (L-shaped), when you have the firing pin retaining pin in as far as it will go, take the allen key, put the short end of the "L" into the open part of the bolt carrier where you can see the retaining pin, put it directly under the firing pin retaining pin, pull up on the allen key, and push in the firing pin retaining pin. works everytime for me. The problem is the ends of the pin don't match up with the holes on the other side of the carrier when it is pushed through, this helps align the retaining pin with the hole.
I use both tetra grease and oil (amazing stuff). I still use CLP break-free to clean my weapons(Army training just won't go away completely), but not lubricate.
Good luck with your new baby!