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Posted: 10/23/2005 1:33:39 PM EDT
Reinstalling the hardened cotter pin which traps the firing pin in the bolt carrier is the most difficult part of reassembling the AR. Are there any alternatives or tips on how to reinstall when the ends spread? How often should this part be replaced.
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I have straightened the pin a couple of different ways. One way is to insert into a bench vise and apply some pressure that straightens it. Another way is to take a small tack hammer and hit it a few times with it placed on a flat hard surface. I only replace them when they break. I have a couple of uppers with several thousand rounds and have yet to have to replace them. You can pick some up at the next fun show, they are not expensive and just keep them on hand. |
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Here's a trick I use to get it in without any trouble whatsoever. All you need is an allen wrench small enough to fit beside the firing pin. Insert the cotter pin until you get it just slightly past the OTHER side of the firing pin. Stop there and insert the allen wrench parallel to the firing pin and under the bottom of the cotter pin. Now just slowly push the pin in while pushing up on its bottom end with the allen wrench and it goes straight in. I know that it sounds complicated. Hell, if you read the above paragraph once you could get the pin in and out by my method twice. It really is that simple to execute and is second nature once you do it a few times. |
| Thank you for the tip. I was trying to do exactly that with a pair of small forceps. An allen key might be a better bet. Problem may have been the arms of the cotter pin had spread. I tried to straigten it in a vise, without success. I'll try the allen key tip the next time I clean my AR-15. |
I have several KNS solid pins too and I'm very satisfied with it. I use it on all three of my ARs. I got it from Denny's Global Tactical Supply. There should be more sellers selling them at the Equipment Exchange board of this site. It's slightly tight when installed the first few times but it gets a little looser after it has been in and out several times. Good luck. |
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