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12/29/2008 5:48:53 PM EDT
I feel stupid posting this, but hey, I'm a rookie with this gun!!  

My M11 has been sitting in the safe unfired for the last couple years, but I finally got her out last weekend and had a lot of fun shooting it!!  So much that I'm now looking at ordering a Lage upper and a few other goodies for it!! Just need to come up with the money, lol...

That being said it's been a while since I field stripped it, and I must admit that I am somewhat of a rookie at doing so, so I looked up on the internet how to do it and everything was going smoothly, until the firing pin retainer just fell out along with the firing pin right after.  When putting it back together it appears ok, but I want to make sure that here is nothing that goes through the hole on the other side of the retainer (IE like a clip or something in a ar15 firing pin to hold it it) to keep it in place... I don't recall this coming apart this easy upon stripping it.  

When putting it back in it appears as though putting it back in the upper will hold the retainer in place, but again, I prefer to make sure!!  

Also upon inspecting my buffer it appears in decent shape, is there a certain way to test that it is in acceptable condition?

Thanks in advance!!



12/29/2008 6:45:31 PM EDT
[#1]
no clip .. just slide the fixed firing pin in the right way (not upside down) and drop the pin into place
12/29/2008 6:49:19 PM EDT
[#2]
You are correct,  sliding it into the upper will hold it in place.  From what I can see, the buffer looks to be ok.  If concerned,  you could always pick up a few spares.

Also, I have found www.mac-11.net to be a good resource.


12/29/2008 6:49:34 PM EDT
[#3]
Welcome to the world of SWD M11/9's, built to the highest standards set by trolls living under bridges everywhere!

First, there is no need to remove the firing pin and FP retaining pin during routine cleaning –– the FP is fixed, therefore there is no way any buildup from firing can affect its function. It only needs to be removed if/when it needs replacement. Yes, the retaining crosspin does loosen up during use, but the receiver keeps it from drifting out. There is no retaining clip. Put it back together and don't worry about it.

Your buffer does look pretty trashed, which can damage your lower receiver. I'd suggest you replace it.
12/29/2008 7:55:20 PM EDT
[#4]
When in doubt, replace the buffer.  They're cheap relative to the cost of the receiver.
12/29/2008 8:35:19 PM EDT
[#5]
Thanks for the replies, I knew this would be a good place to ask.  

Tony, when you say the firing pin is set, do you mean when it is in place with the retainer?  When I took the upper off and slid the bolt out the retaining pin fell out just from tilting the gun, then of course the firing pin dropped out.  Just want to make sure I understand this correctly (forgive me, I'm used to working on more refined weapons, lol).  

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement buffer (a good one, not a '86 one )... and on top of that, instructions on how to replace?  I like step-by-step tutorials with LOTS of pictures (HAHA).  

Again, thanks for the help!!  I had so much fun shooting this in F/A that I want to make sure I keep it healthy and running good so I can repeat that natural high!!  
12/30/2008 4:59:18 AM EDT
[#6]
try Buffer Technologies
12/30/2008 7:58:24 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Thanks for the replies, I knew this would be a good place to ask.  

Tony, when you say the firing pin is set, do you mean when it is in place with the retainer?  When I took the upper off and slid the bolt out the retaining pin fell out just from tilting the gun, then of course the firing pin dropped out.  Just want to make sure I understand this correctly (forgive me, I'm used to working on more refined weapons, lol).

By saying it is "fixed" I mean the firing pin is not spring-loaded and driven against the primer by a hammer (since M11's do not have hammers). Instead, it is attached to the bolt in a stationary position, and the bolt's movement drives the firing pin against the primer.

When MAC-family open-bolt guns are new, the firing pin and retaining pin often fit tightly. As the gun is broken in, they loosen up, and it's common for the retaining pin to fall out when the bolt is removed from the receiver, and tilted.

In other words, don't worry. This is normal. Just don't lose the pieces.

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement buffer (a good one, not a '86 one )... and on top of that, instructions on how to replace?  I like step-by-step tutorials with LOTS of pictures (HAHA).  

Again, thanks for the help!!  I had so much fun shooting this in F/A that I want to make sure I keep it healthy and running good so I can repeat that natural high!!  


A big +1 for Buffer Technologies.
12/30/2008 8:22:46 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
First, there is no need to remove the firing pin and FP retaining pin during routine cleaning ... It only needs to be removed if/when it needs replacement.


You mean it doesn't just fall out when you pull the bolt?  I've got to be careful any time I remove my bolt so the retainer doesn't go bouncing off the floor and under the table.
12/30/2008 2:31:03 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Quoted:
First, there is no need to remove the firing pin and FP retaining pin during routine cleaning ... It only needs to be removed if/when it needs replacement.


You mean it doesn't just fall out when you pull the bolt?  I've got to be careful any time I remove my bolt so the retainer doesn't go bouncing off the floor and under the table.


I lost one (retainer) somewhere  here at home. Never did find it.  Luckily I had a replacement mounted in a semi-auto bolt, so I swiped it, put a drop of LOCTITE on the shaft, its not going anywhere, been 3-4 yr now.

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