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11/29/2010 8:29:34 PM EDT
Cleaning my SCAR for the first time. I'm having trouble removing the piston. As per instructions, I've removed the gas plug and attempting to remove the piston. Manual says to use the cleaning rod with a brush attached and softly hammer the piston out towards the muzzle end. I gave it about 4 firm but soft taps and it refused to budge. Is it difficult to remove the first time, do I need to hit it harder, or am I missing something in the instructions? I'm hesitant to go further without some command guidance lest I screw up this beautiful beast.
Thanks.
11/29/2010 9:01:54 PM EDT
[#1]
Not difficult.  Just make sure the cleaning brush is centered over the piston, the standard cleaning rod is to thick to pass through the piston block so it is important to have the brush attached to the rod.  Kind of frustrating the first time, but it gets easier once you do it a couple times.  If you do it right, you don't have to put too much pressure.  More than likely you are tapping against the piston block, not the piston.  Don't worry, you won't damage the piston, it's pretty hefty.  Just make sure you DO NOT LUBE the piston when you put it back, as per instructions.  Good luck!
11/30/2010 2:20:52 AM EDT
[#2]
Try using a smaller brush or an old brush you don't need anymore. the piston tube is SMALL. What I ended up doing was use a .223 plastic patch loop and cut the tip off.
The USGI official super secret squirrel method of removing the piston is to use the super secret squirrel piston remover tool, attach it to the moving parts group forward section, and re-install the parts group (as if you were done cleaning the rifle) to push the piston out.
11/30/2010 8:42:48 AM EDT
[#3]
Thanks for the info. I'll give it a try when I get home.
11/30/2010 8:47:59 AM EDT
[#4]
as others have said, the rear of the piston that hits the op rod is very small, .22 cal cleaning rod without a brush, or the cleaning patch head should be fine.. Also, unless it's insanely dirty, there is no hammering needed to remove your piston
11/30/2010 9:15:10 AM EDT
[#5]
I used foaming bore cleaner to clean the piston, plug, and tube. It came from FNH being test fired, so there was copper residue on the piston head. The foaming bore cleaner took care of it all very easily.
11/30/2010 10:43:10 AM EDT
[#6]
A simple magnet will pull the piston right out. Find a round magnet at your local auto parts store. It pulls the piston righ out.
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