I got to shoot my new 16" dpms upper yesterday.  I fired a total of 80 rounds of S.A. ammo with zero malfunctions and it shot fairly accuratly too.  When I took the carrier apart last night however the split pin for the firing pin was bent in the middle.  I took some pliers and bent it back (was really easy to bend).  Do these pins bend in short uppers due to higher bolt carrier velocity or does it sound like I got a super soft pin?  My 20" uppers never do this..

Thanks!

It sounds like a soft firing pin retaining pin to me. They should have some temper to them and not bend easily. I have a 16" RRA that does not bend the pin.

There are 2 firing pin diameters when measured at the collar. The M16 FP collar measures 0.375 inches and the AR15 FP collar measures 0.325 inches. You may have the larger M16 firing pin in your upper. If so this could cause the retaining pin to be bent. JarheadGunner.

I can just about bend the pin with my bare hands. I suspect its not tempered.  I am going to get a couple spares at the next fun show.  Heck I need to get one of those "oh shit" kits with spare pins,extractor,springs etc.

thanks guys!

i too will go along wyth the soft pin crowd, if you ever tried to bend one, it is IMPOSSIBLE wyth bare hands !!!!!!!

was that upper absolutely positively NEW ???