ARMS 18 Bolt Problems

[macsailer]

Hey everyone.

I just pulled my M14 out to checker out, pulled back the oprod, and gently let it slam home. When I did this, the hex bolt head sheared off the bolt on the left hand side of the gun, which holds the scope mount on.

What are my options for removal of the bolt. Right now, it is loctited (blue) in there, and I have tried using a small punch and trying to spin it, but without any luck.

Thanks in advance!

 

[powmia56]

Sears sells stud extractors that are similar to a reverse drill bit. When you put them into a slow speed drill and drill the heads, they cut a hole into the end of the stud and simultaneously turn the stud leftwards in order to back it out.

BTW, what exactly do you mean by "gently let it slam home"? You never want to gently do anything with the op rod. Pull it back and let er fly. If you walk it forward with your fingers the bolt will frequently not lock in all the way, causing you problems.

 

[45ACPKING]

sounds like the bolt was installed too tight and the oprod just helped to brake the crack that must have already been in the bolt.

incidentally, I tighten my ARMS 18 with the end of the m14 combo tool that comes with the rifle. It is a box wrench end that fits the bolt perfect. I then use the rifles weight and moderate pressure to tighten the bolt. I never use locktite and have never shaken the mount loose. I frequently dump 300 to 400 rounds down range with this rifle and the mount was installed a little over 2000 rounds ago.

 

[WWIII]

Get a broken bolt remover set from sears or crappy tire. Center punch the broken bolt. Drill a small pilot hole in the bolt then increase the hole size with a larger bit until about 2/3 diameter of the bolt is drilled out. Tap in your broken bolt remover and remove the broken bolt. Because of the hardness of these bolts you will need good quality HSS drill bits.