Bent/Stuck Firing Pin Retaining Pin?

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Grapeshot

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So I picked up an AR15 upper on the EE, which arrived today. Went to clean and relube the BCG, and the FPRP wouldn't budge. Took a look from the back of the BCG and this is what I saw:

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Tried rotating it 90 degrees to get it unstuck from the firing pin. It backed out about 2mm:

10407453_10154945082475422_4678987748383418020_n.jpg


First of all, how does this even happen? Second, how can I remove it without damaging the BC?
 
Grapeshot said:
First of all, how does this even happen? Second, how can I remove it without damaging the BC?
Click to expand...

Seeing that half of the retaining pin is perfectly straight and the other half bent right around the FP, it was bent that way on purpose by the owner.

You'll need a thin, but stiff enough tool to bend it back. Or a pair of long nose pliers, a good grip and yank that b%$@h out.

Looking at the tooling marks on the BC, I don't think you'll mark it more than it already is! IF anything, you replace the FP.

What has the previous owner told you?
 
Haven't heard back from the seller yet. I'm probably not going to try anything that could mar the finish or damage anything until I hear back.

I have tried needle nose pliers. It's jammed in there very tightly so the pliers slip before the pin moves. I could try levering it out, but like I said I don't want to screw anything up more than it already is before I hear back from him.
 
BenL said:
Seeing that half of the retaining pin is perfectly straight and the other half bent right around the FP, it was bent that way on purpose by the owner.

You'll need a thin, but stiff enough tool to bend it back. Or a pair of long nose pliers, a good grip and yank that b%$@h out.

Looking at the tooling marks on the BC, I don't think you'll mark it more than it already is! IF anything, you replace the FP.

What has the previous owner told you?
Click to expand...

Also, why would the firing pin need to be replaced?
 
Jam a fine pointed punch or nail into the pin loop on the outside of the bolt carrier and pry it out.

Putting a scratch or two into the bolt carrier there won't cause any problems.
 
use the previously punch method to get it started, after that if its too stiff; a pair of side cutter will pull it out. squeeze the loop with the end of the cutters then push the handle towards the bolt carrier, it shouldnt scratch it.
 
Side Snips. Don't cut it, but enough force it bites and pry up as long as you don't use too much force, it comes out. How I remove cotter pins on suspension parts. Even bent ones will straighten .
 
I have seen this a few times, usually involves a private and a 5lb hammer.

Thread some lock wire through the pin and clamp the tails in a vice, rapidly move the BCG away from the vice and watch the tooth/pin get pulled without scratching the hell out of the carrier.
Wear safety glasses.
 
Don't go to the hardware store to get your replacement.
It won't last more than a hundred rounds if you're lucky.
The cotter pins are hardened.
I believe arms east stocks them
 
There was an issue with the retaining pin hole being in the wrong place IIRC. If the hole is in the wrong place its not practically repairable. Get someone to accurately measure the hole position and compare that position to a BCG that is known to be correct. Good luck.
 
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