So, I just received my Smith and Wesson M&P15 Sport 2 today and I noticed that the safety is extremely stiff. It's to the point that it's difficult to switch to fire with my thumb and impossible to put back on with my thumb. I actually have to use my left hand to switch it to safe and even then its pretty hard. Any way I can fix this? Would an after market one solve the problem? I'd rather invest my money on other upgrades, but right now the safety is pretty much useless as it is.
Stiff AR15 Safety
- Thread starter DES0LAT0R
- Start date
Loosen the grip screw and see if that helps. 1 of 2 possible issues.
1: the grip screw is binding on the safety selector itself.
2: the spring that holds the detent against the selector is too long.
In either case, loosen the grip screw first but don’t move the grip. This will tell if it’s the screw. If the issue persists after you’ve loosened the grip screw, then pull the grip slightly down to relive tension on the detent.
If the problem still persists remove the grip, spring and detent entirely to see if it’s just a very tight fit although I doubt this would be the case.
Do those two things and report back.
1: the grip screw is binding on the safety selector itself.
2: the spring that holds the detent against the selector is too long.
In either case, loosen the grip screw first but don’t move the grip. This will tell if it’s the screw. If the issue persists after you’ve loosened the grip screw, then pull the grip slightly down to relive tension on the detent.
If the problem still persists remove the grip, spring and detent entirely to see if it’s just a very tight fit although I doubt this would be the case.
Do those two things and report back.
RangerPark
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Near Edmonton, AB
Safety plunger detent is under the grip. If you're familiar with it, remove the grip, being careful not to lose the spring or plunger, and see if the safety will turn freely. Inspect the plunger and spring for burr, same for the safety lever.
Just throwing out something that some newbies don't know about. The safety can only be engaged when the hammer is cocked.
If that's not the problem take it to a gunsmith or someone who know's AR's very well (has built a couple), or exchange it for a new one at the retailer you bought it from. If it's brand new you shouldn't have to fix it yourself.
By forcing it as you've done you may have damaged something already. I would have it inspected by a competent gunsmith.
Sorry, but putting that much force on it was not smart, you should never have to force things like that on any firearm.
If that's not the problem take it to a gunsmith or someone who know's AR's very well (has built a couple), or exchange it for a new one at the retailer you bought it from. If it's brand new you shouldn't have to fix it yourself.
By forcing it as you've done you may have damaged something already. I would have it inspected by a competent gunsmith.
Sorry, but putting that much force on it was not smart, you should never have to force things like that on any firearm.
Thanks for the advice everyone. I also called the gun shop I bought it from. They suggested the same thing to take the grip off and take a look at it. I am new to ARs, but I checked it out on youtube and it's fairly straight forward. My other firearms did have a bit of a break in period with a few stiff parts, so I didn't see it as being an issue. I only flipped in on and off a few times and figured something wasn't right. I'm going to give it a go after work tonight, hopefully that solves the problem.
Remember the safety can only be moved with the hammer down and ready to fire. Im not sure if you know or not. If you cant move it, I was thinking maybe you didn't have the hammer down.
CR5 beat me to this tidbit I see.
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canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
I had a tight safety on one AR and just clipped two or three coils off the detent spring. Problem solved.
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Double post
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Ok, so I took off the pistol grip and removed the spring and detent. The safety moves smoothly alone. When I put it all back together, it's tight again. So I backed off the pistol grip until rit ran a lot smoother. I measured the gap between the receiver and the pistol grip and it's about 2mm. So it would seem like the spring is a little too long. My question now is, is it better to cut the spring or to use a drill bit to make the hole on the grip a little bit deeper?
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Dude. Snip the spring by two coils and be done. Don't drill anything!
thegrandpoohbah
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Terrace, BC
The spring is cheaper to replace than the grip if you screw up.
could you post some pictures of the detent and the selector? with the grip lose the selector should just slide out. instead of cutting springs that could possibly make the switch feel sloppy once it does finally wear in, it could be that the detent is a bit too "sharp" and giving a bit too much engagement in the recess. a little rounding off with some sandpaper might be an alternative to cutting.
