[MemphisMachinists]

If I were the one deciding places to change on the Machining of an M1-a receiver, I would definitely make a radius groove in front of the forward boss of the bolt stop bosses. This would make it much easier to remove said pins. Making that hole stop before it goes all the way out seems like a bad idea to me. I get that it keeps the pin from falling out in the forward direction, but quality roll pins should also prevent this.

This may seem like a random thought, but it is not. GI3

 

[dist1646]

Same thing with the bolt release pin on an AR. I always thought, what is to stop the pin from coming out the other end? Now, where's that bang head emoticon!

 

[82nd ABN]

Memphis when I was taught how to build the rifle, I was shown a little trick to make it easier to remove the pin. What I do is compress half the pin. In other words I use a plier to compress the pin so half of the gap is gone. Then I use emory cloth and knock off the parkerizing on the opposite end. The tension from one end of the pin is enough to keep it in place and the other mods make it easier to remove them if needed. The bolt stop is one of the parts I always install new and use usgi. I take that back. I did install two SEI extended bolt stops. One is still working however I only have 40 rounds down that tube. The other one failed before I had a chance to fire the rifle. I sent the rifle to Derrick Martin for bedding and upon return the SEI extended bolt stop failed due to improper hardening. It got replaced with a new usgi bolt stop and because I made those two mods the pin came out with hardly any effort. In order to do it right, you need to sacrifice a small diameter punch by putting a bend in it. I still have the one I bent and suspect I'll only need to use it one more time to change that SEI when it fails.

 

[IRON WORKER]

I made the bosses slightly thicker around the pin hole on mine but didn't change exit hole any.I too like to squeeze one end so it just starts.They actually made a USGI tool offset .

[m14forum.com/.../9306-roll-pin-punch-size-bolt-lock-roll-pin-update-2.html

 

[82nd ABN]

Any chance you can try another link? That one goes to auto blank when copied and pasted

 

[IRON WORKER]

Tm link

Try this
http://m14forum.com/m14/9306-roll-pin-punch-size-bolt-lock-roll-pin-update-2.html

The drawing is on the site in an old post ,cant seem to find it right now.
Brownells sell the same type tool as USGI and labeled for AR15 .
Original USGI tool had main body of punch with offset tip 1/16' or so.
You could actually take a standard 3/32 punch and mill it in half would produce same punch.

I took a standard 1/16 roll pin punch and put a slight bend to use as a removal tool and use tape on sides of receiver to keep from marring.

 

[IRON WORKER]

Here it is thanks to J.H.

 

[IRON WORKER]

Brownells has the punch for AR15 with some slight mods it could be made to work as the USGI punch did.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...bly-tools/bolt-catch-pin-punch-prod26484.aspx