AR15 bolt catch removal

[Racalman]

I want to remove the bolt catch on my American Spirit AR15. I have a set of gunsmithing punches and the appropriate hammer but the roll pin won't budge.

Does it matter which way you knock it out?

Mike

[Mattnall]

No, it should go either way.
I find it easier to remove towards the rear and use some packing to protect the receiver from scratches.

[YattonShooter]

The bolt release tool from Brownells is a pin punch flattened on one side, which makes it easier to remove the pin.
If you can flatten one side of your pin punch, it will definitely help.

[Racalman]

Thanks guys. I think what I need is a roll pin punch to locate it better but I have several plain punches so I can try flattening one.

Mike

[Racalman]

I finally got around to completing this job, which was to fit an extended bolt release catch. I bought a quality roll pin punch made by Tekton on Amazon (with free shipping from the USA ).

I removed the butt stock and knocked the pin out towards the magazine well. I was planning to replace it with a new pin provided in the kit, but a ridge on the receiver prevented it from coming all the way out.

Not an essential modification, but a friend sold me the catch for next to nothing so I thought I'd fit it anyway.

Mike