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AR15 bolt catch removal
Posted: Thu May 30, 2024 5:11 pm
by 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
Re: AR15 bolt catch removal
Posted: Fri May 31, 2024 8:38 am
by 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.
Re: AR15 bolt catch removal
Posted: Fri May 31, 2024 10:13 am
by 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.
Re: AR15 bolt catch removal
Posted: Fri May 31, 2024 4:45 pm
by 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
Re: AR15 bolt catch removal
Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2024 2:55 pm
by 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