Installing an Ambi Safety

[Warrior6572]

Currently, I am a Certified NRA Firearms instructor and have owned over 31 different firearms of which 3 have been AR-15s. I have replaced quite a few parts on my previous 2 ARs, including installing an ambi safety on one about 3 years ago. Had no problem at all. Now to my current problem. My current AR is an M&P Tactical.

I am at a total loss to figure out how to remove the existing safety on my current AR and install an ambi. I have removed the grip, along with the spring and detent and the weapon is cocked. However, the safety will not come out of the receiver. I even tried to use a punch to "force" it out and it only moved out about an eighth of an inch. I know that under the disassembly actions that I have described, the safety simply should have fallen out of the receiver, but no go.

Can anyone help?

[armorer951]

Welcome......

I'm not familiar with that particular model's lower receiver, but if the trigger is adjustable, you may have to remove the internals. (hammer/trigger)

[Warrior6572]

Thanks, Armorer951, never thought of your suggestion, and you are correct, I replaced the OEM trigger with a Trigger Tech drop-in model.

Warrior6572

[Warrior6572]

Well, Armorer951, you were correct. Once I removed the trigger and hammer pins so that the trigger could move around in the receiver, I then wiggled the trigger and the safety around, I was then able to successfully remove the safety and replaced it with the new ambi.

Thank you very much.

Warrior6572

[armorer951]

You're welcome.....glad you got it sorted out.

Carter