Trouble with M&P 15T take down pin

[Irish Envy]

I have to use a screw driver to push in my take down pins because they are that tight. Is that normal or is there a problem? Should I put oil or gun grease on the pins to help or will they just loosen up over time? Thanks in advance...

 

[smokinss]

Same here. Hopefully over time with use they will be smoother. They take way too much pressure to push through.

 

[AR-Getsome]

I use an AR takedown pin tool. I wouldn't use a screwdriver. They are cheap insurance against scratching up or ruining your pin.

 

[JaPes]

Irish Envy & Smokinss,

First and foremost, welcome aboard. Second, on a new rifle the hinge and pivot pins can be tight. Over time, they will wear in. Just keep a very thin film of lube on the pins and all will be well.

 

[Rastoff]

The pins will be a little tight on a new gun. Personally I don't see this as a bad thing.

Everything on an AR was designed to be operated with either no tools or a bullet. The take down pins can be started with the rim of a round like this:

Hold the round with one hand at a slight angle. Then, with the other thumb, press down on the cartridge rim. The pin will move about 3/16" which should give you enough purchase to pull it out from the other side.

If you attempt to push the pin with the tip of the bullet, you risk set back and ruining that round. The method I described can be done with a live or spent casing.

 

[Irish Envy]

Thanks everyone. I was using a screwdriver with electrical tape covering the end to avoid scratching the gun. I like the idea of using the end of a casing. Glad there is nothing wrong with the gun...that's the beauty of this forum. It helps newbies like me! Thanks again.

 

[SiGfever]

A retractable ballpoint pen not extended works well. Unless the holes are undersized be thankful that the fit on your rifle is that good.

 

[thecatch8]

Noveske EXTENDED Head Takedown/Pivot Pin Set w/ Noveske Logo

Kies Firearms Extended Takedown Pins-Melonite Finish

 

[apollolanding]

It will break in quickly

My 15T had very stiff takedown and pivot pins. After I stripped the weapon, removed factory lube and treated it with FrogLube along with working the pins several times, they pop out just fine 3 weeks later. Just the working of the pins in and out and lube did the trick.

 

[SmokeStack Lightning]

Grind the end of a golf tee flat.

I got three plastic ones from Dominos they used to hold the top of the box off the pie.

Both of my AR platform rifles were tight when new a year ago.

Now, all pins push out easily with a finger.

Move the upper around while pushing on the takedown pin.

 

[Kadonny]

I like the golf tee thing.....good idea. I just took a thin wooden dowel and carved it almost to a point and just use that. Same concept as the golf tee, only the tee is easier to do.

 

[Rastoff]

The whole concept behind the AR was that it could be worked on with no tools. This is why I try to find ways to do things without any special tools, even truncated golf tees.

 

[thecatch8]

The whole concept behind the AR was that it could be worked on with no tools. This is why I try to find ways to do things without any special tools, even truncated golf tees.

agreed.....that's why I installed extended takedown and pivot pins! Not a huge fan of fumbling through my range bag trying to find tools to take down my weapon.....but that's just me!

 

[Rastoff]

I was gonna let it ride, but I can't...

agreed.....that's why I installed extended takedown and pivot pins! Not a huge fan of fumbling through my range bag trying to find tools to take down my weapon.....but that's just me!

If you don't want to use any tools, then why the anti-rotation pins that need a Torx screwdriver and the bolt in the trigger guard that needs a hex?

 

[thecatch8]

I was gonna let it ride, but I can't...If you don't want to use any tools, then why the anti-rotation pins that need a Torx screwdriver and the bolt in the trigger guard that needs a hex?

Removing the trigger really isn't considered a field strip.......but whatever floats your boat! That was a good burn though

 

[Rastoff]

Removing the trigger really isn't considered a field strip.......but whatever floats your boat! That was a good burn though

Not really a "burn" per say, I just couldn't resist ribbin' ya a little.

Seriously, the AR was designed that you can do everything without any tools. The firing group can be removed with the tip of a bullet, the trigger guard can be opened with the tip of a bullet, the sights are adjusted with the tip of a bullet. Anything that needs a tool to replace means your gun is out of commission anyway.

It's one of the aspects of the AR that endears me to it. It's very much like the 1911 in that aspect.