I just got a new California compliant M&P 15-T, but live in Florida, where the standard ARs' are fine to own. The price was so good, that for a $10 mag and $10 in mag release parts, it was too good of deal to pass up. The only difference the CA models have from the standard ARs' is they have a 10 round Magpul mag, as opposed to a 30 round Magpul mag, and they have the bullet button mag release, as opposed to the standard AR mag release.

I've seen several videos and posts about removing the CA bullet button. I decided to try the .22 LR casing filed down to two tabs to catch the mag button, for unscrewing it. I first tried using a soldering iron to heat the button. My 140 watt soldering iron tip turned red hot, but the button would not budge, as the iron did not transmit much heat to the button. After many minutes, the area only got slightly hot. I did hold the receiver with the button down, so the heat would rise up into the button and shaft.

Next I tried a butane lighter, the same way. It made the button, mag catch, and inner receiver very hot, but the button still would not budge and I finally ended up twisting the tabs off the .22 brass casing. I was trying to save the mag catch. I gave up, pushed the mag catch as far out as I could, locked it in place. Taped all the openings up, and ground the mag catch off. That allowed the shaft to slide out and all the CA compliant parts came out with the shaft.

When I got the shaft out, with the mag button still attached, I clamped the shaft in a vice, and attempted to unscrew the mag button by clamping on to it with pliers. Even though I had it heated earlier with the lighter, it would not move. Had I purchased the mag button removal tool, I would have twisted the tabs off that tool (aluminum). Any one else had similar problems removing the mag button? I am sure that S&W used a very strong thread locker, so the button will not work out, as there is nothing else to keep the button from walking itself out, with time. It does not lock in place, like a standard AR release.

Anyhow my task was completed, The CA bullet button removed and a standard AR release was easily installed, in its place

Bob

California is ridiculous. Not withstanding, congratulations on your purchase and good on ya for returning it to a properly functioning rifle.

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686/M&P9 Pro/M&P15X/M&P15-22

wow! that sounded like alot of work. replaced mine w/ a raddlock & came out w/ a bbt in seconds. but i guess all that work was worth it. no more bullet button for you... congrats!

S&W uses LockTite to secure the BB. However, a squirt of Kroil will disolve it overnight and they come right off.

I used a pair of fine-tipped needle nose pliers to unscrew the bullet button out of my late-2011 manufactured Sport. I didn't even have to apply heat to it. Total time for removal and installation of standard mag release was less than five minutes.

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- Bill

I had to drill mine out to install the Rad lock. No amount of direct heat would break the Locktite

Well, either S&W forgot to put Loctite on my M&P-15T, or someone put Kroil on it because my BB keeps coming loose and I have to tighten it all the time.

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M&P15T, HK pistols