Firing Pin Retaining Pin on M&P15

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kbm6893

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I was cleaning mine today. I'd like to get a couple of firing pin retaining pins for the bolt. Also, the pin that holds the extractor in was a real pain to get back in. Without the extractor in the pin slid right through the hole. I was pressing down firmly on extractor so I don't see how that was the problem. The pin goes in the same from either side, correct? I've owned a bunch of AR's over the years and don't recall it being such a pain. I'd like to get a few more of those pins, as well. I'm not looking to buy a whole kit full of springs that I'm never gonna use, if I can avoid it.
 
Usually pressing down on extractor tail (above the spring) helps
the extractor holes to line up with bolt holes...and the pin goes
right in.

Cheapest way to get a few replacement bits is probably going to
be a lower parts kit. They're down around $30-40 nowadays,
maybe less.
 
Brownell's has the individual pins you want. Grab a couple of each & maybe an extra firing pin also to make the shipping worth while.
Those parts do not need to be S&W brand.
Always good to have a couple spares of the little things that can get dropped or damaged.
 
Colt doesn't make the pin used for firing pin retention. It is however, of different specs from the similar cotter pins you buy at the local hardware store. Virtually any source that provides the AR firing pin retainer will do. There are also the original solid pins mentioned above available from various sources.
 
Last edited:
WR Moore said:
Colt doesn't make the pin used for firing pin retention. It is however, of different specs from the similar cotter pins you buy at the local hardware store. Virtually any source that provides the AR firing pin retainer will do. There are also the original solid pins mentioned above available from various sources.
Click to expand...
None of the factory retention pins are "cotter" pins. Don't know who makes them for Colt but I do know they are superior to any other manufacturer in my experience. Who makes them for Colt?
 
Dunno who makes them for anyone,. Colt obviously found them somewhere when they decided the original design pin was too costly. NO ONE makes all the parts for any AR type firearm.

There are any number of small parts manufacturers out there making various small parts for others. Like gas rings, E clips, C clips, cotter pins, roll pins, etc.

BTW, "cotter pin" is the term of the design of a split type pin with a loop at one end and two legs together like a post. Some one may label it a "firing pin retainer", but visually, it's a cotter pin. Maybe of a specific material, length, hardness and finish, but still a cotter pin.
 
Last edited:
jimbo728 said:
It takes enough punishment that the engineers at S&W decided to heat treat them.
Jim
Click to expand...

It needs to be stiff enough to resist bending, from
bolt carrier running back and forth. Aside from
that, and dimensions, it's a simple part--no
overthinking needed.
 
Thanks. I ordered some retaining pins, firing pins, and a few other parts from Midway. Taking a while to get here but I’m not going anywhere.
 
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