Adding QD Sling Swivels to my 1st Gen

[shawnr5]

After adding an AFG, Hogue grip, Magpul MOE stock and MBUS to my 1st Gen and sending my barre out to get threaded so I could install a Smith Vortex flash hider, I needed to install QD mounts for sling swivels. I ordered a set of Uncle Mike's 1011-2 QD Sling swivels and they came in Friday. I borrowed my brother's MOE Edition so I could match the location and got to work this morning.
Here are the swivels and mounts that I used

Here's my rifle and 'lil brother's rifle before I started:

And both, showing the difference between MOE and 1st Gen

Here's my lower before I drilled the 1/2" hole for the mounts

And after drilling

Here's mine with the swivel glued in with JB Weld (On the right)

And both after I finished

]

The installation was simple and it took me longer to find my 1/2" brad point drill bit than it did to complete everything else. The biggest difference between the MOE and Uncle Mike's Swivel mounts is that the Uncle Mike's are black and the MOE are closer to phosphate. The MOE swivel snaps in to the Uncle Mike's mounts and vice versa.


My brother's rifle is brand new and hadn't even been cleaned yet. When I cleaned it so we can go out shooting tomorrow morning, The Winchester "Break Free Powder Blast Gun Cleaner" completely dissolved the blue paint on the springs.

 

[~tc~]

Great pix. Will be doing this to mine.

Where did you get the mounts and how much?

 

[joeface]

Nice work, very clean.

 

[shawnr5]

I got mine from Amazon for $21.48, shipped. I had some credit there to burn.
Amazon.com: Uncle Mikes 1" Quick Detach Push Button Sling Swivels Md: 10112 .:…
Brownell's has them for $20.95 + shipping
MICHAELS OF OREGON : UNCLE MIKE'S QD 100 SLING SWIVEL - World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools
Midway has them for $15.99 + shipping
Uncle Mike's Push Button Quick Detachable Sling Swivels with Bases - MidwayUSA
There are also a few available on ebay starting at about $13.00 + shipping.
uncle mike's 1011-2 items - Get great deals on Sporting Goods items on eBay.com!

Thanks, Joeface. I have to trim away a little of the gray JB Weld from around the cup on the other side, but only just a little bit. It's a easy installation and probably justifies buying a new drill bit so you're sure it's sharp.

 

[M4J0R T0M]

Thats awesome, takes some balls to drill a 1/2" hole in your new rifle. Did you drill the hole all the way through? Did you put swivels on both sides?

Where did you get the drill bit, can you post a link to what it looks like?

 

[shawnr5]

Thats awesome, takes some balls to drill a 1/2" hole in your new rifle. Did you drill the hole all the way through? Did you put swivels on both sides?

Where did you get the drill bit, can you post a link to what it looks like?

I drilled a #44 (from my Pinewood Derby toolkit) hole all the way through so I would have both holes centered. I drilled in from each side with the 1/2" bit and test fitted until the top of the cup was in line with the highest point of the receiver. I installed the mounts on both sides, just like the MOE edition has. The Uncle Mike's set comes with two swivels, giving me one more than the MOE.

The Drill bit is a 1/2" brad point and I probably got it at Lowe's, Home Depot or True Value. They should be available anywhere. I would stay clear of a normal drill bit, the 'V' shaped point will take out excess material where it doesn't need to be removed. Here is what my drill bit looks like:

My wife had to ask me why I had a drill bit on the stove. You'd think that after 19 years, things like this wouldn't faze her.

 

[~tc~]

Forstner bits also drill flat bottom holes.

 

[shawnr5]

Forstner bits also drill flat bottom holes.

Nice clean ones, at that. The brad point bit was the first one I found. If I were to do it again, I'd probably take a smaller bit and drill some dimples in the side of the holes so that there was more for the JB Weld to grab on to.

 

[dakewlndn]

Well thats gonna be my next mod
Jus when ur almost close to finishing a gun lol
I needa stay off these boards hehehehe

 

[Ladyfox]

Nicely done but I think doing something like that would void the warranty wouldn't it?

 

[shawnr5]

I bought the gun from someone else. Smith & Wesson offer a lifetime warranty, but only to the original purchaser. I'm not sure what they would say about the modifications.

 

[~tc~]

Technically, per the Magnuson-Moss act, they would have to prove that the modification actually caused the failure - it's not cause for flat out rejection of your warranty claim.

 

[shawnr5]

Sure, but they still only warrant their products to the original purchaser. Mine is a 1st gen , but runs well. When they make parts available, I'll order the blue springs. Until then, I'll replace the trigger and hammer springs with the JP Reduced Power set and do whatever else I see fit.

 

[Tack Driver]

Very, very nice, Shawn. I was hoping someone would man up and drill into one already. It wasn't going to be me.

I have been running zip ties for my Magpul MS2 sling, with the rear getting a work out running single point in a couple carbine classes. Has held up fine, but it no where near tacticool enough for me. I have a rep to maintain, ya' know.

Thanks, it is on the "to-do" list.

 

[FIDDY3]

Just curious how this is holding up and if anyone has anymore pics of the finished install with their sling attached.


Thanks
Fiddy

 

[ipittythefoo]

I drilled my lower today. How does the JB weld hold up?

 

[shawnr5]

I drilled my lower today. How does the JB weld hold up?

7 years later, mine are still rock solid. My brother has lost at least one of his from his MOE edition.

 

[bamashooter]

Nice work and appreciate the old pics. Almost 7 yrs to the day.

 

[shawnr5]

Thank you. I noticed the date when I looked the thread up. It's been a great gun and has been through more changes than anything else I've ever had. Gotta be my favorite.