How to install the bolt guide into the bolt buffer?

[Anonymouslemming]

So having successfully and cleanly chopped the retainer off of my bolt guide, I'm now trying to install the bolt buffer onto it. It goes about 60% of the way in, but no further.


I see a small channel at 90 degress to the bar at the back where it fits into the buffer. Is it safe to use a screwdriver in this channel as a fix point them hammer the guide in, or is there a better way?


Thanks,

 

[JRD]

How did you get a bolt guide that wasn't part of an assembly with the plastic buffer? And chopping off a retainer?
The bolt guide is never meant to come out of the plastic buffer once installed at the factory.

 

[Anonymouslemming]

How did you get a bolt guide that wasn't part of an assembly with the plastic buffer? And chopping off a retainer?
The bolt guide is never meant to come out of the plastic buffer once installed at the factory.

Replacement bolt guides are sold without the buffer, at least in the UK - see Smith & Wesson M&P 15/22 Bolt Guide - www.emrr.org.uk


The retainer / shipping protector removal question is at Best saw / dremel blade to remove shipping protector on bolt guide?

 

[JRD]

Interesting. I'm surprised the factory would sell the bare guide without being installed in the plastic buffer and without the bridge removed.

The barbs on the inside of the back notch hold the guide in place in the buffer. You can just a press or vice of some kind to fully push the bolt guide onto the plastic buffer. Just be very careful not to crush or distort the metail guide rails.

 

[Anonymouslemming]

Interesting. I'm surprised the factory would sell the bare guide without being installed in the plastic buffer and without the bridge removed.

The barbs on the inside of the back notch hold the guide in place in the buffer. You can just a press or vice of some kind to fully push the bolt guide onto the plastic buffer. Just be very careful not to crush or distort the metail guide rails.

I'll give the vice a try if I can make that fit - thanks!


The guide is super soft, hence my worry about this step. But the buffer is also soft and easily marked, so I'm worried about crush pressure on that too.

 

[JRD]

I'm certain the factory is able to press them in without damage. Just don't push on the surfaces that the bolt rides on.