Trigger Guard Roll Pin

[HangEmHigh]

Can a trigger guard roll pin be inserted from either side of the lower? Or do the holes taper in one direction? The last one I installed seemed really tight and I cant remember which direction I inserted the prior ones from.

 

[hunter46spring]

either side

 

[fbirdquik6]

yup

 

[matt]

yeah, I was a little nervous doing my first one. I had to hit harder than I was comfortable with. Didn't look like it actually fit.

I would put the trigger gaurd in place and back the tab on the far side while beating on it so you don't break the tab off.

 

[fbirdquik6]

me too. I put down the hammer before i broke it and squezed it in with plyers wrapped in tape (to prevent scratching)

 

[Executive]

You can break the lower if you're not careful whn installng the trigger guard pin. (ask me how I know) Secure that lower and back up the opposite side of the pin hole before drifting that pin in.

Chris

 

[SemiAutoSam]

I wouldn't touch that pin with a hammer.

I use a pair of channel lock pliers and just slide it home like a virgin on prom night.

Believe me after doing it 20-30 times its a cake walk.

In my opinion if you use a hammer and drift punch you are liable to break off the ear on the receiver that the pin goes into.

 

[HangEmHigh]

Ive done a few before, but this one is stubborn. I am going to tape of the jaws of a pair of pliers as SemiAutoSam and fbirdquik6 suggested.

This was the first time I built a lower using a real set of drift pins. Makes a HUGE difference in my confidence level when whacking away with the hammer!

 

[Gammon]

I have found the best solution is to use a roll pin punch.

 

[vellnueve]

I just used a regular punch when installing on my three ARs. No issues. Except for the one I put in the wrong hole, which required me to cut off the entire trigger guard and install a new one.

 

[HangEmHigh]

I have found the best solution is to use a roll pin punch.

Actually that is what I meant to say. Id been using regular pins before and for this one I had roll pins. Made a huge difference.

 

[Gammon]

Actually that is what I meant to say. Id been using regular pins before and for this one I had roll pins. Made a huge difference.

+1. The problem is the possibility of the punch slipping off the pin and damaging the reciever. The roll pin punch has a small extension that securely holds the punch on the pin, no slip/no damage. I can't believe how long it took me to smarten up and start using these punches.

 

[bpm990d]

What you really want is a roll pin starter punch, and a roll pin punch. The starter punch has a hole in the end that you insert the roll pin into. It has a slight friction fit and will hold and align it. Once you get it started in the hole, switch to the roll pin punch.

B

 

[HangEmHigh]

What you really want is a roll pin starter punch, and a roll pin punch. The starter punch has a hole in the end that you insert the roll pin into. It has a slight friction fit and will hold and align it. Once you get it started in the hole, switch to the roll pin punch.

B

I took a look at those when I was buying the roll pin punches. Id always used a pair of needle nose pliers to hold the pins as I got them started. I wasnt sure that they would be worth the money.

 

[bpm990d]

They might not be worth it, if you have a good technique of holding them with a pair of pliers. I always drop the damn things all over the place. Especially the small ones. You can probably make them just as easily if you have some brass rod and a drill press and a set of drills.

B

 

[Greg Derr]

Small tip: If you can chamfer one end of the roll pin, it starts in the hole a lot easier. And using a roll pin punch keeps the end from collapsing. One AR I saw had a blind whole on the frame which would not allow the roll pin to be removed if later you wanted to go with a larger winter trigger guard. I suggest drilling out the end of the hole. Greg