PSA: If you're clumsy or take your AR apart often

[WWGunslinger]

Make sure you have a spare spring and pin kit handy, or make sure you got what you want in the beginning!

I ended up end getting a new endplate for my AR so I could attach a sling. Somehow I ended up bending part of the rear takedown pin spring and couldn't get it back in shape. So I ordered a spring kit from JoebobOutfitters.

Got that replaced and then the next day my extended takedown pins arrived. I completely forgot what I would need to do to replace them and I ended up having the rear takedown pin spring shoot out. Luckily I was able to find it, but even if I didn't I had another on hand.

So then I start to take out the pivot pin and the detent shoots out and I can't find it. Now I have to order a spare pin kit.

too many tiny spring loaded parts on the AR! lol

I also need to find a better place to work on my guns as my room is probably the worst place to it but I don't really have any where else that's any better.

[streaker69]

I second this. I had the detent pin shoot across the room and get lost.

[tonyfac]

Might also want to consider a firing pin retaining pin. i lost a few cleaning my bolt. Set that little bugger down and they disappear or they fall off the bench. i have 3 extras on hand now "just in case"

[Mr White]

I've gotten used to all the pins and springs in my AR. Its the guns I don't detail strip all that often. My Garand and M1 Carbine are the ones I lose bolt springs from most often. I keep a supply of bolt parts for both of those guns on hand. I don't know how many ejector springs are lying somewhere in the deep recesses of my workroom.

[chauncey]

"firing pin retaining pin"

aka "The Jesus Christ Pin"

either because without it, nothing else works, or because that is what you say, when you lose it

[ungawa]

Why would I take my ARs apart?

[Asmodeus6]

What some people do is tap the receiver and install a set screw. No more parts flying about.

My personal Satan on an AR 15 is the buffer detent. I always forget about it when removing or tightening the buffer tube and wham. Right in the face. The last time it hit me just under my eye and boy that thing comes out with some ass behind it.

I seem to have the rear takedown pin/spring/detent mambo down. No trouble there.