AK47 Firing Pin Retaining Pin Stuck

[jrpowell3]

So, I was trying to disassemble the bolt to my WASR10 so I could clean the firing pin channel.

Anyhow, as I was trying to push the firing pin retaining pin out, I found that sucker was stuck real good. Yes I know it only goes one way. I tried pounding it out with my punch set and non-marring hammer.....no dice. I tried soaking it in WD40, then pounding it, nothing....didn't even budge. I then tried soaking it in pb blaster, still nothing.

So, what are my options? I'm assuming I'm gonna have to take the bolt to a gunsmith and have them press it out.

Also, I'm thinking the extractor retaining pin might be canted inside its hole, but that also won't budge.

Any thoughts or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[LeadFarmer74]

I know all mine are very stiff and difficult to push the pin out. Are you pressing on the extractor to relieve the pressure?

[jrpowell3]

I know all mine are very stiff and difficult to push the pin out. Are you pressing on the extractor to relieve the pressure?

Yeah, I was. The thing wouldn't even move a thousandth of an inch.

[luckyduck]

Do you have a vise? I would lock it up real tight in a non-marring vise and knock it out with an appropriate punch.

Another thing you could try is heating the metal around it to get it to expand and then try knocking it out.

[Barbarosa]

If you have any ATF lying around I would try soaking the bolt overnight and then setting it under a heat light for a few hours. Then try your punch and block. I'm lucky, mine presses out with a little push. If the extractor is canted it is probably locking the pin in place. You might try lightly tapping the extractor IN a bit to see if it breaks it free.

[jrpowell3]

If you have any ATF lying around I would try soaking the bolt overnight and then setting it under a heat light for a few hours. Then try your punch and block. I'm lucky, mine presses out with a little push. If the extractor is canted it is probably locking the pin in place. You might try lightly tapping the extractor IN a bit to see if it breaks it free.

What's ATF?

From all the videos I've watched, the firing pin retaining pin should be able to come out like yours.

I do think the extractor pin is canted and it's binding against the firing pin retaining pin.

[jrpowell3]

Do you have a vise? I would lock it up real tight in a non-marring vise and knock it out with an appropriate punch.

Another thing you could try is heating the metal around it to get it to expand and then try knocking it out.

Unfortunately, I do not have a vice. I actually bent my punch trying to bang the thing out in the first place.

[Dogbite]

What's ATF?

Automatic transmission fluid

[jrpowell3]

Automatic transmission fluid

Roger, I'll give it a shot. And why automatic transmission fluid?

[Barbarosa]

And why automatic transmission fluid?

A 50-50 mix of ATF and acetone is generally considered to be the best penetrating oil there is - period. Most people don't have acetone lying around, and ATF on its own does a fine job of penetrating, and it is cheaper than other store bought oils. It seems to really creep into crevices and such.

[jrpowell3]

I'll give it a shot. I already let the bolt soak in the pb blaster over night, though.

[69Mach1]

Use a short punch to get it going. Make sure the extractor pin is not binding. You said you know it goes in , and out one way, but just to be sure, you're punching it from the bottom up, correct?

[jrpowell3]

Use a short punch to get it going. Make sure the extractor pin is not binding. You said you know it goes in , and out one way, but just to be sure, you're punching it from the bottom up, correct?

Correct.