Question about lower build.

[JY25]

I just completed building my Spikes lower. It was real easy except the roll pins. I had problems with the bolt catch roll pin and trigger guard roll pin. I followed the OLL directions on Cal Guns. The roll pins went in harder than I thought they should have. Has anyone else had problems with these pins, or I may just be a dumb FNG. Any tips to get these in easier would be appreciated.

The cool thing is just 3 months ago I had no idea you could own a properly built AR-15 in CA, now all I need to get is a upper. Thanks to all that have awnsered my questions and gave advice. This is a awesome site.

[DanHuuN]

Did you use a rollpin punch? Or vice grips?

[elrcastor]

A 3/32 punch will help, it's just about the same size as the roll pins, and small enough to fit into the holes, but not so small that it goes through the middle of the pin.

To get the pin started I taped it to the end of the punch.

[Josh3239]

Your not the only one. They kick my butt too. I have built plenty of lowers, my second last one I actually broke the trigger guard ear for the first time and I almost always scratch the lower installing the bolt catch. For the trigger guard, I just get Magpul MIADs and don't worry about it. For the bolt catch, lubing the roll pin hole help a little and lots and lots of tape provide protection to the lower. A thick layer of tape will really help, a thin layer won't cut it. Remember this, tape is your friend and you cannot put on too much, it won't hurt the lower.

[BroncoBob]

Roll pin punch makes the job a lot easier. I've also found that is you use some fine wet dry sand paper and sand the pins a little helps. Don't forget to put several drops of oil on the hole and the pins. Of course use a block to support the trigger guard ears.

[cmichini]

I had a devil of a time getting the trigger guard roll pin to go into my lower, even with the appropriate roll pin starter punch. I buttered up a couple of pins before I got it to work. My problem was the trigger guard hole was too small. My tests showed the ears on the receiver gave resistance so I assumed the pin was held in place by the ears, so the guard should be larger (to allow it to pivot). I was having difficulty getting it go through the guard itself. With another guard on hand in case I turned to bubba, I reamed out the hole with my drill press, tried again, and the pin went in nicely.

My only remaining problem was the trigger and hammer pins are a little loose and prone to backing out some. I am considering the anti-walk pins to make sure everyone stays in place.

[aplinker]

What LPK?

The only thing I struggle with, ever, is the "geometry" of the bolt catch pin. It's just a tight fit for the tools.

[yock]

i built my spikes a month or so ago and used a CMMG LPK. I used the vice grips & crimped the end down a little started with small hammer to start the pin & finished with the vice grips, with only small scratches. What LPK did you use?

[JY25]

I used a 3/32 pin punch for the bolt catch pin. My LPK is a CMMG. Thanks for all the advice. I had to get a second pin also to put the bolt catch together, first one got jacked up. Thanks for the ideas. If I ever get to do another one I will definitley use your ideas.