Safety selector - Has anyone had to deal with this?

[swiss_]

Upon installation of the safety selector switch, grip, and selector detent, I have discovered that there is yet another issue.. this time residing in the selector detent channel. The channel does not allow the detent to protrude far enough into the selector switch.. It looks like I have a bit more work to do. If you've had this happen to you, what solution would you suggest? I'm considering using my fingers + a drill bit to cut out material until it fits correctly. If you've used a bit to fix this in the past, what size did you go with?

[SkyHawk]

Upon installation of the safety selector switch, grip, and selector detent, I have discovered that there is yet another issue.. this time residing in the selector detent channel. The channel does not allow the detent to protrude far enough into the selector switch.. It looks like I have a bit more work to do. If you've had this happen to you, what solution would you suggest? I'm considering using my fingers + a drill bit to cut out material until it fits correctly. If you've used a bit to fix this in the past, what size did you go with?

The selector detent hole is STEPPED, i.e. it is two different diameters at different depths. It is not one diameter, do not make the mistake of changing that by running the larger drill bit all the way through it or you will have a new problem.

I suggest you study a lower blueprint. The smaller diameter (through hole) is 1/8", and the larger diameter is 5/32" to a depth of 3/16" from the flat surface where the grip seats. Sometimes 80% lowers will not have the 5/32 hole drilled deep enough, and this keeps the detent from engaging fully.

I would first use a 1/8" drill bit in a pin vise to clean the through hole of burrs and see if that solves your problem.

If not, then use a 5/32 wood dowel to measure/gauge the depth of the 5/32 step hole - and adjust it if required. Insert the dowel until it stops, mark it at the height where it exits the lower at the grip seat, remove the dowel and use calipers to gauge the depth of the hole as marked on the dowel. It should be ~.187

You could also flip your 5/32" drill bit upside down and use the shank to gauge the hole depth if a wood dowel is not handy.

[metalman4051]

Detent hole of my last 80% had the same issue. Simply required thorough deburring with a 1/8" bit to allow the detent to fully seat.

As for the safety selector, I have found after 3 completed lowers with the Easy jig that it is CRITICAL to ensure the holes are true. The first two lowers required varying degrees of reaming after drilling to allow smooth/light movement of the selector. I was exceedingly careful on the last lower with drill press set up. Bit was "squared" to the base, and jig was set up as perfectly square to the bit as I could get.

Result? That selector dropped right in and is as smooth as my DD lower, no reaming or sanding required.

[swiss_]

Thank you both for your extensive advice. Per your suggestions, I visited Home Depot earlier and picked up a new 1/8 bit. A few minutes, and a couple of blisters later (I skipped the pin vise..I'll shell out the extra $ next time), I was able to get the detent to seat properly! Thankfully the 5/32 shaft was drilled properly and needed no further attention.

[baih777]

Drill bits don't drill round holes. That's why i drill the holes undersize and use a correct size reamer. You may have just drilled the holes at the wrong speed and the hole is just not concentric. A reamer by hand works best.