Stuck firing pin spring guide
 

Anyone know how to get a stuck spring guide out of the slot? I was having trouble getting it to turn and seat so I put it into the slot without the spring and it's ****-eyed or something and won't come back out. At least not without a lot of difficulty.
Thanks
Jack

The only thing that comes to mind is to purchase, (unless you already have one) a fine pin punch less than the diameter of the firing pin hole in the bolt face and try to gently tap it out that way. You can also try to reach under the guide through the open slot that guides the firing pin's sear lobe on the side of the hold and try to gently pry it out.

Caution is the key. You don't want to bugger the locking slot for the FP guide that's at the rear of the bolt.

I agree that this might work, but reiterate the caution required. Set your work up in a padded, non-marring vise, and use brass, wood, or plastic pokers and tools.

The first problem is to make sure the head is positioned so as not to be twisted into the slot.
A pin punch that small, huh.??
thanks
Jack

They make them.

That's how we tap roll pins out of AR front sight towers to remove gas tubes.

If you first try to line up the tab to the slot(apply plenty of oil to the area first), and then possibly a blast of air through the firing pin hole might do it for you. Be sure not to have your bare hand trying to catch the firing pin spring guide.....that could be painful.

Now that is a marvelous idea. I knew someone would add the right touch. Thanks, so much.
Jack

The first problem is to make sure the head is positioned so as not to be twisted into the slot

Jack, There is a flange on the side of the rounded end of the spring guide. It must line up with the gap to move to the rear and out.

The air idea is a good one but you may not want to limit it's pressure to the size of the firing pin hole. You may be able to seperate the firing pin..push it forward and blast in from the side slot in the bolt?

The only item in the well is the spring guide.

ALWAYS use your FP spring when testing FP retainers as these can vary considerable in size. In your case, I'd make sure that the tit is lined up with the slot on left side of the breech block and then gently tap on the inside of retainer thru the slot. TH

That worked. I padded the unit and put it snuggly in a vise and then found a very tiny flat screwdiver that fit into grove and gently tapped it out. No problem. The air didn't do the job because my little reciprocating compressor would only go up to 100 pounds and then couldn't hold that pressure.
Jack

Glad to hear that you were successful. Don't you just love it when a plan comes together??

You ain't just whistling Dixie. You hate to think that you might ruin a part in getting it back out of a bad predicament. Also could see a trip to the gunsmith's shop.
I tried what I did because the thing wouldn't go into place and seat properly. After I got it out of there, it all fit just like it "aughta" and I was a happy camper. And a lesson learned. As Tom H said: "Don't put it in there without the spring!
Jack