Gas tube roll pin installation

[ARperson]

So I'm putting together a new AR and I'm having some trouble installing the gas tube roll pin. It's more of a finesse thing. Can't seem to keep it in place and hammer the little dude in. Even enlisted the help of another person to hammer while I held in place. No joy.

Anybody got any suggestions on this? Or am I relegated to simple trial and error? Thanks.

 

[simmonsguns]

put a small slight bevel on the pin,this will help guide the little devel in,a pin vise works good for getting them started and an bigger punch works good for getting them flat with the side of the sight assy.it's not done right if you don't hit yourself with the hammer at least once though.

 

[JNewell]

I gave in quite a few years ago and bought a set of the roll pin starter punches that Brownells sells. My temperment and vocabulary improved markedly right away!

 

[Fred Fuller]

Try holding the pin in place with a pair of curved jaw needle nose pliers... then tap it with your brass hammer to get it started. No pin punch needed till you are ready to set it, then use an oversized one as previously recommended.

'If you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'.' (one of several popular Special Forces sayings once upon a time)

lpl/nc