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Posted: 11/7/2007 6:48:39 AM EDT
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My buffer retaining pin keeps coming loose when I work the action on my Bushmaster and it gets cought in the firing mechanism. Everytime I go to put it back to where it should be, it happens all over again. Can I fire my weapon without this pin? Anyone help me fix this? Thanks. |
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Yes, the rifle will function without the pin. However, it is probably as simple a fix as turning your buffer tube "in" one more turn (assuming it is a collapsible type stock). The front of the buffer tube should JUST touch the center pin portion of the buffer retainer. Sometimes, the buffer tube will be just slightly too long and will not center due to binding on the buffer retainer pin. In that case, simply file a bit off the bottom portion of the buffer tube to center stock and just touch the center pin of the buffer retainer.  Should look like this. 
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PropDoc, WOW, thanks for the great picture. I am still confused. I thought the buffer assembly with buffer spring was retained by the buffer retainer pin. What is the buffer tube? Is it the actual tube of the 6 position stock? If this is the case then I have been doing it all wrong. Maybe things got screwed up when I put on my new tele stock. Thanks. |
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The buffer tube is the receiver extension. As ProDoc pointed out, the edge of the receiver extension should be kissing the buffer center post of the retaining when the receiver extension is installed/index correctly for the of the butt stock. Where the problem may be arising is if the receiver extension is not indexing correctly (when the tube is indexed for the stock), and the end of the tube either short or too long in the stock index position. To resolve this, the end of the tube needs to be slightly shortened to allow the tube to be spun in another turn inwards so both the receiver indexes correctly for the butt stock, and the end of the receiver extension just kisses the center post of the buffer retaining pin. |
Yes, the buffer tube is the part that the stock rides on AND is what holds the buffer retainer in the lower. The buffer retainer DOES retain the buffer and spring (which are not present in the pic), but only when the rifle is "shotgunned" or the upper is removed from lower. The rest of the time, the carrier actually pushes the buffer back off the retainer, just slightly, which is why it is not required for the rifle to function. I would say yes, when you changed your tele-stock, you probably did not turn the tube in far enough, or it needs to be slightly modified. Edit for grammar. |
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You guys rule. Before reading anymore posts since now, last night I played with my AR and figured it out. You are all right. When I put on my new Magpul stock, I did not twist the toob in far enough to retain the spring and pin. The only problem I had with this and maybe you could help with this as well, was the take down detent spring behind the callor buttstock tube lock. MAN, that was a bitch! I ended up bending the spring a bit but got it using a thin knife to hold it down while I spun the tube and tube lock, but it was still really hard because I had to do all this while pressing down on the retaining pin. Good thing I had the Patriot on while doing this. It is good now, but it is not kissing the center pin but rather just over the bulk of the pin itself. It works. You guys are great and thanks again. |
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It should have been three steps, The first is to just index the tube to retain the buffer retaining pin (castle nut spun all the way back with the plate back as well), then the second step to load the rear take down detent, followed by spring, then the third, the plate pushed forward, and the castle nut spun forward to hold the plate semi tight. From there, you hold the tube indexed for the stock, and tighten the castle nut (the step where you need a third hand, and get pissed about evolution since part of that was loosing our tails). FYI, if you pull down on the butt stock adjuster cam (not just cam'd to one side), you can slide the butt stock off the back of the tube. This helps so you can index the bottom ridge of the tube dead center bottom on the receiver when you tighten up the castle nut instead of playing the slop from side of the butt stock to tube to find center. |
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Yep, after thinking about this most of the morning, I pretty much figured out that I should have removed the stock from the buffer toob so I could easily index the toob on the retaining pin without having to worry about spinning the buttstock collar and having it bend the detent spring. Live and learn and good thing I just ordered a slew or spare parts from Bushmaster. I really appreciate the friendly help all. These AR's are a blast to mess with and make great sense when you figure them out. Love EM! Now I want another, uh maybe a Colt? |
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