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6/26/2008 7:14:32 PM EDT
I have recently assembled several stripped lowers with part kits from DPMS, Double Star and Armalite.

Every one of them went together without a hitch.

The one thing I have noticed is that the safety selector on all my builds are stiffer than on any of the lowers I purchased already assembled.

What are the "assemblers" doing that I have failed to do?

I have searched this forum and read several AR-15 assembly manuals and instructional websites but I can't seem to find any additional steps or "tricks" I have missed.

I have greased the selector, detent and detent spring.
I have operated the selector hundreds of times in the hope it would loosen up.  It hasn’t.

The only thing I can think of to do is take a polishing stone to the detent groove or start cutting coils off the detent spring.

Please understand that I am not trying to make it "easy" to operate the safety selector to the point of it being unsafe.  I just want it to be as easy as the ones I purchase from Colt, Noveske or LMT.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
6/26/2008 7:22:28 PM EDT
[#1]
The hole in the grip may be too shallow.  You can either lengthen it or clip a coil or two off the spring.  Assuming its the tension making it hard to operate.
6/26/2008 7:42:04 PM EDT
[#2]
That is a brilliant idea!  Seriously.

I never thought about drilling the hole deeper in the grip to reduce spring tension.  I will check the depth of the holes in my "preassembled" lowers to see if they are a different depth.

The best thing about this idea is that if I accidently drill the hole too deep, I can just replace the grip.

Thank you!!!
6/26/2008 7:51:46 PM EDT
[#3]
it is tight to rotate, or is it tight on the detent? try popping the safety out, and running a piece of emory cloth around where it touches the receiver lightly...I had to do this on one of mine, and it improved dramatically, so it might just be a small burr
6/27/2008 2:25:26 AM EDT
[#4]
It is only tight when moving off the detents (either one in either direction)

It is not a "burr" issue because it moves smoothly without the spring and detent.

Thank you for your suggestion.
6/27/2008 8:31:53 AM EDT
[#5]
You could take some of the detent off with sand paper, and be sure to re-install the factory end into the selector, but I would make sure the parts are well oiled and work them vigorously first to see if they will break in, and only modify as a last resort.

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