Posted: 3/5/2012 4:05:27 PM EDT
|
Do the offset pins that allow small hole uppers to be used on Colt large hole lowers really work?
I have heard some reports that they do not work that well. |
|
Quoted:
Do the offset pins that allow small hole uppers to be used on Colt large hole lowers really work? I have heard some reports that they do not work that well. Yes they "work,' but they are an imperfect solution. That said, there is no perfect solution. DPMS markets bushings that fit into the oversize holes and allow the user to install a standard size take down pin; or rather install a pin with some form of built-in retention like the NoDak Spud NDS-31. |
|
The only bushings I'm aware of are the ones that let large hole uppers work with small hole lowers. Are there bushings for the opposite fit? Do you have a link?
As to the original question, there are two kinds of adapters/screw pins. One has a big screw head and looks goofy and doesn't let you swivel the receivers open by pushing out the rear pin (don't get this kind), the other fits flush inside the holes and allows for unrestricted pivoting. This kind works great and you won't miss your front takedown pin until you want to take the rifle compeltely apart (you obviously don't need to take it completely apart for routine cleaning). DPMS and Bushmaster sell both kinds, I believe. |
|
The one you want is part number NES-06 in the Bushmaster catalog and costs 6.50.
http://www.bushmaster.com/products.asp?cat=501 |
|
Quoted:
The only bushings I'm aware of are the ones that let large hole uppers work with small hole lowers. Are there bushings for the opposite fit? Do you have a link? You're right. Don't know why I keep thinking the opposite. However, I bought two and I'm going to see if I can't adapt them to the lower. Probably will anchor them into the lower with Rocksett or careful staking. |
|
Quoted:
The pin wouldn't have any retention. I think it would be better to drill the upper and use one of those aftermarket large pushpins. The NDS-32 pin has a ball bearing detent built-in and locks in a recess between the upper and lower. Works great, but the upper has to have the old-style recess. Fortunately my NDS upper has that recess. |
|
I found the FAQ for the offset/reverse offset bushings but the parts don't see to be available anymore. It's too bad because this looks like the best solution to me. http://www.bushmaster.com/faqs/afmviewfaq.aspx?faqid=1116&zoom_highlight=WE-003
|
|
Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Get the DD large hole upper. Problem solved. Your awesome Rabid.....yes I know thank you Or put your existing upper on a drill press using the lower as a guide. Do I get to be awesome too? Yes. Yes you can The centers are different. That's why you need an offset bushing or pin. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Get the DD large hole upper. Problem solved. Your awesome Rabid.....yes I know thank you Or put your existing upper on a drill press using the lower as a guide. Do I get to be awesome too? Yes. Yes you can The centers are different. That's why you need an offset bushing or pin. They are, but that doesn't stop you from drilling them. To be clear, take two coins, one big, one small. Place the small coin on top of the large coin and move it until it touches the edge of the large coin. That is how the holes line up, with the big holes on the outside (lower receiver). So you can indeed drill the upper quite easily...you will be drilling asymeterically but you don't have to know or understand that for it to work. |
|
Not a New Yorker but we have experience in this area. Colt made off set pins which were furnished with the first flat top upper packages (16" HBAR) they offered around '99. We bought several and converted SP I and SP II AR-15 lowers to carbines. As more barrels and flat top uppers became available during the course of the AWB, we built more uppers for Colt large hole lowers.
In 2002, I had a DPMS (trying to save a shekel) pin break in a class with Louis Awerbuck. During lunch break, I drove to South Indy to a gun shop and bought every Colt conversion pin the guy had at $7.00 apiece. Fast forward to 2003, we began taking classes with Pat Rogers using these same carbines. (He also had DPMS pins break back then.) Some of my children will be using these same carbines in June when we again train with Pat. Not perfect but it "works pretty good." Colt pins work; DPMS don't. Ken Elmore has the Colt part: SPK 63272 |