Question re: Return Spring Tube & Buttstock Bolt...

bailagent100 · January 20, 2011, 14:26

While attempting to remove the buttstock bolt, the entire return spring tube (& contents) came apart from the lower receiver along with the bolt. Yeah, I was surprised, to say the least.

It appears the r.s. tube and b.s. bolt are milled as one piece as I cannot get the two separated.

But this doesn't match any pics of parts I've been able to find here and elsewhere.

To your knowledge, has such an item ever been produced for these rifles or do I need to put the tube in the vise and crank on the bolt with a bigger set of pliers? (taking appropriate precautions to not mar up surfaces, of course)

Thanks for your suggestions.

Bailagent100

**embatp** · January 20, 2011, 14:41

the return spring tube is just screwed into the back of the receiver...dont be surprised if the springs are all rusted and broken up...i had that exact same thing happen and the tube and all unscrewed from the lower....

**def90** · January 20, 2011, 14:43

The bolt will come off of the tube, no such thing as a one piece unit, soak it in some WD40, carefully put the tube in a vice so that you do not pinch it.

bailagent100 · January 21, 2011, 09:22

Thanks for the replies, guys. That's what I needed for now. Am sure there will be more questions later.

Bailagent100

archy · January 21, 2011, 13:39

Quote:

Originally posted by bailagent100
Thanks for the replies, guys. That's what I needed for now. Am sure there will be more questions later.

Bailagent100

There's a middlin' chanze that some yob put loctite on the threads as a way to keep the return spring tube screw from turning- I've mostly seen it done with the long stocks. Of course if the rifle was around salt water during its service life, that'd do pretty much the same thing you've described.

But if WD-40 or other penetrating oil doesn't help, you may have encountered Loc-tite and may need a LITTLE heat- not enough to mess the finish- to break the chemical bond.

Proceed with caution, lest you receive the WECSOG Prize.

bailagent100 · January 21, 2011, 14:52

Yes, another good suggestion. Appreciate your comment, Archy.

January 20, 2011, 14:26	#1
bailagent100 Registered FALaholic #: 23122 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 19	Question re: Return Spring Tube & Buttstock Bolt... While attempting to remove the buttstock bolt, the entire return spring tube (& contents) came apart from the lower receiver along with the bolt. Yeah, I was surprised, to say the least. It appears the r.s. tube and b.s. bolt are milled as one piece as I cannot get the two separated. But this doesn't match any pics of parts I've been able to find here and elsewhere. To your knowledge, has such an item ever been produced for these rifles or do I need to put the tube in the vise and crank on the bolt with a bigger set of pliers? (taking appropriate precautions to not mar up surfaces, of course) Thanks for your suggestions. Bailagent100

January 20, 2011, 14:41	#2
embatp What? Me AR? Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 39856 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: ga. Posts: 1,920	the return spring tube is just screwed into the back of the receiver...dont be surprised if the springs are all rusted and broken up...i had that exact same thing happen and the tube and all unscrewed from the lower.... __________________ "only he is lost who gives himself up for lost" "Fighting Douchebags from the sky When they get hurt, they start to cry 100 men will test today But only 3, will want to stay You've built your FAL, you've passed the test Sell your ARs and all the rest You'll go to Hell and back again But you'll be with, men among men Back at home, the old lady waits The Big Brown Truck, brought 3 more crates He swore this time would be the last But she took his FAL, and shot his ass" ce

January 20, 2011, 14:43	#3
def90 Old Fart Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 50609 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The Peoples' Republic of Boulder, Colorado Posts: 8,839	The bolt will come off of the tube, no such thing as a one piece unit, soak it in some WD40, carefully put the tube in a vice so that you do not pinch it. __________________ There is no theory of evolution, just a list of creatures Chuck Norris allows to live. Public libraries cannot let the public decide what is allowed in the library, or it would be brimming with pornography and gun magazines.

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January 21, 2011, 09:22	#4
bailagent100 Registered FALaholic #: 23122 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 19	Thanks for the replies, guys. That's what I needed for now. Am sure there will be more questions later. Bailagent100

January 21, 2011, 14:52	#6
bailagent100 Registered FALaholic #: 23122 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 19	Yes, another good suggestion. Appreciate your comment, Archy.