FAL cocking handle lug pin

urwrldn3d · February 11, 2012, 20:42

I noticed that my roll pin was walking after only 60 rounds through the weapon. So I cut a 5/64 Bosch drill bit to the right length (I used the solid non-threaded part of the bit).

I'm going to be ordering some replacement roll pins. I'm curious though, has anyone else experienced the cocking handle lug roll pin walking?

FUUN063 · February 11, 2012, 22:01

I don't use roll pins, I use solid pins. Then, I slightly smash the center or slightly bend the pin to keep it in place after I drive it in with the appropriate punch. Some have the end(s) slightly smashed to keep them in place and this is ok, except that you can see the ends. I like the middle upset slightly, but that's just me.

Leland

Zeusizme · February 12, 2012, 09:09

Let me guess, you have a DSA made charging handle? I thought the roll pin was pretty chincy myself. Still haven't gotten the chance to grab a piece of rod and replace it yet. But it is on my short "To Do" list.

Mosin Guy · February 12, 2012, 09:24

.078" Dia. x 13/32"

urwrldn3d · February 12, 2012, 13:41

Maybe I'll just use that piece of drill bit until it shows signs of walking.

And yes, it's a DSA SA58. I'm overall EXTREMELY disappointed with the quality control on this "new" weapon. Seems like one thing after the other.

**Mark IV** · February 12, 2012, 13:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by urwrldn3d

And yes, it's a DSA SA58. I'm overall EXTREMELY disappointed with the quality control on this "new" weapon. Seems like one thing after the other.

Just to highlight the inconsistency of DSA quality, a buddy of mine ordered a 16" rifle from DSA not too long ago and he loves it. Good shooter and no issues.

I could be talked into believing that inconsistent quality is as bad or worse then constantly bad quality. At least DSA would know where the problem is and fix it.

For the money they charge for their rifles, you'd think they could hire a QC guy to evaluate each part of the rifle and each assembler to make sure that nothing but perfection is going out the door.

And a lifetime warranty doesn't make up for a junk gun and a dissatisfied customer who just dropped $2 grand.

**johnny.308** · February 12, 2012, 15:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by urwrldn3d

I noticed that my roll pin was walking after only 60 rounds through the weapon. So I cut a 5/64 Bosch drill bit to the right length (I used the solid non-threaded part of the bit).

I'm going to be ordering some replacement roll pins. I'm curious though, has anyone else experienced the cocking handle lug roll pin walking?

A tiny drop of red locktite will keep it from wandering.

DB327 · May 03, 2012, 17:15

Yes! I was at an outdoor range, packing up to leave when I realized the charging handle didn't look quite right. Seemed significantly less right when I realized I couldn't pull the bolt back with the charging handle to ensure the weapon was clear. It was a matter of abject embarrassment (my buddy's M1A Scout performed flawlessly) to find that my 16" DSA Para was not living up to the legendary reputation for reliability of the "Right Arm of the Free World." I called DSA and they sent out a replacement free of charge, though it did take a week (missed the next shooting event). I swapped in the new parts and the same damned thing happened when another friend was shooting it. I called back, livid, and they offered to look at the charging handle assembly to ensure it wasn't improperly drilled out and to replace it if it was found defective.

Thanks for the post, I wanted to ensure I wasn't the only one (though YouTube clearly proved I wasn't), especially with a brand-new rifle.

**J. Armstrong** · May 03, 2012, 19:23

A piece of wire coat hanger ( remember them ? ) , the small diameter variety.
FUUN has it - deform the centers slightly if you feel the pin entered too easily.

Is DSA still using roll pins ? PITA to install and not the most reliable way to pin the cocking handle, IMHO.

paulb2112 · May 03, 2012, 22:13

I sold all three sa58 paras I had bought last year and would NEVER buy another. It caused me great pain this week to order para stocks and scope mounts from them for the imbels I bought to replace them.

**palmettomoon** · May 04, 2012, 05:12

I do the same thing as Leland and Armstrong. Even a slight bend helps. I file clipped ends of the wire flat so it looks like a factory pin when installed.

February 11, 2012, 20:42	#1
urwrldn3d Registered FALaholic #: 65486 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: huntsville, AL Posts: 16	FAL cocking handle lug pin I noticed that my roll pin was walking after only 60 rounds through the weapon. So I cut a 5/64 Bosch drill bit to the right length (I used the solid non-threaded part of the bit). I'm going to be ordering some replacement roll pins. I'm curious though, has anyone else experienced the cocking handle lug roll pin walking?

February 12, 2012, 09:09	#3
Zeusizme Registered FALaholic #: 64239 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: PA Posts: 952	Let me guess, you have a DSA made charging handle? I thought the roll pin was pretty chincy myself. Still haven't gotten the chance to grab a piece of rod and replace it yet. But it is on my short "To Do" list. __________________ Shoot it until it smokes!

May 03, 2012, 17:15	#8
DB327 Registered FALaholic #: 63525 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 2	Walking Lug Pin Yes! I was at an outdoor range, packing up to leave when I realized the charging handle didn't look quite right. Seemed significantly less right when I realized I couldn't pull the bolt back with the charging handle to ensure the weapon was clear. It was a matter of abject embarrassment (my buddy's M1A Scout performed flawlessly) to find that my 16" DSA Para was not living up to the legendary reputation for reliability of the "Right Arm of the Free World." I called DSA and they sent out a replacement free of charge, though it did take a week (missed the next shooting event). I swapped in the new parts and the same damned thing happened when another friend was shooting it. I called back, livid, and they offered to look at the charging handle assembly to ensure it wasn't improperly drilled out and to replace it if it was found defective. Thanks for the post, I wanted to ensure I wasn't the only one (though YouTube clearly proved I wasn't), especially with a brand-new rifle.

May 03, 2012, 19:23	#9
J. Armstrong Minister of Amusement Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 13629 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SE Pa Posts: 8,499	A piece of wire coat hanger ( remember them ? ) , the small diameter variety. FUUN has it - deform the centers slightly if you feel the pin entered too easily. Is DSA still using roll pins ? PITA to install and not the most reliable way to pin the cocking handle, IMHO. __________________ "The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools" Herbert Spenser "A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

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February 11, 2012, 22:01	#2
FUUN063 Computer Illiterate Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 35576 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Converse, Indiana Posts: 4,581	I don't use roll pins, I use solid pins. Then, I slightly smash the center or slightly bend the pin to keep it in place after I drive it in with the appropriate punch. Some have the end(s) slightly smashed to keep them in place and this is ok, except that you can see the ends. I like the middle upset slightly, but that's just me. Leland

February 12, 2012, 09:24	#4
Mosin Guy Registered FALaholic #: 46 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 3,652	.078" Dia. x 13/32"

February 12, 2012, 13:41	#5
urwrldn3d Registered FALaholic #: 65486 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: huntsville, AL Posts: 16	Maybe I'll just use that piece of drill bit until it shows signs of walking. And yes, it's a DSA SA58. I'm overall EXTREMELY disappointed with the quality control on this "new" weapon. Seems like one thing after the other.

May 03, 2012, 22:13	#10
paulb2112 Registered FALaholic #: 65687 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 544	I sold all three sa58 paras I had bought last year and would NEVER buy another. It caused me great pain this week to order para stocks and scope mounts from them for the imbels I bought to replace them.

May 04, 2012, 05:12	#11
palmettomoon Veteran Member Gold Contributor FALaholic #: 33994 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Macon, GA Posts: 1,575	I do the same thing as Leland and Armstrong. Even a slight bend helps. I file clipped ends of the wire flat so it looks like a factory pin when installed.