308 AR Bolt Catch Screw | AR-10 Bolt Catch Pin Comparison

by Donald Sullivan | Oct 4, 2015 | Compatibility, Lower Parts Kits, Parts, Tools | 1 comment

308 AR Bolt Catch Screw | AR-10 Bolt Catch Pin Comparison

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Picture of a Falkor Defense 308 AR Bolt Catch Screw Bolt Catch Pin

308 AR Bolt Catch Screw or Threaded Roll Pin

308 AR AR-10 Bolt Catch Pin – The bolt catch pin, one of the smallest parts on the AR 308, AR-10 and AR-15 platform weapons is a part that can stop an AR-10 308AR build dead in it’s tracks if you didn’t purchase the correct one or the correct LOWER PART S KIT for your STRIPPED LOWER RECEIVER. Here’s why. The AR-15 platform uses a roll pin and that’s taken for granted when shooters move up to the AR-10 and 308 AR platforms. Unfortunately this is where the topic gets muddy.

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Armalite AR-10B Lower Parts Kit 10LRPK-T

Armalite AR-10 rifles use a traditional roll pin setup in the AR-10 lower receiver so their Lower Parts Kits obviously include the pin. If you use an AR-10 LPK on your non Armalite 308 AR you will need to order the threaded “Bolt Catch Screw” seen elsewhere on this page. I typically keep the Armalite LPK’s on hand as well as a few of the bolt catch screws.

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Armalite AR-10 and AR-15 EL0220 Bolt Catch Roll Pin

The Armalite AR-10 utilizes this roll pin, Armalite part number EL0220 which is the same as their M-15/AR15 rifles. Alternatively DPMS LR-308 based weapon utilize a proprietary hybrid pin/screw (mentioned above).

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DPMS AR 308 Bolt Catch Screw

The DPMS 308 Bolt Catch Screw is essentially set screw who’s threads have been removed from one end creating a hybrid screw type pin. Now unfortunately though not all DPMS LR-308 platform based LOWER RECEIVERS utilize the hybrid BOLT CATCH PIN. Some manufacturers utilize the roll pin method identical to the Armalite AR-10.

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308 AR, AR-15 and AR-10 Roll Pin Tools

The process of installing the Bolt Catch Pin is probably one of the most difficult tasks for the inexperienced to perform. Not done properly it’s easy to damage the finish of your lower or worse, break something. Fortunately a little grease, a roll of masking tape and some special roll pin punch make it easy. Visit our AR-10, 308 AR Roll Pin Tools Page.

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308AR AR15 AR-10 Roll Pin Tools

by Donald Sullivan | Oct 4, 2015 | Tools | 0 comments

308AR AR15 AR-10 Roll Pin Tools

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AR 308 AR-15 AR-10 Roll Pin Tools

308AR AR15 AR-10 Roll Pin Tools – One of my pet peeves from folks who assemble their own AR15 AR-10 308 AR rifles is the sloppy installation of the various roll pins the rifles require. In all fairness there are a few roll pins that present a challenge to the inexperienced and experienced alike. The BOLT CATCH ROLL PIN comes to mind as does the FORWARD ASSIST ROLL PIN. The BOLT CATCH ROLL PIN is positioned quite close to the body of the LOWER RECEIVER and requires a ROLL PIN PUNCH to have a flat side to properly install.

I have searched the internet shooting forums and websites as well polled user of my own forums for a better way to install roll pins. In that search I found some creative approaches but nothing that worked any better than my own approach of taping a ROLL PIN to a ROLL PIN PUNCH. Well that was then this is now. Brownells offers a ROLL PIN STARTER SET they refer to as ROLL PIN HOLDERS. The pins are available individually or as a set for just under $50. I opted for the set.

BROWNELLS 308 AR AR-15 AR-10 ROLL PIN HOLDER OPERATION

The roll pin holders are genius. As seen in the image above the ROLL PIN HOLDERS are simply a punch that has a hollow tip the diameter of a given roll pin. Place the ROLL PIN in the correct ROLL PIN PUNCH HOLDER and with a plastic faced or brass hammer carefully tap in the ROLL PIN. To prevent damage to the the WEAPON stop hammering before the ROLL PIN HOLDER contacts the part that accepting the ROLL PIN. At that point switch to a regular ROLL PIN PUNCH, the type with a half round nose and finish driving the ROLL PIN flush.

NOTES ON ROLL PIN HOLDER USE

Cover any part of your weapon with masking tape followed by duct tape in an area that could be damaged from ROLL PIN INSTALLATION. The masking tape serves as a great protector for your weapon. The underlying masking tape makes duct tape removal a simple process.
Grease – I like to apply a small amount of grease in the ROLL PIN HOLE to help with proper installation. I also add a small amount of grease to the inside of the ROLL PIN HOLDER to help prevent the ROLL PIN from falling out and getting lost should I have a brain lapse.
For finishing the BOLT CATCH ROLL PIN INSTALLATION I suggest the BOLT CATCH PIN PUNCH from Brownells. It is almost entirely flat on one side making installing the BOLT CATCH ROLL PIN the rest of the way a breeze.

Brownells Roll Pin Holder Set

Hollow-Ended “Starter” Punches For Roll Pins

The Brownells Roll Pin Holder Set holds roll pins perfectly aligned for starting correctly. Especially good on the tiny, tough-to-grab ones, or those in tight places. 1/16″ is notched to clear M16/AR-15 rear sight. 3.5mm excellent for holding the pin that retains the breech block on Sig handguns. Finish driving with roll pin punch. O/A in chart means “Overall”. Available individually or as a set of 5.

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Brownells Bolt Catch Pin Punch

The Brownells Bolt Catch Pin Punch is a specially made, slab-sided punch clears left side of the magazine well allowing bolt catch pivot pin to be removed by driving it to the rear.

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GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 TOOL | AR-15 MULTI TOOL

by Donald Sullivan | Jul 19, 2015 | Tools, Pistol Grip | 0 comments

GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 TOOL | AR-15 MULTI TOOL

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GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 GRIP TOOL with a MAGPUL MOE PISTOL GRIP

As mentioned in an earlier post I ordered a GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 TOOL from Midways Amazon store. Now available from Cabelas, the GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 TOOL is everything I expected and more. You can see a list of features on the previous post linked above. No reason to repeat myself. First thing I notice is the finish. Feels exactly like a phosphate coated bolt carrier. I like that. The second thing is the tool is first rate quality in fit and finish. The GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 TOOL is strong, hard and seems to be made with precision. So far so good.

Installation – First thing I needed to do was remove the bottom cap of the MAGPUL MOE PISTOL GRIP. Always a challenge for a guy with some physical challenges. Once the end cap was removed the Magpul supplied rubber tool holder needs to be removed to allow the GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 TOOL to fit properly. The GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 TOOL sits about flush with the end of the MAGPUL MOE PISTOL GRIP. I was concerned the tool would rattle as that would be annoying to put it mildly. It does not. It’s actually a perfect fit.

All in all Im quite pleased with the GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 TOOL. Be curious to see if other tools develop from this line.

Note: The GERBER SHORT STACK also fits the MAGPUL MIAD series of AR15 Pistol Grips

GERBER SHORT STACK REVIEW

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GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 GRIP TOOL

by Donald Sullivan | Jul 10, 2015 | Tools, Pistol Grip | 0 comments

GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 GRIP TOOL

Gerber Short Stack AR-15 Pistol Grip Multi-Tool

The Gerber Short Stack is a compact AR-15 maintenance tool sized to fit into Magpul MOE and MIAD pistol grips. The Gerber Short Stack’s innovative three-piece design allows shooters to create multiple wrench configurations, allowing users to tighten and loosen the buffer tube, flash hider and other accessories. The Gerber Short Stack also features a front sight adjustment tool, a pull-through handle for OTIS cables, and scraping surfaces for the weapon system’s firing pin, bolt and bolt carrier. The Gerber Short Stack is compatible with Magpul M-LOK accessories, featuring a 7mm wrench and two-sided hex bits for M-LOK fasteners.

GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 GRIP TOOL

GERBER SHORT STACK

GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 GRIP TOOL

Item # 31-002997

Length: 2.9” / 7.4cm
Weight: 2.8oz / 80g
Tool Material : 420 HC
Front Sight Adjustment Tool
Firing Pin Scraper
Bolt Carrier & Bolt Scraper
Cleaning Cable Pull-Through Handle
Buffer Tube Wrench
4mm Wrench / Bit Driver
7mm Wrench for M-LOK Fasteners
1/2“ Wrench
3/8” Wrench
3/4“ Wrench
Curved Slotted Driver
(2) Two-Sided Hex Bits (#0 Cross Driver, T10, 1/8” Hex, 4mm Hex)

Click the Youtube icons to view the tool in use

Gerber Short Stack Video

Gerber Short Stack Shot Show 2015 Video

GERBER SHORT STACK AR15 GRIP TOOL

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308 AR Barrel Extension Torque Tool

by Donald Sullivan | Mar 28, 2015 | Tools | 0 comments

308 AR Barrel Extension Torque Tool

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Picture of a Brownells AR 308 Barrel Extension Torque Tool

Brownells 308 AR Barrel Extension Torque Tool

Barrel Extension Torque Tool For 308 AR DPMS Based Barrel Extensions

The Brownells 308 AR Barrel Extension Torque Tool has a very misleading name. In fact my first impression after reading the title lead me to believe the 308 AR Barrel Extension Torque Tool was for tightening the barrel extension to the barrel. THAT IS NOT THE CASE. This tool is for preventing damage to your upper receiver when tightening the barrel nut.

Description: Handy tool aids in applying straight-line torque for fast, easy installation of the barrel nut without scratching the exterior of the upper receiver. Helps ensure the right amount of torque is evenly applied, while maintaining proper alignment of the barrel, upper receiver, and gas tube ports. Use with any barrel nut wrench or free-float tube wrench and a torque wrench with a ½” square drive.

Simply clamp the barrel nut wrench handle firmly in a bench vise, insert the barrel into the upper receiver, and finger tighten the barrel nut. Slide the barrel through the wrench, insert the Torque Tool in the back of the receiver until the teeth lock into the locking lugs in the barrel extension, and apply torque with the torque drive through the Tool to tighten the barrel nut. Precision machined from heavy-duty steel bar stock for years of reliable service. Available for the 308AR.

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308 AR Tools

by Donald Sullivan | May 23, 2014 | Tools | 0 comments

308 AR Tools

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AR-10, DPMS LR-308, AR .308 AR Tools

January 12, 2019 Update: It’s interesting to look at this page knowing it’s nearly nine years old as I type this. While this page is still relevant there has been so many changes to the platform with many new manufacturers building rifles there is also no shortage of smart people designing tools for working on all AR platforms. This page will not receive any additional updates, however there is a new page devoted to AR 308, AR-10 and G2 .308 AR’s. Click the following link to visit the new AR-10 .308 AR Tools Page.

The original content remains in tact below

Much like their smaller AR15 siblings these large bore 308 AR rifles require very specific tools. Additionally there’s more information at my other sites on basic gunsmithing tools and AR 15 tools.

308 AR Barrel Extension Torque Tool

Brownells 308 AR Barrel Extension Torque Tool

The Brownells 308 AR Barrel Extension Torque Tool has a very misleading name. In fact my first impression after reading the title lead me to believe the 308 AR Barrel Extension Torque Tool was for tightening the barrel extension to the barrel. THAT IS NOT THE CASE. This tool is for preventing damage to your upper receiver when tightening the barrel nut.

Description:

Handy tool aids in applying straight-line torque for fast, easy installation of the barrel nut without scratching the exterior of the upper receiver. Helps ensure the right amount of torque is evenly applied, while maintaining proper alignment of the barrel, upper receiver, and gas tube ports. Use with any barrel nut wrench or free-float tube wrench and a torque wrench with a ½” square drive. Simply clamp the barrel nut wrench handle firmly in a bench vise, insert the barrel into the upper receiver, and finger tighten the barrel nut. Slide the barrel through the wrench, insert the Torque Tool in the back of the receiver until the teeth lock into the locking lugs in the barrel extension, and apply torque with the torque drive through the Tool to tighten the barrel nut. Precision machined from heavy-duty steel bar stock for years of reliable service. Available for the 308 AR.

DPMS .308 AR Panther Receiver Claw

308-TL-PRC

308 AR Panther Receiver Claw

The “Receiver Claw” is the perfect armorer tool for holding all DPMS .308 upper receivers. Made of a solid one piece high strength polymer, the Claw is extremely durable. Simply clamp the Claw into a bench vise, slide the upper onto the Claw, secure with the two holding pins and begin installing your barrel and components.

DPMS .308 AR Lower Receiver Vise Block – Action Block

308-MA-FP

The DPMS “308 AR Lower Receiver Vise Block” is similar to an AR15 vise block. The plastic block is inserted and locked into the magwell like a magazine. The block is then firmly clamped in a vise. This is a must have item for working on lower receivers.

DPMS 308 AR Lower Receiver Vise Block – Action Block

DPMS – LR-Series/AR-10/SR-25 .308 BARREL NUT WRENCH

308-TL-01

This DPMS 308 AR Barrel Nut Wrench will work with many AR-10,LR-308 and SR-25 free float handguards.

DPMS LR-308/AR-10 Free Float Barrel Nut Wrench

PRI – AR-10 Barrel Nut Wrench

03-0085

Heavy-duty PRI AR10 Barrel Nut Wrench provides plenty of leverage for installing and removing barrel nuts when used with a 3/8″ or ½” drive breaker bar, socket wrench, or torque wrench. Cut from 3/8″ thick steel, with plenty of metal so it won’t flex under pressure while transferring the torque evenly to the nut. Models available for AR-15/M16 and ArmaLite® AR-10®.

PRI AR10 Barrel Nut Wrench

PRI Barrel Nut Wrench DPMS LR-308 (03-0086 ) – Same as the above except for the DPMS LR-308 barrel nut as well as many others.

308 AR Carbon Scraper

The 308 AR carbon scraper Used for cleaning out the bolt recess.

308 AR Carbon Scraper

AR Barrel Nut Alignment Gauge

Not exactly 308 specific but this simple tool allows you to easily align the barrel nut gas tube hole and receiver gas tube hole while tightening the barrel nut. It’s a hardened steel pin precisely ground to the diameter of the gas tube hole and either the notches or holes in a barrel nut.

AR 308 Gas Tube Wrench

This is a handy tool for holding and positioning a gas tube on the 308 AR or AR-15. One wrench serves both weapons

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