Colt side sling swivel fix (with pictures)

[cjb]

Personally, I have not seen a bunch of these, but when I went looking around on the 'net, I saw that there are Colt, and Colt-style ones. I also learned that some folks say they're the same, others say that they're not. Most of the gripes are with pins that are too loose and don't stay put.

I ordered one of each, Colt and Colt-style. The Colt won't be in for a while, but PK shipped the Colt-style one (they get 'em from RRA) in no time flat. And it looks like this....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/bandersnatchreverb/Firearms/M4/IMG_6675_zpsfffcf708.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bandersnatchreverb/media/Firearms/M4/IMG_6675_zpsfffcf708.jpg.html)

As for loose pins that go in too easy, or shoot loose, I'm no mechanical genius but the fix seemed obvious. Put the clamp on the barrel and stick the pins thru, then give 'em a little whack to stake 'em in place. I was lazy and used a screwdriver to upset the pins right at the clamp, one dingus put on each side, so they can't wiggle out in either direction.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/bandersnatchreverb/Firearms/M4/IMG_6674_zpsd9537128.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bandersnatchreverb/media/Firearms/M4/IMG_6674_zpsd9537128.jpg.html)

Seen where guys go sourcing other pins and all sorts of fixes, or they get pissed off and badmouth... neither is really needed. Just a little punch and a small tap to make 'em hold in place.

Maybe somebody will find that helpful.

[T2C]

I have only seen a few pins that would back out. I tap them on the open end with a prick punch and it flares out the pin enough to hold it. One end of the pin rests on a prick punch clamped in a bench vise while you strike the other end with a second prick punch. It doesn't take much flare to work and it is barely noticeable.

[cjb]

That'll work too! And yah, I noticed those pins were fairly soft. Mine went in pretty easy, they were not "loose", but once in the holes I could push them with my punch and hand pressure if I tried hard. Seems like easy insurance to stake 'em either way.

[Surf]

I have yet to see an actual Colt branded version come loose on its own.

[ibmikey]

I ordered mine through Midway, the pins were tight enough I did not even contemplate they would come out. About 1000 rds later they are still tight but will take your advice and flare the ends. Thanks

[T2C]

I have yet to see an actual Colt branded version come loose on its own.

The only pins I have seen come loose were on swivels, regardless of make, that had been installed and taken off carbines a few times.

I haven't dealt with more than a dozen or so. Is this a recurring problem with some of them?