Trouble Removing A2 Buttstock

[Multifaceted]

I searched before posting this but didn't find anything.

Here's my dilemma: I just bought Magpul furniture for my Bushy. I first removed the handguard by hand, which was relatively easy, since I don't have a delta tool or AR wrench. The new handguard went on just as easily. So I figured the buttstock would be a cinch - one screw and be mindful of the detent spring, easy peesy, right? I'll be gaddang, that screw might as well be welded onto the buffer tube. It won't budge using what I thought was a "big" flathead screwdriver...

I've read and heard that some manufacturers use loctite on the buttstock screw, so if that's the case, I figured I'd dab a little Hoppe's No. 9 solvent to dissolve the loctite and then let it sit propped upright. I'm going to the hardware store now to get a much larger flathead screwdriver because the screw head is beginning to shear. Hopefully the Hoppe's and a larger 1/2" drive flathead will do the trick.

In the interim, does anyone have any tips or tricks to getting this badboy off, save for taking it to a gunsmith?

 

[HokieCasey]

Are you trying to retain the fixed Stock buffer tube for the new stock? or are you swapping to a collapsible stock?

Id recommended using a screwdriver with a blade that fully fills the buttstock screw slot, I would also recommend using a vice block to secure the lower while you unscrew it.

 

[retrorichard]

I had the same trouble. I ended up using a vice block. It was a RRA one with the red loctite.

I ended up unscrewing the stock/tube from the rifle and then clamping the tube to get the A2 stock screw off.

 

[BradMacc82]

Typically there is some type of thread-locker/sealant on that vented screw, a small application of heat probably wouldn't be a bad idea. It's normally red loc-tite from the ones I've played with, so a small amount of heat should go a long way.

 

[Multifaceted]

Are you trying to retain the fixed Stock buffer tube for the new stock? or are you swapping to a collapsible stock?

Id recommended using a screwdriver with a blade that fully fills the buttstock screw slot, I would also recommend using a vice block to secure the lower while you unscrew it.

Fixed stock. I'm at Lowes now to get a 1/2" drive flathead. Unfortunately, I don't have a vice...

I had the same trouble. I ended up using a vice block. It was a RRA one with the red loctite.

I ended up unscrewing the stock/tube from the rifle and then clamping the tube to get the A2 stock screw off.

Yeah, there's got be loctite on there. I may have to take into work, I think we have a vice in the shop.

Typically there is some type of thread-locker/sealant on that vented screw, a small application of heat probably wouldn't be a bad idea. It's normally red loc-tite from the ones I've played with, so a small amount of heat should go a long way.

I'll try that, thanks. I don't have a heat gun, so hopefully my wife's hair dryer will suffice.

 

[Nemesis]

hair dryers get pretty hot, so it should do the trick.

since you dont have a vice, you could use a block of wood or a towel (to protect the receiver) and a c clamp or two to hold it to a table.

 

[Multifaceted]

Hey, thanks for the tips, guys. Got back from the store with a long 3/8" drive prybar type flathead, put a hairdryer to the screw head for about 5 minutes, then wrapped the receiver in a clean rag and placed on the floor with the stock clamped in between my legs. It took some torque but it soon came free. The new MOE Rifle Stock is on now and is looking pretty bitchin'.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[BradMacc82]

No prob.

 

[sailskidrive]

I had the same trouble. I ended up using a vice block. It was a RRA one with the red loctite.

I ended up unscrewing the stock/tube from the rifle and then clamping the tube to get the A2 stock screw off.

Did you cut the stock? The A2 stock locks to the lower receiver on that little dimple; I don't see how you could spin off.