Armalite AR-10 bolt markings and ejector question

[Benito]

In the process of disassembling some Armalite AR-10 bolts for checking headspace, I discovered something very perplexing.
I have attached pictures of 2 bolts.
The marking of the bolt on top is "AL 08", and the marking for the one on bottom is "AL 8G".
There are other notable differences between them other than the markings. Most notably, the one marked "AL 08" has no ejector pin (!!!!). Amazingly, the ejector stays in place, and the gun functions. I am trying to pull the ejector out with needle-nosed pliers, and it's not budging.

1) Based on these marking, can anyone tell if both are indeed Armalite-manufactured bolts?
2) Any tips on getting that ejector out?

I contacted Armalite and the guy who emailed me back did not know about the marking or origin.

Thanks and best regards.

 

[NukeMMC]

Did you put a drift punch all the way thru the ejector pin hole on AL 08? Seems awfully odd that nothing is holding the ejector in.

 

[Benito]

Did you put a drift punch all the way thru the ejector pin hole on AL 08? Seems awfully odd that nothing is holding the ejector in.

I tried, to no avail. My smallest punch measures ~0.057" in diameter, and that didn't fit all the way through. However, I can see straight through the ejector pin hole when I hold it up to the light. Truly strange.
I have Schuster Bolt Extractor and Ejector Disassembly Tools for the AR-10 and AR-15. I obviously used the AR-10 one for this situation, so I am truly perplexed.

 

[NukeMMC]

I will measure the pin holes in the 2 Armalite bolts I have when I get home tomorrow. It almost sounds like someone put a roll pin in there.

 

[Benito]

I will measure the pin holes in the 2 Armalite bolts I have when I get home tomorrow. It almost sounds like someone put a roll pin in there.

Thanks I'd appreciate that. The Armalite tech who emailed me back said I'd need a 1/16" punch for the ejector pin hole, but my punch is even smaller than that and it doesn't fit.
This is very strange, and it is possible that this may not even be an Armalite bolt.
If anyone has a DPMS pattern .308 AR bolt to measure the ejector pin hole, that might shed some light on my situation.

Thanks

 

[ajwcotton]

Those are both armalite bolts. A 1/16 roll pin punch will take them out. One is flush with the bolt body and the other is just in there below flush.
It is supposed to be a roll pin holding them in.

 

[NukeMMC]

Pulled the bolts from my AR10 and my GAP10. Both use Armalite bolts. The GAP10 is AL08 and the AR10 is AL09. Both have 1/16" roll pins for the ejector. My 1/16" punch measures .058" and drives the pin out with light tapping from my nylon hammer.

 

[Benito]

Pulled the bolts from my AR10 and my GAP10. Both use Armalite bolts. The GAP10 is AL08 and the AR10 is AL09. Both have 1/16" roll pins for the ejector. My 1/16" punch measures .058" and drives the pin out with light tapping from my nylon hammer.

Aha, most excellent information. Thank you.
I will try a smaller punch, removing the ejector plunger and installing a spare Armalite AR-10 ejector pin, and update the thread.

 

[NukeMMC]

Aha, most excellent information. Thank you.
I will try a smaller punch, removing the ejector plunger and installing a spare Armalite AR-10 ejector pin, and update the thread.

Actually, use the punch you have. It is the right size for removing the roll pin. The pin is hollow and the punch you have will impact the outer diameter of it and force it out with a few taps with a light hammer.

 

[Benito]

Actually, use the punch you have. It is the right size for removing the roll pin. The pin is hollow and the punch you have will impact the outer diameter of it and force it out with a few taps with a light hammer.

I will try this tomorrow, BUT the truly puzzling thing is that my ~0.057" punch does not even fit in the ejector pin hole of that AR-10 bolt in question. I can see through the ejector pin hole (so it is presumably unobstructed) but the punch is too big to fit.

 

[NukeMMC]

I will try this tomorrow, BUT the truly puzzling thing is that my ~0.057" punch does not even fit in the ejector pin hole of that AR-10 bolt in question. I can see through the ejector pin hole (so it is presumably unobstructed) but the punch is too big to fit.

The roll pin is hollow and about half the length of the hole that is why you can see thru the length of the hole. From your earlier post, your punch went into the hole but not thru to the other side. That is what I would expect as the hollow pin has an inside diameter smaller than your punch's diameter. If you put that punch into the hole and tap it the pin will be forced out the other side.

 

[Benito]

The roll pin is hollow and about half the length of the hole that is why you can see thru the length of the hole. From your earlier post, your punch went into the hole but not thru to the other side. That is what I would expect as the hollow pin has an inside diameter smaller than your punch's diameter. If you put that punch into the hole and tap it the pin will be forced out the other side.

Well, damn, that makes a lot of sense, and solve my apparent problem. I will report back tomorrow (haven't had a chance to examine my bolt due to work/family obligations).
Weird though that the other AR-10 bolt has an ejector pin does not appear to be hollow.

Either way, tomorrow I'll report back.
Cheers

 

[Benito]

OK, mystery solved. I am an idiot.
Disregard this thread.
The ejector pin was indeed in there. I just didn't know it is supposed to be hollow, and that really threw me for a loop.

 

[NukeMMC]

Not an idiot, as you asked the question and accepted answers and solved your dilemma.

An idiot would have never swallowed his pride and asked the question. An idiot would have ruined his bolt trying to do something silly like drilling out his ejector or the ejector pin hole. We've all been ignorant about some aspects of our skills or equipment. Nobody knows everything.

 

[Benito]

Not an idiot, as you asked the question and accepted answers and solved your dilemma.

An idiot would have never swallowed his pride and asked the question. An idiot would have ruined his bolt trying to do something silly like drilling out his ejector or the ejector pin hole. We've all been ignorant about some aspects of our skills or equipment. Nobody knows everything.

You are too kind, Sir!