Installing a Dust Cover

by
posted on May 24, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
d10743.jpg

Parts
Dust coverDust-cover hinge pinDust-cover hinge pin snap-ringDust-cover spring

Tools
Needle-nose pliersBrass or plastic hammer

Use the pliers to install the small snap-ring on the hinge pin. Tap it in place with the hammer to ensure it is seated. Place the cover upside down on the receiver, making sure the detent pin faces out, and start the hinge pin from the front end of the receiver. The snap-ring should be at the far end of the pin. Do not push the pin all the way through.

Before installing the dust-cover spring, preload it by turning the long arm a half turn. Hold the spring in the gap between the two hinge-pin housings, maintaining tension as you push the pin all the way through. This is one of those multi-curse steps for me, as I find it difficult to hold the spring under pressure while installing the pin. My future son-in-law was doing the work while I shot photos, and I cautioned him it would take several attempts. The show-off got it together on the first try.

Image
After placing the snap ring on the hinge pin, start the hinge pin through its housing on the dust cover.
Image
Preload the dust-cover spring, hold it in place, and push the hinge pin all the way through to secure the assembly to the receiver.
Image
Shut the dust cover, then use your finger to release the detent pin from inside the receiver to ensure the cover springs open.

Function Check: Make sure the dust cover will close. Then, reach through the front of the receiver with your finger and push the detent pin down to open the cover.

Latest

bb gun and firearms
bb gun and firearms

IMNHO: The Wheels Keep Rollin’

I lost my BB gun after I shot the windows out of our old barn when I was 6 years old. Seems that Dad did not agree that they were great reactive targets.

First Look: XS Sights Smith & Wesson M&P Sights

XS Sights just released a number of new sight options for Smith & Wesson M&P pistols.

Classics: Semmerling LM-4 Pistol

This manually operated oddity sure seemed like a good idea at the time.

First Look: Chiappa 60 DS .44 Magnum Revolver

Chiappa's large-frame revolver is chambered in a Dirty Harry-approved .44 Magnum.

Straight Talk: Know Your Gun

When you trust your life to a tool, you must know it inside and out.

First Look: Safariland Holster Fits for Glock Gen6 Pistols

Glock's latest generation of striker-fired handguns has dedicated holster fits from Safariland.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.