Removing The Sling Swivel - Good/Bad Idea?

[Abraham]

When I do bench rest shooting the front sling swivel on my AR's gets in the way and I'm considering removing it/them.

I've watched some Youtube videos and removing it seems simple enough, but I've 2 left thumbs when it comes to doing small stuff. I can swing a sledge hammer or axe or anything large, heavy and difficult, but fine motor skills simply aren't there for me.

That being said, I wonder if there are considerations to take into account I've not yet thought of. Heck, for all I know removing the swivel will lower it's resale value, though I doubt I'll ever sell them...

Anyway, thoughts on doing this - use a punch or a small drill bit?

[Scott B.]

A punch on the tail works pretty good. If you're near NW Harris shoot me a PM I can do it for you in about 2 mins.

[Abraham]

Scott B.,

Thank you very much for the offer, but I live a bit of a distance from you.

Again, thank you for the kindness of your offer.

I really appreciate it.

[ShootDontTalk]

Is your rest so large that you cannot pull it closer to the magazine? I use a small sandbag for informal bench shooting and have never had an issue.

[Abraham]

SDT,

It's an inexpensive, 3 legged, plastic bench rest I bought at Academy.

For me, where I rest my rifle is precisely where the swivel is located.

It's not really a major issue, just a nuisance.

[Scott B.]

Heck, we stand against the forces of evil and ignorance on a daily basis. Helping each other out, when we can, is a fun bonus.

Taking the rivet out isn't difficult. Maybe you can bribe a helper to help you hold the punch? Shouldn't take much force at all.

[Abraham]

Scott B.,

You just reminded me that "She, who must be obeyed, also known as my Wife" could not only assist, but probably do a better job than I ever could.

She's incredibly mechanically inclined. In fact, I also refer to her as our "House Engineer". Whenever something needs fixing, she does it, while I stand by, with my fingers in my mouth performing the Pee Pee dance of anxiety.

Thanks for the reminder.

No doubt, I didn't think to ask her for her help because even though she sometimes shoots with me, the subject of guns bores her to tears.

[Crossfire]

Women - not just decorative, but useful as well!

[ShootDontTalk]

SDT,

It's an inexpensive, 3 legged, plastic bench rest I bought at Academy.

For me, where I rest my rifle is precisely where the swivel is located.

It's not really a major issue, just a nuisance.

I've taken them off, and put them back on. The real problem, unless you have done it before, is not scratching up the rifle driving the pin out. A really soft pine block to lay the front sight base on is all I've ever found that works well. Even then, some AR's have a very easily scratched finish. If such is important to you, I would see if there is someone in your area who has done it before. Good luck.

Women - not just decorative, but useful as well!

I'm going to try to remember that!

[Abraham]

SDT,

Yes, I'm rather anal about keeping my firearms looking good.

Much like one of our members who very recently bemoaned his chagrin at boogering up his beloved firearm, I wouldn't want my less that skillful attempts to mar me own...but, I will speak to my "House Engineer".

She actually is an engineer as well as a Sr. Systems Analyst who worked on the Space Shuttle.