Lower Receiver Assembly (AR-9, AR-15, and AR-10/LR108)
Step L6: Safety Selector Installation
Objective: In Step L6 of lower receiver assembly, we will install the safety selector assembly into the lower receiver.
Tools Required
Components Required
| Quantity | Component |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lower Receiver |
| 1 | Safety Selector Switch |
| 1 | Safety Selector Detent |
| 1 | Safety Selector Spring |
Instructions:
Step L6.0: Remove Existing Safety (replacement/upgrade only)
If you are replacing your existing safety selector (or need to remove it for any other reason), first ensure the firearm is unloaded.
You will need to remove the pistol grip.
With the grip removed, you will be able to remove the safety selector detent and spring, and then remove the safety selector.
For standard safety selectors, pull the selector switch out on the left side of the receiver.
If you are removing an ambidextrous safety selector, you will need to remove one of the switch levers. Depending on the safety selector manufacturer, you may need a specific tool designed for this purpose. For example, removal of the Radian Talon ambidextrous safety requires the use of an included detent tool to remove either lever. If you do not have this tool, you can use an unfolded paperclip.
Step L6.1: Assemble Safety Selector (if required)
As applicable, assemble the safety selector according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE: If the safety selector has the option for short throw or standard throw, be sure to orient the shaft and levers of the safety selector properly. The detent channel on the barrel should be on the right side. The detent channel for desired throw should be facing down (small channel for short throw; large channel for long throw). The levers should be facing to the rear.
Step L6.2: Lubricate the Safety Selector
Wipe a thin layer of lubricant on the barrel of the safety selector assembly.
Using a needle dropper, place a small drop of lubricant in the detent channel. If you are using a safety with both short and long throw options, lubricate the appropriate channel. The short throw channel is the smaller channel; the long throw is the larger channel.
Step L6.3: Insert Safety Selector
Insert the barrel of the safety selector into the lower receiver.
For non-ambidextrous safety selectors, be sure that the lever is on the left side of the lower receiver.
Step L6.4: Finish Assembly of Safety Selector (if applicable)
If using an ambidextrous safety selector, install the second lever according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step L6.5: Verify Safety Selector Placement
Be sure the safety selector lever is pointed to the rear of the lower receiver during the next steps.
Step L6.6: Insert Safety Selector Detent
Turn the lower receiver upside down.
Insert the safety selector detent into the cavity on the bottom of the lower receiver, pointed end first.
Using a needle dropper, place a drop of lubricant in the detent cavity.
If you are building an AR-10 on the Aero Precision M5 platform, proceed immediately to Step L8 (installation of the takedown pin).
If you are building an AR-15/AR-9, proceed immediately to Step L7 (installation of the pistol grip).