Ejector and Plunger

**Pcc1421** · 03-15-2020, 08:51 PM

I have watched COUNTLESS videos of how to remove the plunger in a Savage 11 so that I can properly headspace my rifle. All videos have stated that a 1/16th punch is needed but a 1/16th punch WILL NOT go in the pinhole. I have tried a 1/32 punch but the pin WILL NOT BUDGE. the extractor was a breeze to remove but the tiny little pinhole is giving me problems.

I put pressure on the plunger and try to drive out the pin and I've hit it HARD, but it will not budge. I rented the headpace gauges so the clock is ticking. What the hell am I doing wrong?!

**Robinhood** · 03-15-2020, 11:22 PM

Put the bolt head in the vice with this side facing away from you

You will push the pin out this side and drive it back in from here.

**Dave Hoback** · 03-15-2020, 11:34 PM

Hard to say without seeing it

There’s no trick to it...bout as straight forward as can be. The retaining pin is splined to bite into the hole, but it should press out fairly easy. It only goes in & comes out ONE WAY. The pin has a head & splines on one end to keep it from going all the way through. Are you pushing in on the ejector to take the forward momentum off the pin? I always do in habit, as to keep the ejector & spring from shooting out. But I’ve never noticed if the forward weight of the ejector “holds” more tightly to the retention pin.

**sharpshooter** · 03-16-2020, 01:03 AM

You don't need to remove the ejector to headspace a barrel.

**GaCop** · 03-16-2020, 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by sharpshooter

You don't need to remove the ejector to headspace a barrel.

**Pcc1421** · 03-16-2020, 07:29 AM

But the plunger needs to be removed correct? That was a snap. The ball and spring popped out easily but the plunger pin WILL NOT BUDGE. I feel like I need a 1/32 punch even though everyone says a 1/16th will do it. I CAN NOT get a 1/16th punch in the hole.

**Dave Hoback** · 03-16-2020, 07:57 AM

I always remove the ejector(you you are referring to as the plunger), when headspacing. You don’t need to remove EXACTROR, and I never do. Guess you don’t “need” to remove the ejector either, but it’s how I learned.

**000Robert** · 03-17-2020, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by Pcc1421

But the plunger needs to be removed correct? That was a snap. The ball and spring popped out easily but the plunger pin WILL NOT BUDGE. I feel like I need a 1/32 punch even though everyone says a 1/16th will do it. I CAN NOT get a 1/16th punch in the hole.

I use Starrett punches and the 1/16" worked fine for me. Maybe you have a burr on the edge of your 1/16" punch?