removing firing pin from 870

[swinger_s87]

I am trying to replace a broken firing pin in a 12 Ga. Remington 870, and I have pulled out the bolt, but I can't get the firing pin out. The pin (firing pin retainer pin, i believe) that goes vertically through the bolt and holds the firing pin in place just will not budge, even after lots of persuasion of the hammer and punch variety. From all the sources I could find, all it says about this is to drive the pin out from top to bottom, and then remove the firing pin. Am I missing anything, or is it just a pain to take out?

 

[Dfariswheel]

It shouldn't be that hard.

First get everything well braced on a SOLID bench.

Most pin removal problems are caused by allowing everything to bounce around, dissipating the force of the blows.
This often causes the pin to distort, locking it in the hole.

Make sure there's a hole under the bolt to clear the pin.

If your punch is bent or too long, it's flexing, which also dissipates the force.

The bottom of the pin has splines on it to tighten it's fit in the hole so possibly someone put it in the hole backwards.

Keeping the bolt well braced and with the pin over the clearance hole, give the punch a good tap with the hammer.
The pin SHOULD come out, UNLESS you've distorted it by hammering too much.

If you can't get it to move STOP.
Before you do permanent damage take it to a pro.