Shepards spring or plate?

[caliberclark 9]

Is there a option that is more durable than the other. I noticed the s308 have a diff spring as well? Which option is the most durable?

[corbin 621]

I don't know that one is any more durable than the other. More than anything, it's a personal choice. I like the retaining plate myself, but many prefer the shepard's hook. If you go with a plate, it's usually easiest to file a small notch in your factory BHO. Makes removing the safety easier (which is what holds the plate in place).

[BigChongus 765]

I don't know of any instance where the plate would be more "durable" than the crook. Both are non-stressed parts. If anything, the crook will do a better job at preventing the pins from rotating in the reciever than the plate.

[gunfun 3,931]

Both work. One will fill you with rage and hatred. Retaining plates for me, if you please.

 

Tip. make sure the retaining plate cannot strike the bolt carrier near the rail above the axis point for the safety. Some people get binding there. A couple swipes of a file will eliminate any interferance.

[pjj342 632]

Both work. One will fill you with rage and hatred. Retaining plates for me, if you please.

 

 

The plate makes disassembly so much easier. Some guys wont take their fcgs out for years at a time, but if you do it regularly, its well worth the ten bucks.

[Dad2142Dad 6,559]

Plates

[TheDarkHorse 216]

Durable. That is the key word in the OP.

If the Shephard's crook is indeed spring-steel, then it is more durable than a stamped, sheet metal plate...unless the plate is heat treated...then the durability comparison is arguable. But from my viewpoint, the Shephard's crook is more durable.

[gunfun 3,931]

Durability is only really a concern if this is a stressed part being pushed near it's limits. As long as it seats securely into the grooves, all of these will last as long as the gun. You could just about do it with a bread bag tag.