Replacing Factory Mini-14 Swivels

[kbm6893]

I have a set of Uncle Mike swivels with a sling already attached. I wanted to replace the factory swivels with these. They appeared to be the same diameter. I used a plyers to take out the factory swivels, but the Uncle Mike's won't fit, because there is a lip on the inside of the hole that only allows the swivel to go in a bit. (not enough for the Mike's swivels) Can I use a drill bit to get rid of that lip so I can use the Uncle Mike's swivels? I put the factory back in, but it looks bent now.

 

[psyclone66]

I drilled through the rear swivel screw and the gas block for use with QD swivels and it all worked out for me.

 

[kbm6893]

I kept them on. Found a Gi sling and used the existing swivels.