At a Glance: Best AR-15 Takedown Pins
Comparison of Best AR-15 Takedown Pins
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Our Top Pick
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Strike Industries – AR-15 Extended Takedown Pivot Pin |
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Our Second Pick
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KNS Precision, Inc. – AR-15/M16 Enhanced Takedown Pins |
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Best Budget Option
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CMMG – AR-15 Parts Kit HD Pivot & Takedown Pins |
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AR-15 takedown pins are one of those subtle upgrades that many shooters overlook. Buying better takedown pins won’t make you a better shooter, nor will it improve the aesthetic of your rifle. What it will do is make it much easier to disassemble your weapon for maintenance and cleaning. We found the Best AR-15 Takedown Pin available today!
Best AR-15 Takedown Pins for Your Money
You might be wondering how on earth to choose the best AR-15 takedown pin for your money. They are just metal pins, after all. It’s not like you can choose the one that looks the coolest.
The takedown pins you choose do matter. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right ones for your specific needs.
Strike Industries – AR-15 Extended Takedown Pivot Pin
Strike Industries is no stranger to professional firearms kit, and the AR-15 Extended Takedown Pivot Pin is no exception. This simple takedown pin is everything you need to keep your rifle together, and it costs less than your dinner.
The pin is made from precision-machined steel, ensuring that it’ll last for years to come without you having to worry about rust or wear. The design has been extended to make it easier for you to remove the pins, although they still have a low enough profile so they won’t snag on your clothes, bag, or gear.
This little gem from Strike Industries is designed to replace the factory AR-15/M16/M4 takedown pin in your rifle. It’s been built to bit most standard billet upper receivers, so you’ll have no trouble swapping out your upper before heading to the range if you’re using this pin.
It doesn’t come with a detent or spring, so you’ll need to either have these on hand or buy them separately, which is a bit annoying. Most springs will fit without issue, so you can likely just use your old one.
The AR-15 Extended Takedown Pivot Pin comes in black, gold, chrome, and red so you can make those little tweaks to your rifle’s aesthetic that complete the look you’re going for.
Pros
- Affordable
- Fits most standard uppers
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Comes with front and rear pins
- Extended length for ease of removal
- Made of steel
Cons
- Doesn’t include spring or detents
- Could be made easier to install
KNS Precision, Inc. – AR-15/M16 Enhanced Takedown Pins
The AR-15/M16 Enhanced Takedown Pins from KNS Precision, Inc. are designed with ease of use in mind. They’re arguably the easiest takedown pins to use on your AR-15 rifle.
The pins have a steel push-button to help you quickly remove them. A piece of steel comes out the bottom of the pin and pushes it away from the receiver when you put pressure on the button. This helps you to take apart your AR-15 rifle without needing any tools easily.
The pins are held in place by three spring-loaded detent balls, which allow for a more secure lock and prevents wear over time by taking some pressure off the pin itself.
The KNS Enhanced Takedown Pins are machined from steel with a black oxide finish to ensure they’ll last the test of time. The design has also been optimized to prevent dirt or dust from entering into the receiver’s holes.
While these aren’t the most affordable AR-15 takedown pins on the market, they will make your life much easier when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your rifle. They only come in black, although they’re such a small detail that it’s unlikely the lack of choice in aesthetic will be much of a bother.
Pros
- Make it easy to take your rifle apart
- Solid construction
- Detent balls hold the pin in place
- Will last for years
- Fits any standard upper
- Unique design
Cons
- Expensive
- Must buy front and rear pins separately
- Only comes in black
CMMG – AR-15 Parts Kit HD Pivot & Takedown Pins
Check out the CMMG parts kit for an incredibly affordable and effective solution to taking apart your AR-15 with ease. The AR-15 Parts Kit includes a front pivot pin and a rear takedown pin, as well as two detents and springs so you’ll have everything you need to get up and running right away.
The pins are designed with a longer length than the standard Mil-spec you’d usually get from the factory. They also have a divot to make it easier to remove them, even without tools to hand.
While these aren’t the highest quality pins on the market, their steel build is still more than enough to last for years to come, and the affordable price tag means they’re perfect to have around as a set of spare parts or to use as your primary pins in your rifle.
The fact the kit includes detents and springs is a big plus, seeing as the springs tend to wear down long before the pins. Having some spares is never a bad idea.
The kit only comes in black, although the low-profile of the pins after installation means you won’t have to compromise the aesthetic of your rifle if you’re predominantly using a different color scheme.
Pros
- Kit includes front and rear pins
- Also includes detents and springs
- Perfect for spare parts
- Fits any standard AR upper
- Affordable
- Good construction
- No-thrills option
- Increased length and divot allows for easy removal
Cons
- Not the best materials
- Only comes in black
V Seven Weapon Systems – AR-15 Ultra-Light Takedown & Pivot Pin Set
If you’re designing a lightweight AR-15, then it really is the little details that make all the difference. The extra grams on small parts add up into pounds, which drag you down when you’re out in the field.
V Seven Weapon Systems has gone to work to produce ultra-lightweight components that are often overlooked so you can have a featherlight AR platform that won’t tire you out carrying it over long distances.
The company’s AR-15 Ultra-Light Takedown & Pivot Pin Set weighs just 5 grams. That’s 64% lighter than the average Mil-spec factory pins of an AR.
The pins are made aluminum with a Type III hardcoat anodized finish to ensure the lightest weight and the toughest build. They’re built to withstand corrosion from the elements even after years tick by. The takedown pins are also built with a dimpled tip to make disassembling your rifle easier.
The kit includes the front pivot pin and the rear takedown pin. You’ll have to use your existing detents and springs or buy new ones separately.
This is an ideal pin set for anyone looking to build a lightweight AR-15. What’s more, they’re made right here in the USA, so you know you’re getting good quality and keeping Americans at work.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Great construction and finish
- Includes front and rear pins
- Fits any standard AR upper
- Designed for ease of disassembly
- Made in the USA
- Lifetime warranty
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t include detents or springs
- Only comes in black
COLT – AR-15A4 Takedown Pin
For the shooter looking for an affordable, no-thrills rear takedown pin, COLT has got you covered. The AR-15A4 Takedown Pin is a simple and compatible rear takedown pin that fits any standard AR upper receiver and will even fit in other rifles that use the same diameter pins.
The COLT pin is machined from high-quality steel, so you know it will outlast your in-laws and any annoying TV personalities currently on the networks. The pin is corrosion-proof, so you won’t get done over by the elements in years to come.
The kit only includes the rear takedown pin. You’ll need to buy the front pivot pin and the detents and springs separately if you need them. Ideally, you’d buy this as a spare part or as a simple upgrade.
COLT pins are manufactured in the USA, so you know you’re getting a great product, and you’re keeping hardworking Americans employed.
If you’re looking for the no-thrills option and you already have a pivot pin and detents and springs, then this is a great product for you.
Pros
- Solid construction
- Made in the USA
- Affordable
- Corrosion-proof
- No-thrills option
- Fits any standard AR upper
Cons
- Only includes rear takedown pin
- No detents or springs
- Only comes in black
- Quite basic
2A Armament – AR-15 Takedown Pins Titanium
If you want a mix of ultra-lightweight and sturdy as a bull, then the 2A Armament AR-15 Takedown Pins are the set to go for.
The pins are built from high-quality titanium alloy to ensure they’re the strongest set you’ll ever buy, plus the center has been hollowed out to save more weight. The result is a lightweight set of pins that you could run over with a tank and still use after.
The pins are built with a single operation on an 8-Axis CNC machine to ensure consistent measurements and weight for every pin.
The head of each pin is pocketed to reduce weight further, making this an ideal set for anyone looking to build a lightweight AR-15 that won’t wear them out as they carry it over long distances in the field.
The titanium pins come in an aesthetically pleasing silver finish that will subtly complement the rest of your rifle. The kit doesn’t include detents or springs, so you’ll need to either use the ones you already have or purchase new ones separately.
All 2A Armament pins are manufactured in the USA. You’re getting high-quality at an affordable price, and you’re keeping food on the table for American families.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Made of titanium alloy
- Designed for convenience
- Fits any standard AR upper
- Made in the USA
- Aesthetic silver finish
- Affordable
Cons
- No detents or springs in the kit
- Only comes in silver, unless you buy the aluminum version
Armaspec – Titanium Takedown/Pivot Pins
The Armaspec Titanium Takedown/Pivot Pin is another solid kit built for quality and convenience when it comes to disassembling your AR-15 for cleaning and maintenance.
The pins are weightier than the A2 Armament titanium pins, which some shooters will prefer for the more sturdy feel. They’re machined from high-quality titanium to ensure they’ll last you an entire lifetime of shooting and will withstand all the corrosion nature can try to throw at them.
The head of the pins features a patent-pending convex head so that you can tap it from any angle and easily remove the pins. This type of attention to detail is what really makes these pins worth the investment.
Armaspec knows its customers, and they’ve pointed out that the pins can easily be removed using the flat end of a bullet or even a credit card. This ensures you can easily service your rifle if it runs into issues while you’re out in the field.
They also have an ‘EZ-Set’ hole to make it easier to install the detents and springs. In other words, this is a really easy pin set to disassemble and reinstall while out in the field.
The Armaspec Titanium Takedown/Pivot Pin Set is ideal for the serious shooter who spends a lot of time in the field and wants something reliable and convenient.
Pros
- Titanium construction is sturdy and reliable
- Built with ease of use in mind
- Easy to remove and install
- Makes servicing your rifle in the field easier
- Looks great
- Affordable
- Includes rear takedown pin and front pivot pin
- Fits any standard AR upper
Cons
- Doesn’t include detents or springs
- Only available in silver
PSA – Custom Titanium AR Takedown/Pivot Pin Set
If you’re looking for the highest quality with an unconditional lifetime warranty, then look no further than PSA. The company is renowned in the firearms industry for producing exceptional-quality parts for upgrading your AR-15.
The Customer Titanium AR Takedown/Pivot Pin Set is perfect for any AR rifle or pistol. It comes with everything you need to get up and running, whether you’re upgrading your existing rifle or building a new one from scratch.
The kit includes a front pivot pin, a rear takedown pin, both made from titanium with a polished finish, and two detents and springs. The quality of all the components in the kit is fantastic, and it all comes together at a very affordable price.
The design is fairly standard and no-thrills, but as long as you have the right tools, improvised or otherwise, then removing them and disassembling your rifle for maintenance shouldn’t be a problem.
This kit is ideal for anyone building an AR-15 or just to have in your garage as a set of spare parts. You really can’t argue with the price and quality of these pins.
Finally, they’re made in the USA, and they have an unconditional lifetime warranty so you can have the ultimate peace of mind when installing them.
Pros
- Extremely durable titanium build
- Polished finish
- Includes everything you need, including springs and detents
- Ideal for a first build or upgrade
- Affordable
- Made in the USA
- Lifetime unconditional warranty
Cons
- Only comes in silver
What are AR-15 takedown pins?
The takedown pins hold your upper and lower receivers together. In other words, they’re the pins that keep your rifle in once piece. They’re not to be overlooked.
There are two different types of takedown pins:
- The front takedown pin, also known as the pivot pin, is located above the magazine.
- The rear takedown pin is located above the pistol grip, below the buffer tube port.
Takedown pins allow you to take your rifle apart for cleaning and inspections quickly. It’s important to have pins that are easy to remove to make maintenance as smooth as possible.
How often you shoot and where you take your rifle will determine the type of takedown pins you’ll want to buy. The more abuse you put your AR-15 through, the more durable you’ll want your takedown pins to be.
Why should you upgrade your AR-15 takedown pins?
Sometimes it’s the smallest components of a rifle that are the most important. Takedown pins are an essential part of the AR-15 that most people don’t even think about. But you do need to upgrade your takedown pins if you’re serious about improving your AR rifle.
After all, you’re not going to be hitting any targets if you’re holding your upper and lower receivers together with sellotape. That goes to show how important the pins are.
If you’re using the same worn-out factory stock pins that came with your rifle years ago, you’ve got a problem frankly. Especially if you’re someone who lets off rounds like they’ll explode in your bag if you don’t get rid of them
Upgrading your takedown pins has several benefits.
- Your rifle is held together more firmly
- You can make it easier to take your AR-15 apart for maintenance
- You can get a universal pin set if you’re frequently swapping out receivers
- You can keep your old one as a spare
The main benefit of upgrading your takedown pins is that it makes stipping your rifle down easier. You don’t want to go through the frustration of your tools slipping off the pins or tight-fitting uppers, so eliminate those issues with what might be the most subtle AR-15 upgrade.
How to choose the best AR-15 takedown pins
Such a small component can’t require too much consideration, right? Not exactly, but you shouldn’t just buy the most expensive pins and assume they’ll be the best for your rifle. You might have more specific requirements based on how often you shoot or swap out your upper receiver.
What does it come with?
Some pins come with the takedown springs and detents included, while others require you to buy them separately. Get a kit that includes everything you need so you’re not left having to order more items to finish putting your rifle together.
There are few things in this life more irritating than getting something new and then not being able to use it.
Durability
The first thing to look out for is what the takedown pins are made of. The best quality pins are machined from steel or titanium. The pins won’t take too much stress when you shoot, so you don’t need to worry about them ever breaking.
Still, if you want your rifle to withstand the T-1000 from Terminator 2, then opt for a titanium pin set. The price difference is small, so you might as well go the extra mile.
Is it compatible with your rifle?
The most important benefit feature of any takedown pin set is compatibility. If you’re someone who swaps out their upper receiver a lot, then you’ll want to be able to use the same pins. Most pin sets are universal, but not all, so make sure you’re checking for this when buying.
Ease of takedown
The whole point of takedown pins is that they help you take down your rifle. With that in mind, you want pins that are easy to install and remove.
Look for takedown pins that are slightly longer and have divets to help you push them out. You should also find takedown pins that have a grip on them to easily pull them out once you’ve pushed them free.
Budget
Obviously, your budget will come into the equation, but you shouldn’t just go for the cheapest option. Most takedown pins are very affordable, and upgrading to the best ones on the market isn’t going to put a hole in your wallet.
Style
Finally, you’ll want to consider the aesthetics of the takedown pin you’re upgrading to. There isn’t much to look for here, and to be quite honest, the pinhead isn’t going to make or break the look of your rifle.
Still, you’ll at least want to get one that matches the color scheme you’re going for on your rifle. Little details go a long way.
How to install AR-15 takedown pins
Installing and removing the takedown pin isn’t too difficult, but the takedown spring can be an issue if you’re not careful. You should wear glasses or goggles when doing this to prevent injury.
Tools you’ll need:
How to install front takedown pin
- Put pivot spring into the hole above the magazine at the lower receiver’s front right, facing down the barrel.
- Now put the detent in and hold them both in place – be careful not to let the spring ping out of the hole. It’s so small that you’ll struggle to find it if it goes bye-bye!
- Put the front pivot (takedown) pin through the two holes to secure the spring.
- That’s it.
How to install rear takedown pin
- Put the rear takedown pin from left to right in front of the buffer.
- Put the detent into the small hole on the back of the receiver.
- Feed the detent spring into the same hole.
- Now reattach the buffer tube and endplate with the castle lock nut to secure it.
To take the rifle apart, simply knock out the pins and remove the detents and springs. Ensure you’re careful when doing this, so the springs don’t ping across the room, potentially causing an injury.
Our Pick for the Best Takedown Pins
After considering all the criteria for a great set of takedown and pivot pins, I’ve got to say that the Armaspec Titanium Takedown/Pivot Pins are the best option on the market.
The pins are made from the best quality materials and the attention to detail in the design makes them easier to install and remove, which is ultimately what determines whether they’re good or not.
If you’re out in the field and your rifle malfunctions, then you want to be able to quickly and easily take it apart to fix it.
The Armaspec Titanium Takedown/Pivot Pins allow for this using anything from a credit card to the end of a bullet. That’s why they’re the best AR-15 takedown pin for your money right now.
FAQ
Are AR-15 takedown pin upgrades only for home-built guns?
Upgrading your takedown pins isn’t just for home-built AR-15s. Regardless of whether you’ve built your own AR-15 or you’re using a factory stock model, you can still benefit from upgrading your takedown pins.
Many factory AR-15s are built to Mil-spec standards, but this doesn’t make them the best models on the market. Factory AR-15s often use parts that can be substantially upgraded.
I recommend upgrading your AR-15 takedown pins regardless of the origins of your rifle to make it easier to maintain.
Can you use the same AR-15 takedown pins to switch uppers?
Whether or not you can use your takedown pins when switching uppers will depend on the pin itself and the upper’s design. Many takedown pins are compatible with most standard AR-15 upper receivers, meaning you can switch uppers with the same pins.
Make sure to check the AR-15 takedown pins you’re buying to ensure that they are compatible with a variety of uppers.
Do you need any tools to install AR-15 takedown pins?
Many people have installed and removed takedown pins with some innovative tools, including credit cards, coins, fingernails, and anything else with a thin edge. I don’t recommend you follow this route unless you’re experienced.
For the novice gunsmith, you’ll be ready to install your takedown pins if you have a pair of pliers and a hex screw to hand. You’ll also need to eye protection to keep the detent spring from causing any unintended harm.
How quickly do AR-15 takedown pins wear down?
Your takedown pins will likely last for decades if you let them. They’re made of sturdy materials, and they don’t take much shock from constant firing, so the likelihood of them wearing down is extremely low.
You can replace them every five years or so if you want to play it safe, but realistically you should be fine for years to come.
You should replace the spring and detent
The real issue here is the takedown spring and detent. These are much smaller components and will be more vulnerable to the elements as the years tick by. I’d recommend you change these out every couple of years to ensure there isn’t any rust or corrosion damage.