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Tech Note |
October 13, 1997
TECHNICAL NOTE 4: HAMMER/TRIGGER PIN DIAMETERS AND
COMPLICATIONS
The purpose of this Technical Note is to explain the why late Colt
brand AR-15 style rifles do not accept government or industry standard trigger mechanism
components.
FACTS:
- In an apparent effort to reduce criticism of their AR-15 style
rifles, officials of Colt's Firearms made a number of changes to them. In addition to
cutting off the bayonet lug, they increased the diameter of their hammer/trigger pins from
the previous .1540 inch diameter to approximately .1720 inch. The Hammer, Trigger, and
Disconnector were altered to match.
- Because few second party suppliers produce trigger mechanism
parts to accept the .1720 diameter hammer/trigger pins, the consumer has fewer sources of
supply, and correspondingly higher prices.
- Improvements in trigger mechanisms cannot be fitted to Colt
brand rifles unless special efforts are taken to allow for the pin diameters and block. A
special version of the ArmaLite National Match Trigger Mechanism has been designed to work
with Colt Brand rifles.
- ArmaLite and Eagle Arms rifles continue to use the .1540
Diameter pins, as does most of the industry.
RECOMMENDATION: Consumers wishing maximum
standardization, readily available parts, and reasonable prices should purchase only those
rifles which use the industry and government standard .1540 inch diameter pins.
MAW
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