Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin Review

Using the Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin in the Real World

The Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin promises a faster, easier way to separate your AR-15’s upper and lower receivers. Battle Arms Development aims to offer a dual-function pin that streamlines reloading and cleaning. This pin, with its easy-pull head and CNC-machined construction, piqued my interest as a seasoned AR enthusiast always looking for incremental improvements.

I’ve spent years wrestling with standard takedown pins, occasionally resorting to punches and cursing under my breath. My motivation to buy this was to find a way to open my AR quickly and easily without tools. The claims of dual functionality and a smoother reloading process were particularly appealing.

Upon receiving the Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin, the first thing I noticed was its solid construction. The CNC machining appeared precise, and the black finish was clean. It felt heavier and more substantial than a standard takedown pin, suggesting a durable build.

Compared to standard mil-spec pins or even some extended takedown pins I’ve used, this stood out due to its unique head design and promise of quick release. I chose it over a standard extended pin because the quick release and potential “crack open” functionality offered more than just easier gripping. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; I hoped it would live up to its claims of improved speed and convenience.

Real-World Testing: Putting Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin at my local shooting range during a carbine course. The day was partly cloudy with a slight drizzle, providing a real-world test of the pin’s usability in less-than-ideal conditions. The range required frequent clearing of rifles, making this a perfect environment to evaluate its quick-release capabilities.

In dry conditions, the pin functioned reasonably well as a standard takedown pin, but it wasn’t significantly faster than a mil-spec one. When my hands were wet or sweaty from exertion, gripping and pulling the pin became somewhat more challenging, negating some of the intended benefits. The “crack open” feature, intended to hold the upper receiver slightly open, didn’t work reliably on my primary AR build (a Diamondback DB15) but did work on a second (Aero Precision) build.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and cleaning cycles over three months, the Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin shows minimal wear. The finish has held up well, and the spring tension remains consistent. Regular cleaning with CLP keeps it functioning smoothly, but I’ve noticed that the small crevices around the head can accumulate carbon buildup.

The pin’s durability seems decent, and it has stood up well to repeated use and cleaning. Compared to a standard pin that requires a punch for removal when excessively dirty, the pull-head design offers a slight advantage in maintenance. While it simplifies takedown compared to a standard pin, it’s not a game-changer, especially if the “crack open” feature doesn’t work with your lower receiver.

Breaking Down the Features of Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin

Specifications

The Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin is designed as a drop-in replacement for the standard AR-15 rear takedown pin. It is CNC-machined from high-quality steel, ensuring strength and durability.

The pin features a unique easy-pull head for enhanced grip and manipulation. It comes complete with a detent and spring, mirroring the standard components for easy installation. The dual-function design allows it to act as a standard takedown pin or, in some lowers, to hold the upper receiver slightly open for easier magazine changes or cleaning.

Performance & Functionality

The Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin aims to improve the speed and ease of separating the upper and lower receivers on an AR-15. Its performance is somewhat dependent on the specific lower receiver. On some lowers, the “crack open” feature worked as advertised, offering a convenient way to access the chamber.

However, on others, the pin’s lip was too short to catch the upper receiver effectively. The pin functions reliably as a standard takedown pin, but the quick-release aspect is only marginally faster than using an extended takedown pin with a larger gripping surface.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin is focused on enhancing the user’s grip and control during takedown. The easy-pull head is larger and more textured than a standard pin head, making it easier to grab, even with gloves.

The CNC-machined steel construction gives it a solid feel and ensures it can withstand repeated use. The larger head profile can also serve as a subtle thumb rest when using a featureless grip, as one user noted.

Durability & Maintenance

The Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin, crafted from CNC-machined steel, is designed for long-term durability. The black finish helps protect against corrosion, but regular cleaning is still recommended.

Maintenance is straightforward; simply clean the pin with CLP or a similar solvent to remove carbon buildup and ensure smooth operation. The pin should last for thousands of takedown cycles with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin is a standalone component and doesn’t require any specific accessories for operation. It is fully compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver designed for mil-spec takedown pins.

While it doesn’t offer extensive customization options, its compatibility with various lower receivers makes it a versatile upgrade. Users can pair it with enhanced front pivot pins for a complete quick-takedown system.

Pros and Cons of Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin

Who Should Buy Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin?

The Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin is perfect for AR-15 owners who value convenience and want to potentially speed up the takedown process. It is particularly beneficial for shooters who frequently clean their rifles or perform maintenance in the field.

Those who may want to skip this product are individuals on a tight budget or AR owners whose lowers are not compatible with the “crack open” feature. A standard extended takedown pin might be a more cost-effective alternative.

A must-have modification to complement this is an enhanced front pivot pin to streamline the takedown process even further.

Conclusion on Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin

The Battle Arms Development Quick Release Rear AR Takedown Pin offers a modest improvement in takedown speed and ease of use, with a caveat. Its effectiveness depends heavily on the lower receiver it’s paired with.

At $29.99, the price may be hard to justify for the slight increase in functionality. I would recommend this with reservations and caution. While the CNC machining and easy-pull head are definite positives, potential buyers should be aware of the compatibility issues and consider whether the price justifies the benefits.