KNS AR15 Gen 2 Mod 2 Non-Rotating Trigger/Hammer Pins

KYbulldog

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Minuteman
Aug 7, 2013
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Kentucky
I've heard all the "theory", I'm looking for empirical, verifiable, experiential data. Do these pin sets increase accuracy or prevent run-out of fcg pin holes in Semi-Auto AR15/10 platforms that are shot infrequently. (I'm not talking 3gun rifles or every weekend match shooters) For those who have experienced the different sets, is one generation/mod better than another?

Can now open, out with the worms.:rolleyes:
 
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I don't think they increase accuracy, but I have had the hammer pin walk loose on both my AR15 and AR10 platforms. The down side to the KNS pins is they are not easily field serviceable.
 
I don't think they increase accuracy, but I have had the hammer pin walk loose on both my AR15 and AR10 platforms. The down side to the KNS pins is they are not easily field serviceable.
Right, add the weight of one more allen wrench to the field service kit. I think I'm up to about 5 now, wonder if any of those match.
Field servicing, probably not a big downside but still a consideration. Thanks! Anyone else?
 
They don't do @#$% for accuracy (unless your current pins or hammer/trigger are already out of spec and having a negative impact in that area already which isn't correlated to the KNS pins themselves, just the difference between garbage parts and spec parts).

As for whether or not they actually prevent or otherwise minimize wobble-out/ovaling of FCG pin holes in your lower...yes, at least in theory and at least to a certain degree. HOWEVER, even with many thousands of rounds downrange on a couple different large-frame AR lowers of my own over the years, and countless thousands more (much more than the large-frame guns) on many other AR-15 lowers I own or have otherwise worked on, I have yet to see ANY semi-auto oval out the FCG pin holes in a lower that weren't attributable to poor/ill-fitting parts or shear stupidity. Now...the same can't be said for FA lowers where, not only are you dramatically increasing the amount of wear/tear on your components, but you have many hundreds, if not thousands, of times more money invested in them so a ~$30 pin set is cheap insurance to help curb or eliminate the problem. However, there are more than a few issued service weapons in existence that have had the ever-loving @#$% shot out of them and continue to have FCG pin holes in their respective lowers that are free from damage.

It really comes down to whether the ~$30 is worthwhile to you and if you believe they'll help you sleep better at night knowing that your rifle has some sort of added (whether wholly unnecessary or not) protection against damage. The other thing to consider is what trigger will you be running? There are high quality triggers in existence that bear specific warnings AGAINST use of the KNS pins (Geissele for one). Keep that in mind as well as you weigh your decision.
 
The other thing to consider is what trigger will you be running? There are high quality triggers in existence that bear specific warnings AGAINST use of the KNS pins (Geissele for one). Keep that in mind as well as you weigh your decision.

Well that settles that. I don't remember seeing those warnings on the package that contained my SSA-E, which is nestled comfortably inside my Armalite lower.
 
Well that settles that. I don't remember seeing those warnings on the package that contained my SSA-E, which is nestled comfortably inside my Armalite lower.

Bill has been VERY upfront with customers, both prospective and those after-the-fact with damaged triggers, that the KNS pins are a "no-no" with Geissele Triggers.

First and foremost...the KNS pins are the WRONG size for Geissele triggers (although the smaller KNS pins...0.154"...will fit the Geissele triggers, but can lead to a spongy/soft second stage because they are undersized).

Second, the KNS pins are notoriously SOFT compared to the higher quality Geissele pins provided with the triggers/hammers. As a result, the KNS pins are prone to developing burrs which get pulled up and jam/damage the Geissele triggers. The Geissele pins are chrome-moly steel that is rough turned, rough ground, heat treated and then centerless finish ground...more importantly...THEY FIT the Geissele triggers which are purpose built/designed around Geissele's 0.1550" diameter pins (+/- 0.0001).

Now, you'll find all manner of people running Geissele triggers with KNS 0.154" pins, but it is ill-advised and could ultimately cause you more problems than they'll ever solve. ;)
 
Yeah, correction, I didn't mean to imply that was info left out of the purchase, just that I don't remember "seeing it"…which means Jack. Probably because I wasn't considering it at the time, and it's been SOME time ago. But I appreciate the extra info. Thank you.