I use the McMaster Carr 420 SS coiled pins on Trigger Guards, FA and Bolt Catch as they are so much easier to install, but I use the stock mil-spec pin for the ejector and gas tube as the 2 small ones are super easy to install and the ejector pin takes a pounding and the mil spec ejector pin is 25% stronger than the 420 SS coiled pins. You assemble guns PERFECT Peter, that roll pin install is proof of that, same for me.
And you're right about the trigger guard pin. That one always makes me nervous. About the worst that can happen on the others is a scratch in the finish. The trigger guard pin can end up ruining the lower if one of those "ears" breaks off.
I haven't broken one yet in all these years but have developed a feel for when they aren't going in right. Then it's "full stop" to try and figure out why! Daniel Defense sells the pistol grip with the built in trigger guard if an ear does get broken off so all is not lost. I personally would get a new lower. Just knowing the ear tab was broke off whether I could see it or not would be a torment! Lol! Thanks again for the comments Gary!
@@peteregger7928 I have my OCD largely under control, but I am particular about things I build. A broken TG ear would cause me to lose sleep. 😂 I have never broken one either, but I always support them well and sweat a little bit when driving in the pin. BTW, the Camaro looks great!
@@garyK.45ACP That particular pin is very nerve racking! I've got about an hour left on the Camaro wiring and then I'll fire it up! Just not real motivated when it's 130F in the garage. Everything is brand new! ZZ4 350 with the "Hot Cam" option so should be 400+ HP, Tremec TKO 5 speed (anti-theft because most youngsters can't drive a manual), Moser 12 bolt limited slip, Hotchkiss and Global West suspension with 12" Wilwood brakes.
Pete, once you finish this build you need to do a “state of the collection” video and get all your AR’s out. I feel like you have to have 100 of them by now lol. Great videos. I’ve learned a lot watching you over the years!
I have been very happy with the PSA lowers I have used. BTW, your SN is within 40 of mine. If you catch them on "daily deal" specials, you can get the stripped lowers for $40!
I didn't get quite as good a deal as you did but the M4A1 and M16A2 U.S. Govt. marked stripped lowers were $49 each for the 4th of July sale! I have used other PSA stripped lowers in past years and have yet to have a problem. The only thing different with these two was that the anodize was a little on the rough side. Went with the Aero upper because PSA was out of stock... big surprise and I didn't want to wait. Maybe our receivers were made on the same day?
My OCD won't let me use an Aero upper on a Mil Spec build. They use a nitride port cover rod instead of phosphate. They don't use the correct heavy crimp port cover. The rear pic rail is cut short. T marks aren't engraved. No dry film lube inside. I'm crazy though. Funny thing is, I have no problem using spiral pins even though they're not Mil Spec. They go in so much easier. Glad you discovered them as well.
Palmetto was out of stock on the upper and I did not notice the port cover pin was nitrided on the AERO. Now I'm going to go compare the door stampings from my other builds These details matter damn it! Lol! Thanks for watching and commenting!
My first time using them on an AR even if it was by accident. Not noticing what the FFL had given me! Lol! I was very surprised how much better they felt during install! The head doesn't seem to deform as much either and didn't really look like they had been tapped by a punch at all! Thanks for watching and commenting!
They are OEM for a lot of manufacturers and retailers. Don't hear anything bad about them very often. BCM uses a lot of Microbest. I'll be looking for phosphate, C158 and non-logo. Coated on a Retro is blasphemy! Lol!
Looks good. Pete! I have spoken with you before. I believe you told me you were an ADC in the Navy, correct? I did a 4 year enlistment as an AD3 (on T56 engines and propellers) on the P3C Orion. My first "from scratch" build was an M4A1 on a stripped Aero upper and lower. I used a Colt M4A1 barrel, and a Colt BCG. I cannot STAND an A2 pistol grip, so I used a Magpul OEM instead. Not really "clone correct," but it shoots very well. I remember that the gas tube and barrel nut lined up at exactly 40 foot pounds. Not quite as tight as I wanted, but it was in spec, so I left it there. I hope the build shoots well for you. I am sure it will!
First 5 years I was an AD2 attached to VS-21 and VS-41. Got out for a few years. Went back in and changed my rate to AT and retired as a Chief after 21 years. I do remember trading some comments. My son flew Aircrew in P-3's but decided to get out after his enlistment about 7 years ago. Lives in Salt Lake now as a Data Storage construction project manager/technician. Oversees the construction and installation doing most of the start-up configuration as well. He wears a lot of hats! It's damn near impossible to put together an accurate M4/M4A1 Retro. It's just not offered or "Out of Stock". You would probably have to camp out at Gun Broker for a couple years and then get lucky too! Glad your's shoots well!
@@davidstevens6117 The one I'm putting together will be a complete Frankenstein! Lol! Brownells barrel, MI Quad Rail, Aero Upper, DSArms carry handle, PSA lower, Giessele trigger, BCM buffer assy, Calvary Arms grip and a Colt buttstock! Future plans for a KAC or MATECH rear sight and some type of ACOG. I may call it the DEI Carbine!
I will be buying a pair of those for the barrel side mount sling swivel for sure! Installed one on an older build and it was a struggle using standard channel locks. Watched a video where the parallel jawed Knipex were used and it installed the pins amazingly well!
It has to be $95.95 because $96.00 even is way too much. I'm surprised you went with any Aero Precision stuff. Good fit, glad it worked out. Del-Ton has the BCG you're looking for. Mine have all been great, C158, phosphate, and chrome lined. I read once they were made by AO Precision, not to be confused with Aero.
PSA was out of stock on the upper receivers and I got tired of waiting. I'm still OK with Aero's receivers and hand guard rails but I won't use their BCG's anymore. I'll take a look at Del-Ton! Thanks Allen!
Ha! Ha! Yes, it is! Resistance is futile! I don't have a single rifle where the upper and lower finish is exactly the same even from the same manufacturer. I used AERO on this upper because Palmetto was out of stock as usual!
I quit using those coiled pins bc the ones I got were all too tight and just mushroomed out. The split pin can be compressed slightly to help get it started
This split pin that I had was way out wack! You may have noticed the locking forceps in the background. Didn't budge the pin enough to get it started and then I thought if I used some needle nose to get it compressed enough it was going to be way too tight? The spring/coil/spiral pins in my case went right in so maybe I got lucky with the ones I was given? I can see what you're saying though and could be a downside to the coil pin.
Ha! Ha! Tried to buy the PSA for the last three days but it has been out of stock! Chances are it would have matched less! You're probably right though!
I use the McMaster Carr 420 SS coiled pins on Trigger Guards, FA and Bolt Catch as they are so much easier to install, but I use the stock mil-spec pin for the ejector and gas tube as the 2 small ones are super easy to install and the ejector pin takes a pounding and the mil spec ejector pin is 25% stronger than the 420 SS coiled pins. You assemble guns PERFECT Peter, that roll pin install is proof of that, same for me.
Thanks! Huge difference in how they install! Much less force required and probably less gouging inside the pin holes compared to the roll/split pin!
And you're right about the trigger guard pin. That one always makes me nervous. About the worst that can happen on the others is a scratch in the finish. The trigger guard pin can end up ruining the lower if one of those "ears" breaks off.
I haven't broken one yet in all these years but have developed a feel for when they aren't going in right. Then it's "full stop" to try and figure out why! Daniel Defense sells the pistol grip with the built in trigger guard if an ear does get broken off so all is not lost. I personally would get a new lower. Just knowing the ear tab was broke off whether I could see it or not would be a torment! Lol! Thanks again for the comments Gary!
@@peteregger7928 I have my OCD largely under control, but I am particular about things I build. A broken TG ear would cause me to lose sleep. 😂
I have never broken one either, but I always support them well and sweat a little bit when driving in the pin.
BTW, the Camaro looks great!
@@garyK.45ACP That particular pin is very nerve racking! I've got about an hour left on the Camaro wiring and then I'll fire it up! Just not real motivated when it's 130F in the garage. Everything is brand new! ZZ4 350 with the "Hot Cam" option so should be 400+ HP, Tremec TKO 5 speed (anti-theft because most youngsters can't drive a manual), Moser 12 bolt limited slip, Hotchkiss and Global West suspension with 12" Wilwood brakes.
Pete, once you finish this build you need to do a “state of the collection” video and get all your AR’s out. I feel like you have to have 100 of them by now lol. Great videos. I’ve learned a lot watching you over the years!
Thanks Ryan! Not sure I want people to know the full extent of the affliction! I can outfit a medium large platoon if I need too! Lol!
Perhaps a boat tour before it goes down, lol.
@@HaventHerd307 Ha! Ha! Took me a few seconds! Lol!
I have been very happy with the PSA lowers I have used. BTW, your SN is within 40 of mine.
If you catch them on "daily deal" specials, you can get the stripped lowers for $40!
I didn't get quite as good a deal as you did but the M4A1 and M16A2 U.S. Govt. marked stripped lowers were $49 each for the 4th of July sale! I have used other PSA stripped lowers in past years and have yet to have a problem. The only thing different with these two was that the anodize was a little on the rough side. Went with the Aero upper because PSA was out of stock... big surprise and I didn't want to wait. Maybe our receivers were made on the same day?
My OCD won't let me use an Aero upper on a Mil Spec build. They use a nitride port cover rod instead of phosphate. They don't use the correct heavy crimp port cover. The rear pic rail is cut short. T marks aren't engraved. No dry film lube inside. I'm crazy though. Funny thing is, I have no problem using spiral pins even though they're not Mil Spec. They go in so much easier. Glad you discovered them as well.
Palmetto was out of stock on the upper and I did not notice the port cover pin was nitrided on the AERO. Now I'm going to go compare the door stampings from my other builds These details matter damn it! Lol! Thanks for watching and commenting!
The super rolled up coiled pins are so much nicer.
I go out of my way to use them for everything I can.
Gas tube, trigger guard, forward assist.
My first time using them on an AR even if it was by accident. Not noticing what the FFL had given me! Lol! I was very surprised how much better they felt during install! The head doesn't seem to deform as much either and didn't really look like they had been tapped by a punch at all! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I went with a microbest bcg on my build recently. Seems like a great milspec carrier.
They are OEM for a lot of manufacturers and retailers. Don't hear anything bad about them very often. BCM uses a lot of Microbest. I'll be looking for phosphate, C158 and non-logo. Coated on a Retro is blasphemy! Lol!
@peteregger7928 Look at wcarmory. Great prices and fast shipping. My microbest is phosphate, chrome lined, c158 mpi bolt, and no logos.
Looks good. Pete! I have spoken with you before. I believe you told me you were an ADC in the Navy, correct? I did a 4 year enlistment as an AD3 (on T56 engines and propellers) on the P3C Orion. My first "from scratch" build was an M4A1 on a stripped Aero upper and lower. I used a Colt M4A1 barrel, and a Colt BCG. I cannot STAND an A2 pistol grip, so I used a Magpul OEM instead. Not really "clone correct," but it shoots very well. I remember that the gas tube and barrel nut lined up at exactly 40 foot pounds. Not quite as tight as I wanted, but it was in spec, so I left it there. I hope the build shoots well for you. I am sure it will!
First 5 years I was an AD2 attached to VS-21 and VS-41. Got out for a few years. Went back in and changed my rate to AT and retired as a Chief after 21 years. I do remember trading some comments. My son flew Aircrew in P-3's but decided to get out after his enlistment about 7 years ago. Lives in Salt Lake now as a Data Storage construction project manager/technician. Oversees the construction and installation doing most of the start-up configuration as well. He wears a lot of hats! It's damn near impossible to put together an accurate M4/M4A1 Retro. It's just not offered or "Out of Stock". You would probably have to camp out at Gun Broker for a couple years and then get lucky too! Glad your's shoots well!
@@peteregger7928 I just wanted one that was "sort of" similar.
@@davidstevens6117 The one I'm putting together will be a complete Frankenstein! Lol! Brownells barrel, MI Quad Rail, Aero Upper, DSArms carry handle, PSA lower, Giessele trigger, BCM buffer assy, Calvary Arms grip and a Colt buttstock! Future plans for a KAC or MATECH rear sight and some type of ACOG. I may call it the DEI Carbine!
I use a Knipex pliers wrench to install pins..Works perfectly and is fast..
I will be buying a pair of those for the barrel side mount sling swivel for sure! Installed one on an older build and it was a struggle using standard channel locks. Watched a video where the parallel jawed Knipex were used and it installed the pins amazingly well!
It has to be $95.95 because $96.00 even is way too much. I'm surprised you went with any Aero Precision stuff. Good fit, glad it worked out. Del-Ton has the BCG you're looking for. Mine have all been great, C158, phosphate, and chrome lined. I read once they were made by AO Precision, not to be confused with Aero.
PSA was out of stock on the upper receivers and I got tired of waiting. I'm still OK with Aero's receivers and hand guard rails but I won't use their BCG's anymore. I'll take a look at Del-Ton! Thanks Allen!
Ha! Ha! "Out of Stock"!
@@peteregger7928... That figures. Sorry I referred them.
The OCD is strong in this video.
Just for the record many M16s used in the military the uppers and lowers didn't match perfectly as far as the finish.
Ha! Ha! Yes, it is! Resistance is futile! I don't have a single rifle where the upper and lower finish is exactly the same even from the same manufacturer. I used AERO on this upper because Palmetto was out of stock as usual!
Hi Again Pete 😀😊👍🏼
Ha! Ha! Thanks Chris!
I quit using those coiled pins bc the ones I got were all too tight and just mushroomed out. The split pin can be compressed slightly to help get it started
This split pin that I had was way out wack! You may have noticed the locking forceps in the background. Didn't budge the pin enough to get it started and then I thought if I used some needle nose to get it compressed enough it was going to be way too tight? The spring/coil/spiral pins in my case went right in so maybe I got lucky with the ones I was given? I can see what you're saying though and could be a downside to the coil pin.
3:48 I’m not sure you’ll be able to live, long term, with that color difference.
Ha! Ha! Tried to buy the PSA for the last three days but it has been out of stock! Chances are it would have matched less! You're probably right though!
13:33 what’s that reverse L marking on the charging handle?
I don't know? It's sold by Aero Precision and I think they actually make them?