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How to Build an AR-15 Lower Receiver: Pivot Pin

AR-15 Lower Receiver Build - thearmsguide.com

Following our step-by-step AR-15 lower receiver build? If you’ve left off from installing your bolt catch, let’s go through installing the pivot pin (like these). If you’d like a visual reference, check out this video. The time stamp below will skip you straight to the corresponding content in this post.

If you need more detail on any of the tools or components I use in this step, you can look over this list.

(09:20) Step 4 – Pivot Pin

AR-15 Lower Receiver Build - thearmsguide.com
With the lower receiver facing this direction, it allows you to just drop the spring right into place without worrying about it falling out.
AR-15 Lower Receiver Build - thearmsguide.com
The razor blade is thin enough that it allows you to easily slide the pivot pin right over it and into position while keeping the detent trapped.

Drop the spring into the hole on the front of the AR-15 lower receiver. Now grasp the detent with the needle nose pliers and gently push the detent downward onto the spring. Without releasing the spring tension, slide that razor blade over the detent and release the pliers. If you did this correctly, the detent will be trapped under the razor blade. If you did this part incorrectly, I wish you the best of luck in finding your detent (you may just want to pick up a few backups, just in case).

Slide the pivot pin in and out. Does the detent stop it from coming completely out of the receiver? Nice. Trigger installation, here we come.

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About the Author

Nate Schultz Nate Schultz is employed within the field of Law Enforcement, is an avid shooter, firearms enthusiast and hobbiest gunsmith. When he is not writing for The Arms Guide, he is producing content for his YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/nsz85

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