A handful of companies have targeted the AR-15’s cam pin for improvements over the years with varied success. V7’s approach is simpler than most. They start with 4340 steel, heat treat to 43 Rockwell, and the Melonite treat it for durability and corrosion resistance.
The top of the V7 Cam Pin is scalloped and well rounded to allow for less bearing surface and smoother function. The very hard and smooth Melonite treatment should also help here. This is a simpler approach than the rollers that some have used. I can’t say whether you will see measurable benefits from such a part but the concept is certainly interesting.
Of course, as a reader of this blog, it should come as no surprise to you that the V7 Cam Pin is also a bit lighter than a standard cam pin. The scalloped top and a machine indent on the bottom reduce the weight ever so slightly. Making things lighter is what V7 Weapon Systems does. However, the lighter weight isn’t really the point here and they don’t really tout it.
Check out the V7 Cam Pin.
I’m REALLY glad that instead of replacing a worn cam pin (which is softer and therefore engineered as the least expensive wear item on the platform) and will instead have the carrier channel and/or bolt wear instead… WOO!! Way to rip people off guys with fancy coatings and big words..