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.

V7 Weapon Systems really, really doesn’t like heavy AR-15s. They are continuing their crusade against excess AR-15 ounces with the announcement of their new Titanium AR-15 Barrel Nut. The new barrel nut is made from grade 5 titanium and is made to mil-spec dimensions. It weighs just 22 grams compared to the roughly 37 gram weight of a normal steel barrel nut.

Check out the V7 Weapon Systems Titanium AR-15 Barrel Nut.

There is a new AR-15 free float hand guard on the market. The MPR, or Multi Purpose Rail, from V7 Weapon Systems is now available.

The MPR is fairly lightweight at 12.6 ounces (15.2 with the barrel nut) for a 13.5″ rail, as you would expect from V7 Weapon Systems. They managed to keep the weight to a minimum by aggressively removing material from the rail everywhere they could. This includes machining grooves into the full length top rail and short, forward 3, 6, and 9 o’clock rails. The MPR also features 4 QD sling swivel sockets (1 forward and 1 rear on each side).

The included barrel nut might merit a post of its own. It is designed to make timing the nut as easy as possible. It lacks teeth so you don’t have to line up a pass-through for the gas tube and it features 32 different mounting positions so you can set the torque where you want it. On top of all that, you don’t need a specific wrench to install it. It can be tightened with a 1″ or 1 1/8″ wrench.

You can check out the MPR at V7 Weapon Systems.

V7 Weapon Systems is appalled and offended by heavy AR-15s. They are continuing their all out assault on excess weight with the release of their new AR-15 upper receivers. These uppers look pretty typical at first glance but if you look closer you will notice a relief cut at the rear of the upper and a scalloped top rail.

The uppers are available in two versions. The first is a standard M4 spec upper. The second version sheds even more weight by removing the forward assist assembly. The M4 upper is also available with V7’s lightweight port door and forward assist assembly already installed.

Specs and features:

• Material – 7075 T6 Aluminum
• Finish – BLACK KG 2400 SERIES coating over hard anodization
• M4 feedramps
• Lifetime warranty

Check out the new uppers at V7 Weapon Systems.