jetspeedz
06-08-17, 19:50
As part of my 2017 reviews, I'm going to discuss the V SEVEN Weapons System (V7) Titanium Lower parts components. Looking to save every ounce possible where it counts without sacrificing reliability and function, V SEVEN components are a must on a light weight build. Losing weight on an already reasonable weight carbine length rifle is not easy. Mechanically engineering a different design for the AR15 platform is not feasible without potentially running into problems. Changing out Mil-Spec components with a lighter alloy is the easiest option. Regardless of the industry, acquiring Titanium components always comes at a premium over standard alloys.
Titanium (Ti) unlike steel and aluminum is considered an exotic precious alloy. Not because it is impossible to obtain, but relative to steel and aluminum which is a common element found in earth’s crust, it is far scarcer. When found, to extract Ti metal from Ti ore found in earth, it is costly due to the processing of using extreme temperatures to melt the ore. Titanium is much harder to work with than steel and aluminum to an extent. Machining, grinding and finishing titanium cost more than the common alloys found in the AR15 platform. What renders titanium such an attractive alloy is the low density, high strength, corrosion resistance and ability to withstand both high and low temperatures. Titanium is also inherently physiologically inert, so it is used in the medical industry for implants, prosthesis and other uses driving up the cost of Titanium. As an Engineer in the Defense industry, I have experience with applications where Ti is highly desired over any other alloy, even composites. This is not uncommon for cutting edge products in a R&D environment.
V SEVEN uses Grade 5 wrought Titanium also referred to as Ti-6Al-4V. The Grade is the ASTM designation which is an international standard while Ti-XXX-XX is the industry name. This particular grade is the most common type of Titanium alloy used worldwide. Grade 5 Ti can be heat treated to increase its strength further. The Rockwell C hardness is ~33 and strength to weight ratio is ~250 kN-m/kg. V7 sources this material from USA suppliers only and all CNC and machine work is done in house. The different coatings are however sent out to an external vendor in the USA, which processes NP3 and IONBOND Black coating. I asked V7 if they recommend any type of sealer on the raw Titanium, the answer was none required given Titanium is 100% corrosion resistant.
I sent V SEVEN some questions to better understand their products. One response stood out to me, I asked why V SEVEN was making all these Titanium components. Their response:
"The need to update the AR-15 platform, do what no one else was willing to do (we've been in business for almost 4 years now selling lightweight & more corrosion resistant components, we've been the first to bring several new products to the market), the want to make something unique and high-quality for those that like top end products (people tell us we make race car parts for the AR-15), make lighter parts using modern materials WITHOUT COMPROMISING on quality and durability."
Professionally working on cutting edge technology myself, and as a gear head who has built a race car, I can appreciate their response and relate. Building a high end AR15, like a race car with the latest and greatest technology does not come cheap, but the end result is a rewarding accomplishment. I will discuss each of the components individually and provide some information about the coating.
V SEVEN TITANIUM TRIGGER/HAMMER PINS: These pins only come in IONBOND Black finish unlike some of the other components. This particular coating is smooth and slippery which helps not only protect the base Ti substrate, but allows for easier clean up if you choose this option on the different components they offer more susceptible to carbon fouling. IONBOND is used in many different industries including motor sports and Aerospace due to low friction and wear resistance. The IONBOND process is called physical vapor deposition, where ionized metal vapors react with gases to form a thin film. These pins are 100% corrosion resistant and only weigh 0.07oz. Unlike traditional standard Mil-Spec pins, these pins have a slight recessed dimple on the ends. It is aesthetically different and provides your punch tool a nice pocket to rest in during installation and removal, preventing possible slipping and marring of the lower receiver. They offer two different sizes to fit both .154” standard mil-spec triggers and .1555” for Geissele Triggers. I spoke to Joel, the owner of V SEVEN, great guy and very knowledgeable of his products and the industry. He told me the actual size of Geiselle pins is .1555” however most in the industry including myself reference the larger size pins as .155”, you learn something new every day!
V SEVEN TITANIUM BUFFER RETAINER: The kit comes with a retainer spring and it is only available in a raw Ti finish. The spring is made of stainless steel which is also 100% corrosion resistant. The raw titanium finish is machine finished, it is not polished. It is so light weight, my scale could not register this retainer in ounces by itself until I added the spring. The fit is excellent as expected with such tight machine tolerances, and raw Ti finish pops against the standard anodized black lower receiver. The total weight of both combined is 0.05oz.
V SEVEN Ti AR-15 PIVOT/TAKEDOWN PINS: These two pins are identical in dimensions compared to standard Mil-Spec pins, except they are exceptionally lighter at 0.28oz for the pair. Some operators have a difficult time with standard pins and opt for enhanced or longer pins. This is subjective and purely personal, I have no problems at all with the standard length pins. Rather than go for an enhanced version which only adds weight, even if it is only marginally heavier, I prefer the cleaner flush look of these standard design pins which are extremely light weight. These pins do not hinder any other controls because they are low profile. The smooth raw Ti finish and exceptional fit of these machined pins in my lower receiver slide in and out with any snags or problems. The pins come in both the raw Ti finish as well as IONBOND Black. I’ve had experience with out of spec pins and receivers, I tried these pins on multiple lower receiver sets and it performed great. V7 also offers an Easy Pull set, which is enhanced to give those operators who have a hard time with standard pins some additional leverage and grip. The complete install kit comes with stainless steel springs and detent as an option. They also offer an aluminum variant at a lower price for both 308 DPMS/AR10 variants.
V SEVEN TITANIUM CASTLE NUT: Made from Grade 5 Ti, this castle nut is light compared to the standard Mil-Spec nut weighting 0.35oz. I suggest using an anti-seize lubricant when working with threaded Titanium components. Anti-seize is a grease with flakes or metal powder which comes in copper, nickel and aluminum. For my intended application, copper is more than sufficient given the operating temperatures, and it is easy to find at your local auto or hardware store. Anti-seize prevents corrosion between two different metals. Given most AR15 receivers are made of aluminum, it is important to use some type of lube. Another phenomenon with Titanium is galling, which occurs as a result of over torqueing, and not using a good lubricant to prevent Titanium from fusing and reshape itself unexpectedly. Lastly, it provides an additional layer of corrosion resistance so use anti-seize when installing this castle nut. I use Permatex 09128 copper anti-seize lubricant, I use this in my cars and motorcycles with Ti components. V7 designed this castle nut with two options for fastening, using a multi-point lock nut tool, or hook wrench to attach to the single hole drilled in this castle nut. The machining on this product is very detailed as you can see by the small details. There are three different dimples on this nut for staking the end plate against the castle nut for added insurance. V7 created this product with the intention it will be used for duty and combat, adding these dimples which most castle not do not provide is a prime example. The ability to use a standard armorers wrench or spanner wrench is another great feature which sets this light weight castle nut apart, giving the operator an ability to use multiple tools. The fit is excellent and threads are clean given this is machined and not cast. This Ti castle nut comes in both raw and IONBOND Black finish to suit the color scheme of your build. They offer a cheaper aluminum variant which is also lighter than the standard steel castle nut.
V SEVEN TITANIUM QD ENDPLATE: Pair this light weight Ti end plate up with the V7 Ti castle nut for maximum weight saving. Comes in both IONBOND Black finish and a “Dark” raw titanium finish. I must admit even though the “Dark” finish is listed as an option on the V SEVEN website, it is not any darker than the raw Ti castle nut finish. I’m not predisposed to any eye problems as far as I’m aware of so it is hard for me to say consciously this is a “Dark” finish. It could possibly be considered a shade darker by some, but not without close inspection can you tell any difference in my honest opinion. The design is simple and effective. Personally I'm not a fan of some of the other sling end plate designs which have attachment points sticking out that can get caught on your gear. V7 end plate is not rotation limited, a standard sling swivel spins freely, rotation limited only by the ring hitting the buffer tube. I personally modified and made my own QD narrow angled slim ring which allows free 360 rotation which works great with this end plate. V7 end plate is a simple intuitive design which works well with any QD snap ring. V7 attention to detail on this end plate shines near the bottom of the end plate which is machined with a slight 45 degree bevel for a smooth rounded finish. These minor details make a difference when you consider the quality and forethought given to this common component. Fit is perfect and install is only slightly more difficult if you don’t reverse the final turn of buffer tube. This end plate weights 0.28oz. They also offer a cheaper aluminum variant like the aluminum castle nut.
V SEVEN ULTRA LIGHT S7 BOLT CATCH: I received the NP3 silver variant which matches another NP3 component in my lightweight build. The picture on the V7 website displays a very light silver colored NP3 bolt catch. If you compare them to my pictures, it is actually a shade darker more closely resembling the the raw Ti finish of other V7 products. I reviewed another component with NP3 coating prior, this coating is very slick and catching on in the firearms industry. NP3 contains PTFE, known as Teflon, which is very slick and has self-lubricating properties. NP3 has a very low coefficient of friction, with a very smooth surface less susceptible to attracting carbon fouling due to low ridges. NP3 coating process is Electorless nickel plating, which is not cheap, and why NP3 coated components come at a premium. While the bolt catch is susceptible to some carbon fouling on the top side, NP3 coating is just an optimal solution to prevent corrosion on steel. I questioned V7 why they did not manufacture a Titanium bolt catch, the response:
"Because in our R & D testing, we did not find Titanium to be a suitable material for a bolt catch. They didn't meet our requirements of durability long term."
I can appreciate there is an R&D department testing these components prior to reach the consumer to ensure it meets all specifications and is safe to use. S7 is a tool steel made by Carpenter Technologies, which also produces Mil-Spec C158 steel. It has very high impact toughness and shock resistance with medium wear resistance. It can be air or oil quenched exhibiting minimal distortion on hardening. It has Rockewell C of ~57-61 depending on heat treatment. It also resists softening at high temperatures. S7 has a tensile strength much higher than Carpenter 158 steel making it a superior alternative. V SEVEN told me they also make a bolt catch made from 8620 steel, which is slightly inferior to C158 steel in terms of strength. Keep in mind there are a lot of factors which determine the quality of not only the material, but methods which parts are manufactured, all depends on the execution and application. While I would have liked to put a matching Titanium bolt catch to reduce weight further, I fully accept reliability is far more important and takes precedence, so the appropriate choice is steel as V SEVEN has chosen. It is a known fact Titanium does not take impact well compared to steel, the Rockwell C rating is a good indicator why steel is selected for this component. What concerns me is there is a different manufacturer selling a Titanium bolt catch. It begs to wonder if they have done any R&D or testing to ensure the benefits of Ti outweigh reliability and safety. That being said, it is good to know V SEVEN does not put out a product just because they can CNC it and they value what they provide to the mass market. As with all of these V SEVEN parts, the fit is spot on without any issues, the supplied kit includes a roll pin, detent and spring which all fit and function without a hitch. The bolt catch weights 0.32oz and it comes in both NP3 Silver finish as well as IONBOND Black.
V SEVEN TITANIUM PISTOL GRIP SCREW: Another way to shave some ounces is by using a Titanium grip screw. Sure the savings is minimal, but in the grand scheme it adds up, and again this is a niche product. It is constructed of the same Grade 5 Ti used on other V7 components. Similar to the castle nut make sure proper anti-seize lubricant is used since most receivers are made of aluminum. The screw is a button head style screw which is highly polished with clean machined threads. The thread pitch is standard 1/4-28 with overall length of 0.75”. It only comes in a “raw” Ti finish but unlike the other “raw” Ti components this screw is actually highly machine polished so it shines compared to other “raw” V7 parts. I used the same Permatex copper anti-seize on this grip screw and it screwed into the lower receiver as expected without any fit issues. This grip screw weights 0.11oz.
V SEVEN Ti MAG CATCH/RELEASE: V7 offers two different button styles with a diamond pattern or lines. I opted for the diamond pattern which matches the V7 bolt catch. They offer raw Ti or IONBOND Black as a finish. Similar to the bolt catch they sell these as a complete kit or you can purchase just the button only if you like. Unlike most release lever/rod which are forged or cast as one piece, you can see this is a two piece design as each component was individually CNC than combined. The button edge is nicely beveled off which shows the attention to detail. Similarly on the lever itself, you see the detail put into the recessed concave carve out to lighten and aesthetically change the overall weight and finish of this simple component. They also went as far as concealing the rod location on the back side of the lever which shows the level of detail to hide any lazy finish which I’ve seen on many levers with rod hole present. It fit my Mil-Spec lower as expected along with the install kit which provided the spring. It weights only 0.25oz.
I consider all these V SEVEN Ti components a niche product for the operator looking to take advantage at every opportunity to save weight. Yes it does come at a premium, no one is obligated to buy them, but at the very lest you are informed and now aware of the options available. V SEVEN offers a Lifetime Warranty on all these components, the same can't be said with most manufacturers selling these components. The finish is top notch, no tooling marks of any kind or inconsistency in the finish. These Ti components have been engineered to meet and surpass Mil-Spec standards and they are all made in the USA. V SEVEN has lots of other projects in the works, I asked them about future products and they said they are only 21% through a long list of projects. V SEVEN is a family owned business, Joel and family purchase only Domestic materials and manufacture everything in house. This gives them great quality control ability and personally I’m thrilled to support V SEVEN knowing it is a USA based family company. You can be sure if you are looking for cutting the edge in weight savings, V SEVEN has more to offer in the future. If weight savings is an important factor, consider V SEVEN Titanium as the go to option.
https://youtu.be/XdoAG_aIGys
http://i.imgur.com/kNPR43d.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/UxuP51C.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3k12pzt.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/86GpZZm.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WrbEDa5.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/yDiybl6.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jiWNgJI.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/PFcKITB.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ZHHOhg6.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/YfZEbRR.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Cu4rmjt.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/nFG7Jx1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/KWpSAo8.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/kTVKsz3.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/RufVIIw.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/oUuxJ6z.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/cG41Jua.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/FdVm4Ls.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/5sMG7GJ.jpg
Titanium (Ti) unlike steel and aluminum is considered an exotic precious alloy. Not because it is impossible to obtain, but relative to steel and aluminum which is a common element found in earth’s crust, it is far scarcer. When found, to extract Ti metal from Ti ore found in earth, it is costly due to the processing of using extreme temperatures to melt the ore. Titanium is much harder to work with than steel and aluminum to an extent. Machining, grinding and finishing titanium cost more than the common alloys found in the AR15 platform. What renders titanium such an attractive alloy is the low density, high strength, corrosion resistance and ability to withstand both high and low temperatures. Titanium is also inherently physiologically inert, so it is used in the medical industry for implants, prosthesis and other uses driving up the cost of Titanium. As an Engineer in the Defense industry, I have experience with applications where Ti is highly desired over any other alloy, even composites. This is not uncommon for cutting edge products in a R&D environment.
V SEVEN uses Grade 5 wrought Titanium also referred to as Ti-6Al-4V. The Grade is the ASTM designation which is an international standard while Ti-XXX-XX is the industry name. This particular grade is the most common type of Titanium alloy used worldwide. Grade 5 Ti can be heat treated to increase its strength further. The Rockwell C hardness is ~33 and strength to weight ratio is ~250 kN-m/kg. V7 sources this material from USA suppliers only and all CNC and machine work is done in house. The different coatings are however sent out to an external vendor in the USA, which processes NP3 and IONBOND Black coating. I asked V7 if they recommend any type of sealer on the raw Titanium, the answer was none required given Titanium is 100% corrosion resistant.
I sent V SEVEN some questions to better understand their products. One response stood out to me, I asked why V SEVEN was making all these Titanium components. Their response:
"The need to update the AR-15 platform, do what no one else was willing to do (we've been in business for almost 4 years now selling lightweight & more corrosion resistant components, we've been the first to bring several new products to the market), the want to make something unique and high-quality for those that like top end products (people tell us we make race car parts for the AR-15), make lighter parts using modern materials WITHOUT COMPROMISING on quality and durability."
Professionally working on cutting edge technology myself, and as a gear head who has built a race car, I can appreciate their response and relate. Building a high end AR15, like a race car with the latest and greatest technology does not come cheap, but the end result is a rewarding accomplishment. I will discuss each of the components individually and provide some information about the coating.
V SEVEN TITANIUM TRIGGER/HAMMER PINS: These pins only come in IONBOND Black finish unlike some of the other components. This particular coating is smooth and slippery which helps not only protect the base Ti substrate, but allows for easier clean up if you choose this option on the different components they offer more susceptible to carbon fouling. IONBOND is used in many different industries including motor sports and Aerospace due to low friction and wear resistance. The IONBOND process is called physical vapor deposition, where ionized metal vapors react with gases to form a thin film. These pins are 100% corrosion resistant and only weigh 0.07oz. Unlike traditional standard Mil-Spec pins, these pins have a slight recessed dimple on the ends. It is aesthetically different and provides your punch tool a nice pocket to rest in during installation and removal, preventing possible slipping and marring of the lower receiver. They offer two different sizes to fit both .154” standard mil-spec triggers and .1555” for Geissele Triggers. I spoke to Joel, the owner of V SEVEN, great guy and very knowledgeable of his products and the industry. He told me the actual size of Geiselle pins is .1555” however most in the industry including myself reference the larger size pins as .155”, you learn something new every day!
V SEVEN TITANIUM BUFFER RETAINER: The kit comes with a retainer spring and it is only available in a raw Ti finish. The spring is made of stainless steel which is also 100% corrosion resistant. The raw titanium finish is machine finished, it is not polished. It is so light weight, my scale could not register this retainer in ounces by itself until I added the spring. The fit is excellent as expected with such tight machine tolerances, and raw Ti finish pops against the standard anodized black lower receiver. The total weight of both combined is 0.05oz.
V SEVEN Ti AR-15 PIVOT/TAKEDOWN PINS: These two pins are identical in dimensions compared to standard Mil-Spec pins, except they are exceptionally lighter at 0.28oz for the pair. Some operators have a difficult time with standard pins and opt for enhanced or longer pins. This is subjective and purely personal, I have no problems at all with the standard length pins. Rather than go for an enhanced version which only adds weight, even if it is only marginally heavier, I prefer the cleaner flush look of these standard design pins which are extremely light weight. These pins do not hinder any other controls because they are low profile. The smooth raw Ti finish and exceptional fit of these machined pins in my lower receiver slide in and out with any snags or problems. The pins come in both the raw Ti finish as well as IONBOND Black. I’ve had experience with out of spec pins and receivers, I tried these pins on multiple lower receiver sets and it performed great. V7 also offers an Easy Pull set, which is enhanced to give those operators who have a hard time with standard pins some additional leverage and grip. The complete install kit comes with stainless steel springs and detent as an option. They also offer an aluminum variant at a lower price for both 308 DPMS/AR10 variants.
V SEVEN TITANIUM CASTLE NUT: Made from Grade 5 Ti, this castle nut is light compared to the standard Mil-Spec nut weighting 0.35oz. I suggest using an anti-seize lubricant when working with threaded Titanium components. Anti-seize is a grease with flakes or metal powder which comes in copper, nickel and aluminum. For my intended application, copper is more than sufficient given the operating temperatures, and it is easy to find at your local auto or hardware store. Anti-seize prevents corrosion between two different metals. Given most AR15 receivers are made of aluminum, it is important to use some type of lube. Another phenomenon with Titanium is galling, which occurs as a result of over torqueing, and not using a good lubricant to prevent Titanium from fusing and reshape itself unexpectedly. Lastly, it provides an additional layer of corrosion resistance so use anti-seize when installing this castle nut. I use Permatex 09128 copper anti-seize lubricant, I use this in my cars and motorcycles with Ti components. V7 designed this castle nut with two options for fastening, using a multi-point lock nut tool, or hook wrench to attach to the single hole drilled in this castle nut. The machining on this product is very detailed as you can see by the small details. There are three different dimples on this nut for staking the end plate against the castle nut for added insurance. V7 created this product with the intention it will be used for duty and combat, adding these dimples which most castle not do not provide is a prime example. The ability to use a standard armorers wrench or spanner wrench is another great feature which sets this light weight castle nut apart, giving the operator an ability to use multiple tools. The fit is excellent and threads are clean given this is machined and not cast. This Ti castle nut comes in both raw and IONBOND Black finish to suit the color scheme of your build. They offer a cheaper aluminum variant which is also lighter than the standard steel castle nut.
V SEVEN TITANIUM QD ENDPLATE: Pair this light weight Ti end plate up with the V7 Ti castle nut for maximum weight saving. Comes in both IONBOND Black finish and a “Dark” raw titanium finish. I must admit even though the “Dark” finish is listed as an option on the V SEVEN website, it is not any darker than the raw Ti castle nut finish. I’m not predisposed to any eye problems as far as I’m aware of so it is hard for me to say consciously this is a “Dark” finish. It could possibly be considered a shade darker by some, but not without close inspection can you tell any difference in my honest opinion. The design is simple and effective. Personally I'm not a fan of some of the other sling end plate designs which have attachment points sticking out that can get caught on your gear. V7 end plate is not rotation limited, a standard sling swivel spins freely, rotation limited only by the ring hitting the buffer tube. I personally modified and made my own QD narrow angled slim ring which allows free 360 rotation which works great with this end plate. V7 end plate is a simple intuitive design which works well with any QD snap ring. V7 attention to detail on this end plate shines near the bottom of the end plate which is machined with a slight 45 degree bevel for a smooth rounded finish. These minor details make a difference when you consider the quality and forethought given to this common component. Fit is perfect and install is only slightly more difficult if you don’t reverse the final turn of buffer tube. This end plate weights 0.28oz. They also offer a cheaper aluminum variant like the aluminum castle nut.
V SEVEN ULTRA LIGHT S7 BOLT CATCH: I received the NP3 silver variant which matches another NP3 component in my lightweight build. The picture on the V7 website displays a very light silver colored NP3 bolt catch. If you compare them to my pictures, it is actually a shade darker more closely resembling the the raw Ti finish of other V7 products. I reviewed another component with NP3 coating prior, this coating is very slick and catching on in the firearms industry. NP3 contains PTFE, known as Teflon, which is very slick and has self-lubricating properties. NP3 has a very low coefficient of friction, with a very smooth surface less susceptible to attracting carbon fouling due to low ridges. NP3 coating process is Electorless nickel plating, which is not cheap, and why NP3 coated components come at a premium. While the bolt catch is susceptible to some carbon fouling on the top side, NP3 coating is just an optimal solution to prevent corrosion on steel. I questioned V7 why they did not manufacture a Titanium bolt catch, the response:
"Because in our R & D testing, we did not find Titanium to be a suitable material for a bolt catch. They didn't meet our requirements of durability long term."
I can appreciate there is an R&D department testing these components prior to reach the consumer to ensure it meets all specifications and is safe to use. S7 is a tool steel made by Carpenter Technologies, which also produces Mil-Spec C158 steel. It has very high impact toughness and shock resistance with medium wear resistance. It can be air or oil quenched exhibiting minimal distortion on hardening. It has Rockewell C of ~57-61 depending on heat treatment. It also resists softening at high temperatures. S7 has a tensile strength much higher than Carpenter 158 steel making it a superior alternative. V SEVEN told me they also make a bolt catch made from 8620 steel, which is slightly inferior to C158 steel in terms of strength. Keep in mind there are a lot of factors which determine the quality of not only the material, but methods which parts are manufactured, all depends on the execution and application. While I would have liked to put a matching Titanium bolt catch to reduce weight further, I fully accept reliability is far more important and takes precedence, so the appropriate choice is steel as V SEVEN has chosen. It is a known fact Titanium does not take impact well compared to steel, the Rockwell C rating is a good indicator why steel is selected for this component. What concerns me is there is a different manufacturer selling a Titanium bolt catch. It begs to wonder if they have done any R&D or testing to ensure the benefits of Ti outweigh reliability and safety. That being said, it is good to know V SEVEN does not put out a product just because they can CNC it and they value what they provide to the mass market. As with all of these V SEVEN parts, the fit is spot on without any issues, the supplied kit includes a roll pin, detent and spring which all fit and function without a hitch. The bolt catch weights 0.32oz and it comes in both NP3 Silver finish as well as IONBOND Black.
V SEVEN TITANIUM PISTOL GRIP SCREW: Another way to shave some ounces is by using a Titanium grip screw. Sure the savings is minimal, but in the grand scheme it adds up, and again this is a niche product. It is constructed of the same Grade 5 Ti used on other V7 components. Similar to the castle nut make sure proper anti-seize lubricant is used since most receivers are made of aluminum. The screw is a button head style screw which is highly polished with clean machined threads. The thread pitch is standard 1/4-28 with overall length of 0.75”. It only comes in a “raw” Ti finish but unlike the other “raw” Ti components this screw is actually highly machine polished so it shines compared to other “raw” V7 parts. I used the same Permatex copper anti-seize on this grip screw and it screwed into the lower receiver as expected without any fit issues. This grip screw weights 0.11oz.
V SEVEN Ti MAG CATCH/RELEASE: V7 offers two different button styles with a diamond pattern or lines. I opted for the diamond pattern which matches the V7 bolt catch. They offer raw Ti or IONBOND Black as a finish. Similar to the bolt catch they sell these as a complete kit or you can purchase just the button only if you like. Unlike most release lever/rod which are forged or cast as one piece, you can see this is a two piece design as each component was individually CNC than combined. The button edge is nicely beveled off which shows the attention to detail. Similarly on the lever itself, you see the detail put into the recessed concave carve out to lighten and aesthetically change the overall weight and finish of this simple component. They also went as far as concealing the rod location on the back side of the lever which shows the level of detail to hide any lazy finish which I’ve seen on many levers with rod hole present. It fit my Mil-Spec lower as expected along with the install kit which provided the spring. It weights only 0.25oz.
I consider all these V SEVEN Ti components a niche product for the operator looking to take advantage at every opportunity to save weight. Yes it does come at a premium, no one is obligated to buy them, but at the very lest you are informed and now aware of the options available. V SEVEN offers a Lifetime Warranty on all these components, the same can't be said with most manufacturers selling these components. The finish is top notch, no tooling marks of any kind or inconsistency in the finish. These Ti components have been engineered to meet and surpass Mil-Spec standards and they are all made in the USA. V SEVEN has lots of other projects in the works, I asked them about future products and they said they are only 21% through a long list of projects. V SEVEN is a family owned business, Joel and family purchase only Domestic materials and manufacture everything in house. This gives them great quality control ability and personally I’m thrilled to support V SEVEN knowing it is a USA based family company. You can be sure if you are looking for cutting the edge in weight savings, V SEVEN has more to offer in the future. If weight savings is an important factor, consider V SEVEN Titanium as the go to option.
https://youtu.be/XdoAG_aIGys
http://i.imgur.com/kNPR43d.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/UxuP51C.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3k12pzt.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/86GpZZm.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WrbEDa5.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/yDiybl6.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jiWNgJI.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/PFcKITB.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ZHHOhg6.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/YfZEbRR.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Cu4rmjt.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/nFG7Jx1.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/KWpSAo8.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/kTVKsz3.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/RufVIIw.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/oUuxJ6z.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/cG41Jua.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/FdVm4Ls.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/5sMG7GJ.jpg