Commercial spring pins as parts

[Amicus]

I know some of you have used commercial spring pins as replacement parts. I have on a very limited basis.

Is this advisable? Is there anything "wrong" with using commercial pins (e.g., McMaster-Carr as supplier) for applications such as trigger guards, gas tubes, etc.

Also, I have been looking at trigger guard pins and the NSN. The NSN (5315000586081) specifies that the pins shall be 0.131"-0.135" in diameter. Is this the same as a 1/8" pin from a commercial supplier (nominally 0.125")? Or does the US military use nonstandard pins for this application, which might explain why they cost $0.60 +?

[0reo]

Well, I can say that the roll pins are not American / standard sizes. They might be metric but I haven't tried that. Home depot sells American sizes & none of those fit.

It is my humble opinion that there is no difference between commercial & milspec roll pins as long as they fit properly. I've got five fiat American dollars that says even the top tier AR manufacturers are just buying these commercial roll pins & reselling / rebranding them. Most of the manufacturers top-tier or otherwise are all probably getting them from the same suppliers. Ie. of all the things Colt makes in-house from raw steel I highly doubt roll pins are one of them. I might be wrong & I welcome anyone to prove it with evidence to the contrary.

[Amicus]

Also, I have been looking at trigger guard pins and the NSN. The NSN (5315000586081) specifies that the pins shall be 0.131"-0.135" in diameter. Is this the same as a 1/8" pin from a commercial supplier (nominally 0.125")? Or does the US military use nonstandard pins for this application, which might explain why they cost $0.60 +?

OK, now I feel like a fool. These are the published specs for the pins in question:

Actual Diameter (Min.-Max.) .131"-.135"

Why I didn't see this before ... reflects how stupid I can be. :rolleyes: