I received my retaining pin from AA yesterday along with my reparied upper. Thanks to Michael from throwing it in. The pin looks well constructed and quality materials. I was a bit concerned that the caps might unscrew and go "Beam me up Scotty" at the range, but they did not seem to budge. The also do not stick out as much as the stock MAC pin (which can work loose) or the aftermarket pin I have that held in place with ball bearings pressed in the end.
The key benefit of the AA pin as I see it is that it should not "egg" the retaining pin hole in our precious receivers. I assume that is why they ends are made of some kind of tough plastic. The plastic gives before the metal will. Although the AA pin is not as quick to install/take off as the stock pin, it is secure, makes the MAC look good, and formost should prevent egging of the hole.
I plan on buying a few bags of spare ends once they appear on the AA web site. Michael, please post the URL for them when you have them on the web site.
By the way Micheal, she worked flawlessly. I tried stick mags, drums, and she just burned them up without a hiccup of any kind
