We often hear the words “pin and weld” when it comes to the AR-15 platform. Below are a few questions and answers that revolve around the whys of a pin and weld service and also some hows.
Why do I need pin and weld?
Without going into too much politics, Congress and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have laws and regulations pertaining to the National Firearms Act. Within these laws and regulations is the U.S. Code defining a short barreled rifle (SBR):
18 USC § 921(a)(8) short-barreled rifle
(8) The term “short-barreled rifle” means a rifle having one or more barrels less than sixteen inches in length and any weapon made from a rifle (whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise) if such weapon, as modified, has an overall length of less than twenty-six inches.
To legally own a NFA firearm such as an SBR, it must be registered. The registration involves a $200 dollar tax and submitting fingerprints. To get around this, there is a permanent modification that involves pinning and welding (i.e. pin and weld) a muzzle device to the barrel. For example, a 14.5″ barrel with a 1.5″ muzzle device or a 13.7″ barrel with 2.3″ muzzle device can meet the 16″ minimum with a pin and weld.
Shooters want a more maneuverable rifle and that means a shorter barrel. Companies have heard that and offer longer muzzle devices to reach the overall barrel length of 16 inches without using a 16 inch barrel plus a muzzle device.
How is pin and weld completed?
Due to the ATF ruling, this a permanent modification to the firearm. It must be done correctly or it can be seen as not permanent. The process involves drilling a hole through the muzzle device and just barely into the barrel. A pin is then added into that hole and a tig welder welds over the pin so it cannot be removed.
Who does pin and weld?
While pin and weld seems simple, it can be botched. A competent gunsmith should complete this modification due to having the correct tools and knowledge. For example, if your gunsmith says he is going to use a hand drill for the hole, leave. If he doesn’t have a tig welder or even a soldering gun, leave. If he is charging you 200 bucks, also leave.
The fact someone will be drilling into your barrel should be enough to force you to seek someone competent. Go too far into the barrel and malfunctions can occur with the barrel ruined. Welding over the pin without the proper tools and it can look atrocious. Forget to place the pin and, well, the muzzle device can easily come off as normal (Yes, it has happened).
As far as specific gunsmiths, it’s understandable if someone doesn’t want to mail their upper to a gunsmith and instead wants to seek a local gunsmith for the modification. However, I recommend having an open mind and looking online for good reviews first before being totally against mailing the upper assembly. Mailing the upper isn’t a difficult task and I’ve heard too many horror stories about random local gunsmiths.
Some of my recommendations of specific gunsmiths and companies:
Dwilson Manufacturing
Price: $60.00
- One week lead time (this is freaky fast)
- Also does pin and weld removal
- High quality and raving reviews
Note: While I try not to be biased, I used Dwilson after hearing great reviews and seeing his work a lot. He did a great job and the gun was out and back within a week. The price is very reasonable as well.
N.S. Armory LLC
Price: $150.00
- Also does pin and weld removal
- Good reviews
- More expensive
What should I do to prepare for it?
Before sending the gun off, you will want to install and time the brake prior to sending. This is for two reasons:
- To ensure the brake actually works with the firearm before it is permanently attached. Any kind of muzzle device will divert gas in some way and this can change how a firearm operates — even how a gun will group. It is important you function check everything prior to sending it off.
- This takes a task off the gunsmith’s hands. A lot of muzzle brakes require different-sized shims to properly time (line up) the muzzle device with where it should be on the gun. Doing this task at home and then marking it with a paint pen allows the gunsmith to simply remove the muzzle device, do the drilling, put the shims back on the gun, and line up the lines you already marked. Gunsmiths may charge you extra to do this, so save some money and time and do this yourself.
What is a good pin and weld?
What is a bad pin and weld?
What if I want to remove the muzzle device down the line?
A lot of gunsmiths also offer this service. This is why it is so important to use a good pin and weld service. If the pin and weld is botched, removing it will also be tough. To remove it, the gunsmith will usually cut away the weld and simply allow the pin to fall out. Obviously, if the weld isn’t done well, that cut could mean a lot more material is removed. If your gunsmith did a good pin and weld job, I would just go back to him to get it removed as well.
The Process of Purchasing and Shipping
Depending on the gunsmith, this process is usually pretty simple. Simply log onto their website and purchase the service, which usually includes a shipping price. After the service is purchased, the company will usually send a follow-up email with sending instructions. This expense is normally on you. First, remove everything off your upper including sights, lights, and lasers. You don’t want these items to magically go missing. Then, find a box that fits your upper receiver with everything. For me, this was the hardest part because that thing is long! A large skinny box will do, but make sure it is safely wrapped and the box doesn’t have any firearm markings on it. While it is 100% legal to send an upper assembly, firearm parts can still go missing. Don’t make it easy for people to know what you’re sending. Now, send it away to the gunsmith but don’t forget tracking.
