FAQ – Questions & AnswersCategory: AR-15 FAQHow does the cam pin work?
Stephen Thompson asked 2 years ago
How do cam pins work?

6 Answers
Ivan answered 2 years ago

The cam pin is a small, cylindrical pin located in the bolt carrier group of a firearm. The function of the cam pin is to act as a lever, rotating around the bolt carrier itself and impacting the side of the locking lugs on the bolt to drive them into the battery. This process seals the breech and ensures that the cartridge is properly aligned with the barrel before firing.

For the cam pin to do its job effectively, it must be made from a strong and durable material. In most cases, this means using a metal like steel or titanium. The use of high-quality material is essential for preventing wear and tear on the bolt carrier and locking lugs, which could lead to jams or other malfunctions.

The cam pin is an essential part of the bolt carrier group and plays a vital role in the function of a firearm. It is important to choose a high-quality cam pin made from a durable material like steel or titanium to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear and tear on the bolt carrier and locking lugs.

We also recommend watching this interesting video

Cruz answered 2 years ago
The cam pin is a small, cylindrical piece of metal that rides in a groove on the top of the bolt carrier key. As the bolt carrier moves back and forth inside the upper receiver, the cam pin follows the groove, rotating the bolt carrier key and thus locking and unlocking the bolt.
The cam pin is also responsible for cocking (raising) the hammer during cycling, as it hits a small extension on the rear of the firing pin called the striker. This extension then pushes on the firing pin itself, causing it to move forward and ignite the primer.
 
How does the cam pin work?

Antony answered 2 years ago
The cam pin sits in the bolt and when the round is fired, it pushes the cam pin forward. This then causes the bolt to move forward which pushes the spent casing out of the gun and loads a new round into the chamber. The cam pin then returns to its original position and locks the bolt in place.

Olson answered 2 years ago
The cam pin is a small, cylindrical piece of metal that is inserted into the side of the bolt carrier group.
It has a pointed end and a groove cut into it. The pointed end fits into the hole in the bolt carrier key and the groove engages the camming surface on the upper receiver. As the bolt carrier group moves back and forth inside the upper receiver, the cam pin rotates around its axis. This rotation causes the bolt carrier key to move up and down, which moves the bolt carrier itself.
 
How does the cam pin work?

Jordan answered 2 years ago
The cam pin is a small, cylindrical pin located in the bolt carrier of the AR-15 platform that rides in a groove on the bolt. When the bolt carrier moves rearward, the cam pin causes the bolt to rotate and unlock from the barrel extension. This allows the gas pressure to push the bolt carrier forward again, chambering a new round and pushing the fired cartridge case out of the barrel extension.

Lewis answered 2 years ago
The cam pin is a small, cylindrical pin that rides in a slot on the bolt face. It has a cam lobe on one end that contacts the firing pin and rotates it forward when the action is cycled. The cam pin also serves as a locking lug, preventing the bolt from rotating back while the cartridge is being extracted.
 
How does the cam pin work?