Behind the Machining

We rejected the standard stamped-metal spring approach. Depending on the model in your hand, here is what went into manufacturing your AR-1:

4140 Steel & Black Nitride: For our steel AR-1, the unibody frame is CNC-milled from a solid block of 4140 alloy steel, which is often used in receivers, barrels, and heavy machinery. Built to endure everyday abuse while preserving a smooth, satisfying pin action, each frame undergoes a Quench-Polish-Quench (QPQ) Black Nitride process. This chemically case-hardens the outer surface, delivering exceptional wear and corrosion resistance without a painted coating that can chip or flake. To complete the design, the AR-1 logo and lettering are engraved directly into the metal for a clean, permanent finish.

Grade 5 Titanium DLC: For our titanium AR-1, we machined the frame from Grade 5 titanium-drastically dropping our machine feed rates to carve the notoriously tough metal. Once shaped and tumbled, each piece receives a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating via physical vapor deposition (PVD). By bonding carbon atoms directly to the titanium substrate, this process yields a beautiful black finish engineered to withstand everyday pocket abuse - loose keys and keyrings won't scratch it. To complete the piece, the AR-1 logo and lettering are laser-etched directly through the surface, producing a crisp, clean white contrast against the black DLC finish.

The Pin Mechanism

We designed a linear locking mechanism that mimics a mil-spec pin, which allows you to easily swap in any off-the-shelf mil-spec pin for ultimate customization.

Note: The included pin, detent, and spring were designed to be unusable in a real receiver, which allows the AR-1 carabiner to be shipped worldwide (including California).

To remove the pin, follow a similar process to removing the pivot pin in an actual receiver:

1. Extend the pin: Pull the pivot pin out to its fully open position.
2. Locate the access hole: Look for the tiny through-hole on the pin's top side. This is where the detent rests when the pin is fully extended.
3. Depress the detent: Insert a 1/16-inch punch, paperclip, or safety pin into the access hole. Press firmly inward to push the detent back into the chassis. Do not push in all the way. The tip of the punch/paper clip shouldn't enter the chassis hole at all (Tip: Shield the area with your thumb to catch flying parts!)
4. Rotate the pin: While holding the detent down, rotate the pin 45 to 90 degrees. This moves the channel away from the detent so it is held captive by the solid cylindrical body of the pin. You can now remove your punch.
5. Extract the pin & capture the spring: Slowly slide the pin completely out to the right while following closely behind it with your thumb (or a 1/4-inch slave pin) from the left side. Once the pin is clear, slowly release your thumb pressure to safely remove the detent and spring.

Pro Tips

• Every aspect of the AR-1 can be modified to match your exact preferences. Feel free to experiment by shortening/cutting your spring (reduces spring force), or filing the ends of any mil-spec detent pin to find your perfect opening/closing force.
• The action of your AR-1 may come stiff out of the box and require a break-in period.
• For belt loop key carry - whether you're left-handed or right-handed, we recommend having the head of the pin facing forward (button facing backwards). This allows you to open/close the AR-1 one-handed for quicker access.

Specifications & Details

🎥 The AR-1 in Action

Hear that click. Experience the most satisfying locking mechanism in everyday carry.

Your Feedback Matters

This is Gen1 of the AR-1, and we can't wait to hear what you think! We are always looking for ways to improve our gear, so let us know how we can make this product even better.

If you have any comments, questions, or issues, please reach out to us at support@stabbylabs.com.