AR spare parts

jimbobborg · Jun 16, 2016

Since we're on the verge of another panic :rolleyes:

what extra parts should someone keep on hand for the lower receiver?

BossmanPJ · Jun 16, 2016

Couldn't hurt to just have a spare LPK laying around. I would be more worried about spare upper parts.

Extractor with spring
Firing pin
Gas tube.
Maybe a complete spare BCG.

BUFF7MM · Jun 16, 2016

I keep a minimum of three of everything for AR's, parts wise.

BradMacc82 · Jun 16, 2016

Working 60+hrs a week, not too worried about spare parts right now. There's no real wear/tear with them in the safe.

**But I do keep extra springs/detents on hand, along with other replaceable 'wear items'.

Jimbob2.0 · Jun 16, 2016

Never hurts to have spare parts. Though the supply has grown dramatically since the last "panic" so I suspect that basic parts will still be fairly reasonable.

Top list would be LPKs, springs, a few decent triggers, buffer spring, some no-walk pins, bolt rings and rebuild kit, maybe an extra bolt or two. There really are not a huge amount of wearable parts in an AR that's part of its magic.

Wouldn't hurt to cache a few extra mags.

I did snag two Anderson barreled uppers (no BCG or charging handle), really couldn't resist because I got two nice delta ring type uppers, one in 5.56 and one in .300 for $420 total delivered. Its a long story. I know they are just Andersons but good for blasting uppers.

jimbobborg · Jun 17, 2016

Thanks, everyone. I'm hoping my little M4gery will not have to be put to hard use, but my 3-gun rifle will be getting a few thousand rounds a year once I am fully mobile again.

I wanted to get a perspective from the group here on parts that need replacing after time. I picked up one of these http://www.midwayusa.com/product/587468/dpms-ultimate-repair-kit-ar-15 from a local shop for $45 two years ago, I may go ahead and order two more. I'm also looking at picking up a couple of these http://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...lost-parts-kit-sku100015383-81773-146540.aspx and I should be covered for any broken parts. Is the buffer tube something that needs replacing at some point? I have an extra buffer that's going into the SBR I'm building, I may have to pick up a few more if it's a maintenance part.

outrider58 · Jun 17, 2016

Gas keys and screws, gas rings(and all other replaceable bcg parts), bolt catches, lots of spring and pin assortments. FCG s and buffer springs to name only a few...

jimbobborg · Jun 17, 2016

outrider58 said:
Gas keys and screws, gas rings(and all other replaceable bcg parts), bolt catches, lots of spring and pin assortments. FCG s and buffer springs to name only a few...

Why would I replace a gas key and the associated screws instead of replacing the BCG? I've been told by an armorer that if the gas key was loose, I had to replace the screws as they may have stretched, but no mention of the key.

Boss94 · Jun 17, 2016

I'm waiting for sir Chad to chime in. Paging sir Chad lol

clandestine · Jun 17, 2016

jimbobborg said:
Why would I replace a gas key and the associated screws instead of replacing the BCG? I've been told by an armorer that if the gas key was loose, I had to replace the screws as they may have stretched, but no mention of the key.

If the gas key is staked (like it should) then it likely cannot be restaked in a traditional fashion, it requires field staking (staked from the top, not the sides).

Gas Keys can also get damaged from a drop, be oversized in the bore, have an untrue deck (this can be fixed with stoning).

As for a list, here are my generic maintenance schedule in regards to spare parts:

Every 7,500 Rounds it gets:
Colt Gold Extractor Spring (Other MFG's last 3-5K rounds so I dont use them)
Cam Pin
Gas Rings (NOT One Piece Rings)
Firing Pin Retainer (Not a Solid Retainer)
Action/Buffer Spring (Not needed if you use a Tubb Flat Wire Spring)

Every 15,000 Rounds it gets:
Stripped Bolt Head (check headspace with gauges)
3 Gas Rings (Not One Piece Rings)
Springco Ejector Spring
Ejector and NEW Roll Pin
Extractor
Colt Gold Spring
Chrome Firing Pin (Not Titanium, Melonite, or Unplated)
Firing Pin Retainer (Not a Solid Retainer)
Cam Pin (With a directional arrow scribed on the top)
Gas Tube and NEW Roll Pin
Action/Buffer Spring (Not needed if you use a Tubb Flat Wire Spring)
Hammer Spring (NOT Reduced Power)
Hammer & Trigger Pin (No Anti Rotational B.S.)

Rinse and repeat...

If you have the above for each gun, you are set.

It never hurts to have a Spare Gas Key and 4 Gas Key Screws for each AR you have.

Buffer pads can wear out, Hammer/Trigger Pins can break, and if Action/Buffer Springs or any other springs in the gun corrode, they should be replaced immediately.

outrider58 · Jun 17, 2016

jimbobborg said:
Why would I replace a gas key and the associated screws instead of replacing the BCG? I've been told by an armorer that if the gas key was loose, I had to replace the screws as they may have stretched, but no mention of the key.

Gas key can snap if over torqued or screws come loose/break during firing, roaching the GK. In the case of the over torque, it can actually weaken the base of the GK. If you can afford to replace your BCG when ever you have an issue with the GK, good on ya. Keys are a lot cheaper than BCGs. BTW, staking GKs does not keep them tight, it only helps keep them in place should they break or come loose, preventing further catastrophes.

clandestine · Jun 17, 2016

outrider58 said:
Gas key can snap if over torqued or screws come loose/break during firing, roaching the GK. In the case of the over torque, it can actually weaken the base of the GK. If you can afford to replace your BCG when ever you have an issue with the GK, good on ya. Keys are a lot cheaper than BCGs. BTW, staking GKs does not keep them tight, it only helps keep them in place should they break or come loose, preventing further catastrophes.

This!

clandestine · Jun 17, 2016

Boss94 said:
I'm waiting for sir Chad to chime in. Paging sir Chad lol

I saw the Bat Signal.

jimbobborg · Jun 17, 2016

clandestine said:
I saw the Bat Signal.

Thanks for the list. I'll be printing it out and getting the parts next week.

Slowhand · Jun 17, 2016

So Chad... Just make up spares with directions, put in little zip-lock bags, group then in bigger zip-locks, and sell 'em. One big order from your supplier... and many small orders satisfied with you profiting for our convenience.

whistlersmother · Jun 17, 2016

Slowhand said:
So Chad... Just make up spares with directions, put in little zip-lock bags, group then in bigger zip-locks, and sell 'em. One big order from your supplier... and many small orders satisfied with you profiting for our convenience.

I'd go for this - right now, I can afford convenience.

clandestine · Jun 17, 2016

Problem is its a bad time for spare parts and affordability.

Ill be happy to put some kits together once the panic subsides.

MacGuns · Jun 17, 2016

Too bad Midway or Brownells don't have affiliate programs. You could provide links and get a cut of all the sales.

outrider58 · Jun 17, 2016

Not trying to be a smartass, but anyone who's taken one of Chad's classes already knows what parts to stock up on and which ones you need more of.

jimbobborg · Jun 18, 2016

outrider58 said:
Not trying to be a smartass, but anyone who's taken one of Chad's classes already knows what parts to stock up on and which ones you need more of.

IIRC his classes are usually on weekday evenings, and I'd rather slit my wrists than drive into Maryland during rush hour.

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