Pistol buffer tube w/o castle nut?

notfast · May 13, 2017

PSA sells a "pistol" LPK that does not include a castle nut and their customer service dept says it is not needed.

I'm not sure how I feel about a buffer tube being held in place w/o a castle nut.

Anyone have any experiences or thoughts?

Kman · May 13, 2017

Don't own one, but a guy at the range had one and he didn't like it as wanted to take it off to replace with kak tube.
He tried unscrewing by vice and by hand and strap wrench and wouldn't budge. Tried a little heat, knocking the tube forward to unseat threads...no dice.
There are no notches or flat sides to grip.
I don't know if he ever got it off.

StantonCree · May 13, 2017

I can understand not steaking it on a regular Joe Schmoe gun but I don't think I would just plain not have one

kalister1 · May 13, 2017

What purpose does the Castle Nut serve?
On a rifle it keeps alignment of the tube. If the Pistol tube has the correct amount of threads, tighten it. Use Loc-tite or a little dimple to stake it if you feel it's required.

jkeys · May 13, 2017

If I was building an ultralight AR rifle I would just put a few dabs of loctite on it and forget about the castlenut. For a regularrifle build, I would want a castlenut.

On an AR pistol that doesn't have a stock or arm brace, there are no twisting forces on the buffer tube and a little loctite would be fine.

TheBert · May 13, 2017

notfast said:
PSA sells a "pistol" LPK that does not include a castle nut and their customer service dept says it is not needed.

I'm not sure how I feel about a buffer tube being held in place w/o a castle nut.

Anyone have any experiences or thoughts?

Just have Chad put a strap wrench on it and give it a good twist.

I have an Engage lower with a PSA pistol buffer tube and no castle nut.

hotdog · May 13, 2017

Loctite it. I have PSA buffer tube without castle nut on 2 of my AR pistols, fortunately both works fine. Both has less than 200 rounds. I'm not sure what would happen if both hits 500 rounds.

Tip: Take SOTAR class when you get a chance.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sticky · May 13, 2017

Be very careful about using loctite on the buffer tube threads. There is a good likelihood that it will get into the buffer detent and spring, just ask Chad... :lol2:

Sticky · May 13, 2017

TheBert said:
Just have Chad put a strap wrench on it and give it a good twist.

I have an Engage lower with a PSA pistol buffer tube and no castle nut.

This would be the proper method of attachment for the PSA buffer tube with no nut.. :thumbsup:

nomade · May 13, 2017

notfast said:
PSA sells a "pistol" LPK that does not include a castle nut and their customer service dept says it is not needed.

I'm not sure how I feel about a buffer tube being held in place w/o a castle nut.

Anyone have any experiences or thoughts?

I have one in my AR pistol. I haven't have any issues.

clandestine · May 13, 2017

Some designs wont allow the use of a castle nut. A Strap Wrench (Blue Snap-On are the BEST) and a snug pull will secure it. Nothing else is needed unless you are attaching a brace that will impart some force to it.

Don't use Loctite on any Receiver Extension/Buffer Tube. I have a thread about the using loctite in this area with pics. There are 2 areas of an AR that can benefit from Loctite and this isnt one.

If you have to use something, use rocksett. If you need to remove it, just soak the lower in the kitchen sink.

lazarus · May 13, 2017

jkeys said:
If I was building an ultralight AR rifle I would just put a few dabs of loctite on it and forget about the castlenut. For a regularrifle build, I would want a castlenut.

On an AR pistol that doesn't have a stock or arm brace, there are no twisting forces on the buffer tube and a little loctite would be fine.

Use an aluminum castle nut. Weighs about .26oz compared to about .56oz of a steel castle nut if that concerned about weight. An aluminum end plate vs steel is also about the same weights/weight difference.

notfast · May 14, 2017

Appreciate all the advice.

You think a heavy buffer would cause any additional issues? I guess its worth a shot to try it...

Pistol buffer tube w/o castle nut?

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