I am looking to stock up on some replacement parts for my AR’s. I want to focus on those that are most likely to fail first, but not positive as to what I should make a priority.
Based on my somewhat lengthy experience, I would assume bolts and extractor springs. But others might suggest something else based on their wider scope of knowledge.
Might I ask for some assistance here making a prioritized list? Again, I am referring primarily to internal, functioning parts. Feel free to include a brand name if you think it is the best out there.
IMO…a complete BCG with a properly staked Gas Key, with an MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected) tested bolt, extra extractors, “Black” extractor buffers, and extractor buffer springs, a couple of spare Ejector Springs, a spare charging handle, spare recoil buffer spring, and last but not least, the most fragile of the AR platform, several high quality mags that you have function tested. I recommend the D&H USGI Spec. mags, with the Magpul enhanced follower, and Magpul Ranger Plates, although the Ranger Plates are not a “Must”. Any coating will due for functionality purposes, but I like the Black Teflon coat.
You can get all of this from Grant at www.gandrtactical.com Everything he carries is “Brand Name” and proven.
not a holistic list, just things that haven’t been mentioned yet
firing pins - (I stupidly bought a TiN plated one, the tip of which chipped in short order, resulting in pierced primers and a good bit of gas in the face.) I use normal pins now, but carry spares.
firing pin retaining pin - before i learned to reinsert them correctly after cleaning, i jammed them in, spreading the tips which made it almost impossible to reinsert. i still carry spares, mostly to assist others at the range.
fire control group - ever since my jewell trigger went down on my first day at camp perry, i carry a couple extra FCGs (a frank white match trigger and a couple standard AR triggers) and all the springs etc
i’ve broken stocks before, but no real way i know of to carry a spare. i figure my day’s done if that happens.
haven’t “broken” a grip yet, but i’ve had them come loose. i carry a spare, and screw and allen wrench to fit.
i haven’t broken a sling attachment point yet, because i still use a 3-point sling for most of my ARs. when i get around to switching to the single-point sling, i’ll probably carry a spare sling of the type that wrap around the forearm and stock with velcro or the little nylon straps.
i have broken the buckles on slings before though. now that i think about it, i should probably toss a spare in my bag. hmm…
That is exactly what I was looking for, and I thank-you for taking the time. Seems like everything is covered that I’ve heard before over the years. I tried a search to find a list or lists of such parts, but saw nothing. I suppose I find it helpful to have all the likely “suspects” identified in one spot so I can have all possible back-up parts handy.
Man… there’s a lot of stuff I have no back ups to.
I mean… if the world came to an end and UPS wasn’t delivering… I’d be hurting if I broke stuff. I think I’ll use Christmas as an excuse to bulk up the spare parts dept.
Along with what I posted above, I think that a quality lower parts kit is a good idea as well if you want to spend another $50-$60. This with the complete BCG, and extra BCG components, and charging handle will give you pretty much everything you would ever need. I don’t worry about stocks, grips, forends (the bigger parts) etc.
I have one replacement bolt and a firing pin for 3 AR’s. Not exactly ideal by any means. Going to have to contact Grant soon, but may have to wait until after Christmas to get all that stuff.
Firing pins, firing pin retainer pins, extractor pins, and safety selector detents, takedown/pivot pin detents and their springs, a couple cam pins and bolt gas rings are good basic spare parts to keep on hand.
A spare extractor with extractor spring and buffer is a good idea too.
It amazes me still that folks lose these items with a frequency that boggles the mind.
I have seen far more AR/M16 small parts become lost by shooters than I have seen actually wear out!
The gas rings are the parts that wear out the most frequently.
If you want to be a bit more advanced, a complete spare, fitted and headspaced, bolt and a complete fire control group are great ideas.
As I was going through all the possible things that could break on my first AR, I quickly realised that the cost of each item increased my total cost to the point that I decided to just buy another rifle.
Honestly.
Now I just have the minimum: spare bolt, lube and a tool set.
We must remember however, that IF the SHTF, the less bulk we have to carry out, the better. Our vehicles are going to fill up much sooner than we think, and a spare parts kit will take up much less room, and weight.
Absolutely true. I was just pointing out my preference to have more guns than spare parts!
For work, I just carry an extra bolt. It becomes all too easy to carry every little part that could break, and devote space and weight to truly unnecessary stuff.
What I would carry for an extended survival situation versus defense of my closet are very different. It gets to the point where we realise that everything has the possibility of breaking, that 1=none, and 2=1 gets very heavy if you apply it to everything.
+1 on the firld gauge. It really is the onlt one you need to check “Critical” excessive head space. I have a “No- Go” as well, but it really is at the tighter of the toloerances, and good if you’re fitting a new barrel and bolt.
Get the Mil. Field Gauge at Brownells.
Also do a search from AR15barrels.com on 'Head Space". Randy Rausch has gone to alot of effort posting here on this topic.
