Let me pose this question to the RKI’s out there. A couple of years back the military (TACOM) put out a notice that the military was going to an improved extractor spring/ insert (gold in color/ black insert) for the M4 series carbines. All M16 series weapons will use an extractor spring and insert (dark in color/ black insert) as previous. I know at one point the older style were blue inserts.
Recently I received an email in response to my questions to them about the springs and inserts in the M4geries that they sold us a few years back. They essentially said that it’s all “internet rumor” that they use a 5 coil spring and the insert makes no difference. All their extractors are fine and there is no problem.
Would like to hear the opinions and knowledge of those in the know. Thanks.
If you using a 5 coil extractor spring the extractor spring buffer (blue or black) won’t really matter much. The black one is per the spec. supposed to be harder. I’ve never tested if black ones are actually measurably harder than the blue ones and some say that the color is to just tell the armorer which extractor spring to use in which A2-A4/M4/M231 etc so I don’t know if anyone really knows the whole truth.
On ARs w/carbine length gas systems I always recommend a black extractor spring buffer, 5 coil springs and the use of a Crane O-ring.
If you have any say in where you get spare parts I would recommend Wolff XP M4 extractor springs www.gunsprings.com to use with your current extractor buffers and black Viton O-rings (part #09265067) from www.mscdirect.com The o-rings are $7.89 per 100. The springs are $23 per 10 (and I’m sure even cheaper the more you buy).
You could also just buy extractor upgrade kits from BCM which are $11.95 per set of 3 (for 3 carbines).
I have heard the same as well concerning the color of the inserts, and like you said “what is the whole truth”. However, anything that comes from Bushamster I take with a truck load of salt.
Yes, I do have a say as to which parts/ sources as I procure all the armory related stuff. However, the “bean counters” that know more than I always try and save money and substitute. Since I have over 500 carbines the price adds up quickly. I am definitely going to look at those O-rings you mentioned.
According to Ken at S.A.W. there is most definitely a difference. Now when you get into the aftermarket stuff, it’s anyone’s guess what they’re using to make the inserts.
Come to think of it I remember Ken saying something about that. Though the Bushamsters we have aren’t milpsec I use the TM and make every effort to keep them running 100%. If that means tossing their crappy extractors and stuff, so be it. I also just ordered 500 of those O-rings.
FWIW I’ve run a CAR length AR over 7K rounds (semi-auto gun mix of .223 Rem and 5.56mm NATO) using a 5 coil extractor spring and a Crane O-ring without any extractor spring buffer with no problems…as always YMMV.