My work often entails use of electronic and light mechanical equipment at fairly remote - or at least inconvenient - locations. I’ve learned often the hard way over the years as to what works and what doesn’t, and what can be counted on to fail typically at a critical moment. Having the right parts on-hand can make the difference between completing a job versus blowing an entire day of travel.
My AR is intended as a rural-home/homeland self-defense tool. With the above experience in mind, I am contemplating what parts my the rifle should probably have in-waiting. I realize that an entire second rifle would be the optimal arrangment, but short of that or a completely stocked armorers shop, are there a handful of easily kept (and preferrably transportable) items that could cover at least the most probable needs?
I keep a head-spaced bolt (complete), firing pin, cam pin, and firing pin retaining pin in the Tango Down foregrip of all my weapons. With 15 years of shooting M16A2/M4/AR15s, those are the parts that I have most often seen issues with (the ones that can be replaced at the user level in the field anyway). I also keep a comprehensive spring kit and a couple of extra extractors in my range bag. IMHO a properly head-spaced spare bolt (complete) is the bare minimum you should have on hand with the weapon.
I have pretty much an entire weapon in parts at our villa – but with the parts on the gun - I can always swap it out if I can find the time while on the road.
I agree, bolt & firing pin if you’re looking to tote something on/with the rifle.
If you’re looking for something a little more comprehensive, I’d go with everything other than the upper, lower, barrel, FSB, and plastic parts for a spare parts kit. It should still pack up pretty small.
dude there got to be somthing better than duct tape to hold that bolt and pin together, when u undo the tape all ur shits gonna be gooey and dirt could stick to it, espcially if u live where its hot out. try one of those giant black rubber bands or cut up some inner tubing
dukduk - well depends what you means by hot – its my Iraq rifle…
CLP cleans thegunk off in a hurry - and its the only way I can keep it together in a manageable pile.
When I go out shooting I usually carry these spare parts:
Lower Parts Kit (the whole plastic bag with an A2 grip)
Bolt carrier group
Charging handle
If you already got the same spare parts like I have it would be very easy to build another carbine, all you need is an upper half with handguards, stripped lower, a buttstock kit, and BUIS.
I have at least one of each part for the AR, excluding barells. A few of each spring and pin that might get lost or worn out. Also 2 LPK’s and 2 upper kits.
Before this thread fades away, is there any issue with the source/brand of replacement bolt?
In my case it would be for a S&W M&P (aka Stag). Neither the S&W nor Stag web sites offer replacement bolts (although Stag has a kit with some pins and springs and stuff).
Just be sure to get a good quality MP tested bolt. One from BCM (BravoCompanyUSA), or a CMT or LMT from G&R Tactical would be great, be sure to get an extra cam pin, firing pin and firing pin retaining pin as well.
