Complete lower build kit, spare bcg, spare upper.

 

Add a spare lower, tube, buffer and spring, and you’d have, basically, a spare gun?

Which is my personal method for spares. All pre-assembled into a functional unit.👍

 

It may depend on how much you want in gunsmithing tools.

The gas tube can burn out / blow out.

The gas key can fail by cracking, but replacing it properly is more work and tools than keeping a spare bolt carrier group.

The bolt gas rings are a wear item and need replacing more than any other parts.

The firing pin and bolt cam wear, but maybe not much faster than the bolt.

The bolt cotter pin is cheap enough to keep some spares.

I say bolt gas rings the most and at the top of the list.

I put tens of thousands of rounds through a rifle with a Daniel Defense bolt and only the firing pin tip mushroomed.

The other thing might be an extractor.

Some cheaper ones are MIM steel (of powdered steel).

Replacements can be had in machined extractors and some standard extractors are the good ones.

 

If your rifle is direct impingement, you wont need spare gas tubes. But, since many rifles use them, get a bunch of them. They can easily blow out / up and will need to be replaced.

A damaged gas tube can look like a bubble, a small hole or a minor explosion, depending on how it happened. I was told by an U.S. Army armorer that this is a common problem.

Lots of suppliers sell complete build kits with all the necessary pins, screws and springs. Get a few of those. Get extra BCG's, barrels and buttstocks.

 

If second gun build isn't in the immediate future start with a LPK w/FCG. Then, gas tube and gas block. Then BCG. Eventually barrel, upper, lower, etc. next thing you know you've gotta second gun.
Sign your self up for several different sites' email notices of sales and pick the stuff up when its cheaper. If you don't want to go fully parts crazy, look for the lower components and later shop for sales on complete uppers which also allows you to swap out calibers, barrel lengths, etc. quickly. If your go to gun has generally better components and one part craps the bed you can always part out your spare uppers for that one part. Finally. get a set of AR specific tools. You can do most anything with standard stuff but, the AR/gunsmith tools make a lot of the jobs easier.

 

If second gun build isn't in the immediate future start with a LPK w/FCG. Then, gas tube and gas block. Then BCG. Eventually barrel, upper, lower, etc. next thing you know you've gotta second gun.
Sign your self up for several different sites' email notices of sales and pick the stuff up when its cheaper. If you don't want to go fully parts crazy, look for the lower components and later shop for sales on complete uppers which also allows you to swap out calibers, barrel lengths, etc. quickly. If your go to gun has generally better components and one part craps the bed you can always part out your spare uppers for that one part. Finally. get a set of AR specific tools. You can do most anything with standard stuff but, the AR/gunsmith tools make a lot of the jobs easier.

The only place I've ordered parts from is psa, midway and Brownells. Any other suggestions?

 

I just stocked several extra rifles for parts, but then lost them in a boating accident 😞

 

I have broken buffer retainer pins so I have several of them.
I pre-assemble and store in little zip bags
Trigger and hammer groups (polish as needed)
(I have slave pins for the assembled trigger groups to easily drop in)
Tested spare bolt carrier groups -don't want to find out in the field that it doesn't function well.
Gas rings, as someone already mentioned. Extra firing pin retainers, I lost or bunged up a few of those over the years.
Extractor kits plus extra rubber grommets. Ejectors and springs as well.

 

Midway has some good deals on spare parts (at least today) and free shipping for today as well.
Might just want to give them a look.
Also, I have had charging handles break as well. I try to keep a few extras around.

 

Many commercial springs and small parts, such as buffer retainer pins, can be less durable than military or Colt parts.

There are some beefed up replacement parts, that are as good or better than the Colt parts, but usually aren't are standard in anything.

US-made springs seem better than imported springs.

Some, "good" bolt carrier groups come with cheaper springs installed.

A company called, "Forward Control Designs" makes and sells a beefed up buffer retainer pin.

There can be large price differences between economical parts kits, (lower parts kits, upper parts kits), parts and premium parts kits, so just buying parts for spare parts, rather than quality parts, might not be so desirable.

 

Some, "good" bolt carrier groups come with cheaper springs installed.

Am I missing something here?

 

An entire M1A

Shoot that once and the AR will become your spare.

 

Seriously, the little parts that you have to remove to clean the bolt. Including the cotter pin and extractor.

There are parts kits that eliminate the guess work about what to buy. They also include some springs.

 

I can tell you what parts we replace the most on M4A1s. But, these fellas shoot a lot of ammo.

Not in any particular order:
Barrels
Gas keys (from dropping bolts/carriers on hard surfaces)
Firing pin retainers
Gas rings, gas rings, gas rings
Furniture, butts mostly
Front sight posts
BUIS

Al

 

someone earlier said gas tubes, Have you replaced many of those? I would assume that they would be replaced as a matter of course when replacing a barrel.

 

I’m right there with you. I like my first and only and about a year-old AR, but I don’t get it yet. I can buy parts for a SIG, made by somebody who isn’t SIG, and they’ll fit? ARs are that standardized? Or do you have to specify which rifle when you buy parts?

 

These things are pretty much lego sets.

 

lower to upper receiver shims, gas rings, buffer spring and drop in trigger group

 

A lot of good feedback so far. Complete lower parts kits and repair kits are a good idea. Having a couple spare complete BCG is a good idea. With that said, it is not necessary to have spare complete BCG if you stock the common wear parts of them such as the bolt, extractor, gas rings, cam pin, and firing pin. Having a few gas tubes is not a bad idea as well. A couple buffer springs make sense as well. I stock all of that, plus some extra barrels, a few stripped uppers and some stripped lowers.

 

A lot of good feedback so far. Complete lower parts kits and repair kits are a good idea. Having a couple spare complete BCG is a good idea. With that said, it is not necessary to have spare complete BCG if you stock the common wear parts of them such as the bolt, gas rings, cam pin, and firing pin. Having a few gas tubes is not a bad idea as well. A couple buffer springs make sense as well. I stock all of that, plus some extra barrels, a few stripped uppers and some stripped lowers.

the advantage of a complete BCG is the speed and ease of swapping it out in a pinch.

 

Palmetto State Armory used to sell a replacement small parts kit for like $30. Extractor, firing pin, and basically all the small springs and bits you could break or lose. I'm sure they still sell it. Sure beats buying them piecemeal.

 

My 2018 observations about a small field repair kit for AR pattern rifles. The post is older, but I'd not really change my recommendations:

AR-15 parts

I searched and couldn't find a thread on this so my apologies if there is one. I need recommendations on the best places to order AR-15 parts from that are known for quality. I know PSA is good. Any other suggestions? Not looking for a build, just some spare parts. Thanks in advance.

www.survivalistboards.com

If you're just talking about spare bench parts for home storage or range use, then stock more things, more numbers of them, and as much as wallet or work space allows.

 

When you order components add an "oops" kit. It has the most common small pieces that seem to find their way into another dimension. They're cheap and can save your sanity during a build or repair.

 

For the AR15 folks get a couple of each of the following:

CMMG AR-15/M16 LOWER SPRING KIT | Brownells

BROWNELLS AR-15 FIRING PIN | Brownells

BROWNELLS AR-15 EXTRACTOR ASSEMBLY | Brownells


For the AK folks get the following:
(Nothing its not going to fail)

 

Most times there is no need to replace a gas tube when changing out a barrel. If you are someone that shoots a lot and shoots a lot of rapid fire, it is possible to damage the gas tube, but not likely for most.

 

Never had to "replace" one. Having a spare around just means I haven't had to seek one out if I decide to put something together.

 

The caution with having too many spare parts is that it will look like little orphans Which need a home to be complete.

Once you have enough spare parts, you eventually will complete a build, or two, or three….or more than planned….

as others have mentioned, extra BCG, gas tubes and an Oops kit with the more common springs and pins that shoot off into never-never land…get a few extra barrels to if you planning on running FA.

And Gun oil, Lots and lots of gun oil. even though its not a part, it’s imperative to keep the firearm maintained and clean to keep existing parts from breaking too soon, or worse, when you least expect them to break.

 

The caution with having too many spare parts is that it will look like little orphans Which need a home to be complete.

Once you have enough spare parts, you eventually will complete a build, or two, or three….or more than planned….

I thought that was a feature.... 😂

Am I missing something here?

Sometimes, manufacturers use "milspec" parts that are just as good if not better than the parts used by actual military contractors.

And sometimes they use "milspec" parts that aren't as good.

And yes...that is a real thing. Even in the military, we knew certain things made at factory A were better than things made at factory B, despite both things being accepted by procurement as operationally identical.

MilSpec has two meanings in the commercial realm.

It OFTEN means it meets minimum requirements as outlined by military specifications, and has the proper tolerances. Some are even tested properly, sort of. Chances are good there was no inspection by officials or outside auditors.

It RARELY means it is EXACTLY like the parts being sold to the military, to include all testing procedures at the levels required of a contractor, with oversight by inspectors.

 

----- BREAK MOST OFTEN

• cam pin
• bolt lugs shear off
• firing pin
• gas key shears off the bolt carrier
• extractor
• hammer pin

----- GOING TO WEAR OUT

• springs (extractor, ejector, FCG, buffer)
• gas rings
• bolt, bolt components
• barrel (throat, rifling, gas port erosion)
• barrel extension (headspace stretched)
• gas tube (gas port erosion, flange worn)

----- LONG TERM

after hundreds of thousands of rounds:

• the hole in the upper for the gas tube
• where the BCG slides under the carrying handle
• hammer/trigger pin holes
• upper receiver barrel extension (where you screw on the barrel) can break off. it will happen eventually, irregardless of quality.
• crack on the top left side of mag well, right where the mag well gets thinnest. It's also right thru the stamped logo, maybe from the bolt slam energy being transferred through the front pin, and that's the weakest spot. (rare)

----- STUFF THAT JUST HAPPENS

charging handle can stretch and the lever falls out.

extractor will break when it breaks. round count doesn't matter.

----- THE BIG 4 THAT CAUSE PROBLEMS

• magazine damage. dents on the body or damage to the feed lips.
• extractor is dirty under the claw, around the spring, or the spring is worn
• ammo, damaged or crappy
• lubrication, lack of

 

Dont try to disassemble your AR, then you wont lose parts! 😁 Just spray it with lube and go.

But seriously... just an oops kit will fix most things. Firing pin, extractor and parts, firing pin retainer cotter pin, trigger and hammer springs.

 

I have 2 full rebuild worth of springs, parts, for my former AR builds that were sold or lost st sea

 

I had spent a LOT of time looking for parts for a build. in addition to the above,

favorites:

VENDORS
jtdistributing.com
armorally.com
bkingsfirearms.com <-- best for small parts
dsgarms.com
ar15discounts.com
joeboboutfitters.com
blackjackbuffers.com
midwestgunworks.com
bigtexordnance.com
usaoptics.net

MANUFACTURERS
kakindustry.com
pkfirearms.com
pof-usa.com
rubbercityarmory.com
dsarms.com
precisionreflex.com

full list:

MANUFACTURERS ===========================
doublestarusa.com <<<
stagarms.com
faxonfirearms.com
diamondbackfirearms.com
dsarms.com
aeroprecisionusa.com/ar15
lmtdefense.com - way too expensive on everything
bravocompanyusa.com
adamsarms.net
pof-usa.com sux
andersonmanufacturing.com
rockriverarms.com
wmdguns.com
midwestindustriesinc.com - too expensive
cmmginc.com
del-ton.com
armalite.com
ballisticadvantage.com
midstatefirearms.com
at3tactical.com
rubbercityarmory.com
spikestactical.com
knsprecisioninc.com
kakindustry.com
retrorifles.com
vltor.com
obsidianarms.com
lmtdefense.com
bravocompanyusa.com
rguns.net
angstadtarms.com
b5systems.com
battlearmsdevelopment.com
blackrainordnance.com
blueforcegear.com
failzero.com
adcofirearms.com
adaptivetactical.com
fortismfg.com
kineticdg.com
knightarmco.com
lantac-usa.com
masterpiecearms.com
maximdefense.com
missionfirsttactical.com
phase5wsi.com
primaryweapons.com
ptr-us.com
roscomanufacturing.com
samson-mfg.com
tacticalinc.com
wilsoncombat.com

VENDORS =================================
jtdistributing.com <<< has the stuff
cdnnsports.com <<< has the stuff
armorally.com <<< has BCG's when all others oos
righttobear.com <<<
midsouthshooterssupply.com <<<
centerfiresystems.com <<<
tntesales.com <<<
newfrontierarmory.com
sonsoflibertygw.com
budsgunshop.com
atlanticfirearms.com
centuryarms.com
aimsurplus.com
classicfirearms.com
palmettostatearmory.com
brownells.com
ar15safespace.com
dsgarms.com
sharkarms.com
ar15discounts.com
gandrtactical.com
gungalleryinc.com
haleystrategic.com
krollcorp.com
cmmginc.com
midwestindustriesinc.com
primaryarms.com
www.rainierarms.com
surplusammoandarms.com
virginiaarms.com
skdtac.com
store.dennydennis.com
midwestguns.com
gtdist.com - feh
topgunsupply.com
jsesurplus.com
mississippiautoarms.com
carolinashooterssupply.com
americanspecialtyammo.com
joeboboutfitters.com
capitolarmory.com
wingtactical.com
valhallasurplus.net
scotsmanarms.com
riflegear.com
gandrtactical.com
daytonatactical.com
righttobear.com
eagleeyeguns.com
americanmadetactical.com
specialopstactical.com
modernwarriors.com
charliescustomclones.com
ar15depot.com
patriotdefensegear.com
armsunlimited.com
masdefense.com
bpoutfitters.net
model1sales.com
graniteridgeoutfitters.com
m-16parts.com
redxarms.com
bauer-precision.com
fulton-armory.com
sherluk.com
grabagun.com
recoilgunworks.com
bisonarmory.com
blackjackbuffers.com
operationparts.com
kearms.com
smallarmsales.com
specializedarmament.com
midwestgunworks.com
adcofirearms.com
elitetacticalcomponents.com
gritrsports.com
whiteknightsupply.com
bkingsfirearms.com
nationalsafetycenter.com
bayoutactical.com
4shooters.com
blackrifledepot.com
atioutdoors.com
heartoftexasarmory.com << good prices

stores -----------
patriotfirearmsusa.com

*
stay away from impact guns!

 

Any and all.


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