AR15 Spare Parts

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I've been trying for forever to put together a spare parts list but I'm struggling as to what exactly should be in it. Here's what I've figured out so far. Please correct me if you feel I've got bad info. Also, advice on where you buy your spare parts would be appreciated.

Bolt - critical
- At least 2 on hand - they do break

Gas rings - critical
- 3 rings per bolt. Keep half dozen sets on hand. They do wear out

Extractors - critical
- Keep 2 or 3 on hand. They do break.

Firing pins
- Keep 3 on hand. They do break.

Gas tubes - not critical

Ejectors and ejector springs - not critical

Replacement spring kit - not critical
- Should include: bolt ejector, bolt extractor, front sight, ejection port cover, hammer, trigger, bolt catch, mag catch, buffer retainer, disconnector, take down detent, pivot pin detent, selector switch, forward assist, forward assist pawl.

Cam pin - ?
 
I've never run a lot of rounds through any individual AR, not more than about 5K through any one, but I'd say you are over prepared (if there is such a thing) I've never broken a bolt, extractor or firing pin. I know it can happen, but multiple spares? To me, if you have replacement for the stuff that breaks (ie spare BCG) you're good for quite a while. But what do I know, my last AR was a Norc.
 
I'll just buy a new part of it breaks, which has yet to happen. I have replaced faulty parts before (troubleshooting a problem) but that's pretty much it.
 
I can't call myself a heavy user, but my total of parts replaced is one extractor, ever, unless you count the firing pin retaining pins that I boogered up before figuring out how to put them in. A half dozen sets of gas rings is probably enough to support a platoon of US Marines for a couple years.

My suggestion:
One extractor, with pin and spring.
Two firing pin retaining pins.
If you want to be super prepared, one spare complete bolt.
If you plan to take it apart occasionally, two spare selector detent / rear takedown detent springs. These things love to get lost.
 
I lose springs like nobodies business...every time I take an AR down, a spring decides to go on safari so I always keep extra of every kind of spring and detent...also, firing pin retainer...I've broken a couple of those.

I also keep an extractor, a set of gas rings and a firing pin in my "oh sh17 kit", but haven't yet needed them...
 
Could be a little overkill on the failure expectations. I have had AR15's for the last 30 years. In all that time some of my rifles have seen as much as 15,00 rounds fired. In all that time I have had one cam pin replaced as it was getting worn, one extractor replaced because the spring failed, and one collapsible stock lock pin fail and open up my nose on the cocking handel. That's all.

Moe
 
It will be more likely a part is lost than breaking it. I will keep a few extractor o rings and gas rings around , in case of the oops moments. Keeping multiple bolts around is tying up money unnecessarily .

Unless you have a fleet to deal with and shoot a lot like reaching 10k regularly, stocking expensive parts are not necessary.
 
An "oops" kit, spare firing pin and a set of gas rings for me. The spare bits kit has all the little springs and pins that like to launch themselves into parts unknown. Came in very handy when I learned what happens when the buffer tube is rotated while the buffer retainer is installed. Now after stripping the bolt carrier and seeing how the firing pin fits, I wouldn't bother getting a spare. It would take something very weird to wreck one. The gas rings just because I hate spending half an hour crawling around looking for 2bit (or even $3) parts.
 
Spare parts usually turn into spare rifles.
When going to clinics I usually pack a spare carbine which is usually lent out to one person or another.
A spare lower parts kit and a spare BCG.
That should about cover every situation.
What I will be adding is a spare action spring after watching a friends carbine start to bobble holding the bolt open as it shrunk in length.
I also carry an H3 buffer which can be stripped down and adjusted for any weight when combined with a carbine buffer.
 
I must be the odd man out here. My parts bin is a 6 tier tackle box full of every little bit and spring. I run a few AR, very lightly, and haven't had to replace anything that I didn't break or lose.
Redundancy is big in my world. That, and being charged $20 locally for a little selector detent...
 
Most of my stock has come from Brownells, back when the dollar was a whole lot better. I always keep an eye out for sales, and justify my purchases that way. I'm not a fan of being at the mercy of supplier shortages; better to have and not need, than not have and need.
 
Outwest1213 said:
Where abouts u guys buying these spare parts sets from? Can u buy springs in sets or one at a time? I run a Norc so no spare parts needed yet.lol
Click to expand...

GP Tactical (sponsor) has a pretty good selection right now. I've gotten stuff from them, Arms East, Marstar, Questar, and CTCS to name a few.
 
Good idea. AR's DO BREAK.

I bought my Bushmaster Patrolmans M4 Carbine A3 16" HBAR about 15 years ago...NIB....and have put MANY thousands of factory ammo through it. The bolt did break about half way through, where the cam pin slides in, just beside the gas rings. It happens. I bought a factory OEM Bushmaster replacement bolt from Brownells ;) I replaced the cheap gas rings with a McFarlen 1-piece gas ringe and NM front sight, Endyene Hydrolic buffer, and a Rock River NM 2-stage trigger....such an amazing AR trigger for accuracy.

I frequently see AR spare bolts being stored in Tango Down verticle battle grips for Picatinny rails.....I thought why a spare bolt? Is it because it fits in the verticle grip, or is there a real reason? Well, I soon found out when my bolt broke lol


The original poster has the right idea...those spare AR parts are crucial ...from spare firing pins, to a spare bolt.....things will break...ESPECIALLY if you run your AR like it was designed to do, and give it real work outs now and then...and not 500 rounds every year lol.
 
Hunter1970 said:
I must be the odd man out here. My parts bin is a 6 tier tackle box full of every little bit and spring. I run a few AR, very lightly, and haven't had to replace anything that I didn't break or lose.
Redundancy is big in my world. That, and being charged $20 locally for a little selector detent...
Click to expand...


I feel your pain....some POS charged me $100 for a "broken safety" on my Beretta 92F. It was actually the cheap little part on the right side, listen on Brownells for $5.99 USD. Last time I've ever used a gunsmith lol

Another gun shop wanted $50 and 1 month wait time for a trigger installation on my AR......freaking 5 minutes on YouTube watching video and I installed it myself in less than 5 min. What's joke. I actually became VERY good at my own repaires and probably could do most smith jobs within reason, lacking some of the necessary equipment for real professional work, ie. sight work on 1911's, barrel seating/installation on an AR or Rem 700, etc.


It's like bringing in your car to a mechanic.....they'll freaking rape you if you don't do your homework and are slightly knowledgable.
 
My advise....

My spares:

- Firing pin retaining pin, qty ea 2
- Extractor, qty ea 1
- Extractor spring w/silicone insert, qty ea 2
- Ejector w/ spring, qty ea 2
- Firing pin, qty ea 1
- EPC spring and circlip, qty ea 2.

In almost 40 yrs with the AR in two armies, and privately owned, bolt breaks are rare (though when they do, always at the cam hole or the odd 'tooth' at the bolt face), though seen a few fail headspace. NOTE: If you're replacing a bolt or barrel, make sure it's headspaced with the appropriate gauge before firing. :)
 
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