buffer retainer spring

[batgeek]

would losing ~4 coils on the buffer retainer spring have adverse effects on the rifle?

the buffer retainer has full articulation, is stiff when you push on it with your finger, and still protrudes the same amount as before(no problems stopping the buffer tube when manually manipulated).

my spring kinda got tweaked last time i removed my buffer tube, so i cut off the offending coils and re-installed.

[Robb Jensen]

I would replace the spring if it were mine.

[rob_s]

I would replace the spring if it were mine.
Me too.

On a related note, does anyone know of a "small lower parts kit" in existence? I'd like to stock up on those little parts that seem to like to go flying, like the buffer retainer and spring, the safety detent and spring, etc. It would be nice to be able to buy a kit of the small widgets like that all in one bag and cheaper than stocking up on entire LPKs as spares.

To buy the Colt parts from Brownells is $25 which seems excessive

160-308-115 SP61698 TAKEDOWN PIN DETENT $3.50
160-308-114 SP61692 TAKEDOWN PIN DETENT SPRING $4.08
160-304-032 SP61569 EJECTOR SPRING/SELECTOR SPRING $3.52
160-308-146 SP61785 FIRE CONTROL SELECTOR DETENT $3.02
160-308-110 SP61582 BUFFER RETAINER $7.01
160-308-111 SP61694 BUFFER RETAINER SPRING $4.08


$6 (including grip screw & lock washer) from Bushmaster seems more reasonable
8448582 Buffer Detent... $1.60
8448583 Buffer Detent Spring... $0.55
AN501D416-18 Pistol Grip Screw... $0.65
MS35335-61 Pistol Grip Screw Washer... $0.45
8448631 Safety Detent... $1.00
8448516 Safety Detent Spring... $0.85
8448585 Take Down Pin Detent... $0.55
8448586 Take Down Pin Spring... $0.55

[Iraqgunz]

Rob,

Doesn't Brownells actually sell a "survivial kit" that has all those important items? I thought I had seen it before.


Me too.

On a related note, does anyone know of a "small lower parts kit" in existence? I'd like to stock up on those little parts that seem to like to go flying, like the buffer retainer and spring, the safety detent and spring, etc. It would be nice to be able to buy a kit of the small widgets like that all in one bag and cheaper than stocking up on entire LPKs as spares.

To buy the Colt parts from Brownells is $25 which seems excessive

160-308-115 SP61698 TAKEDOWN PIN DETENT $3.50
160-308-114 SP61692 TAKEDOWN PIN DETENT SPRING $4.08
160-304-032 SP61569 EJECTOR SPRING/SELECTOR SPRING $3.52
160-308-146 SP61785 FIRE CONTROL SELECTOR DETENT $3.02
160-308-110 SP61582 BUFFER RETAINER $7.01
160-308-111 SP61694 BUFFER RETAINER SPRING $4.08


$6 (including grip screw & lock washer) from Bushmaster seems more reasonable
8448582 Buffer Detent... $1.60
8448583 Buffer Detent Spring... $0.55
AN501D416-18 Pistol Grip Screw... $0.65
MS35335-61 Pistol Grip Screw Washer... $0.45
8448631 Safety Detent... $1.00
8448516 Safety Detent Spring... $0.85
8448585 Take Down Pin Detent... $0.55
8448586 Take Down Pin Spring... $0.55

[rob_s]

They might, but almost all of their small parts are from DPMS which is a no-go for me. I'm sure the tiny parts like that would be fine, I just dislike anything with the panther on it.

Since I put all those parts in the shopping cart at Bushmaster to get the prices, I went ahead and ordered 3 sets from them. $18 ain't bad, and I'd waste hours shopping around for a better price just to save $5 or something.

[batgeek]

thanks guys. think i'll stock up on the little parts too.

[rob_s]

thanks guys. think i'll stock up on the little parts too.

Bushmaster's small parts page (http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_parts_lower_receivers_individual_parts.asp)

[Negolien]

http://tdsguns.com/store/product/6614/Ergo-Grip-AR-15-Lower-Spring/

[mikeahe]

Try KNS
Stay Safe AR-15 Emergency Parts Kit

1-Extractor
2-Extractor Springs and Black Poly Insert
1-Disconnector
2-Disconnector Springs
2-Gas Rings (Sets of 3)
2-Firing Pin Retaining Pins
1-Carrier Key Screw
2-Ejector Roll Pins
1-Ejector
1-Safety Detent (KNS Precision, Inc)
1-Safety Detent Spring (Stiff Spring)
3-Take Down/Pivot Detents (KNS Precision, Inc.)
2-Take Down/Pivot Detent Springs (Soft Spring)
1-Buffer Detent (KNS Precision, Inc.)
1-Buffer Detent Spring:no::no:

[Negolien]

Or in an emrgancy if you really feel the "need" to have a spring in there pop open a ballpoint for the spring :dance3:and MacGyver it....

[tgace]

Or in an emrgancy if you really feel the "need" to have a spring in there pop open a ballpoint for the spring :dance3:and MacGyver it....

LOL. I did exactly that till my replacement spring came. Of course I had to buy a bunch of other stuff to go with it because paying $4 shipping for a $.68 spring seemed sort of silly.

[Stan9106]

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but does the buffer retainer and spring actually do anything after the upper and lower are assembled? I mean, if it's only function is to retain the buffer and buffer spring until assembly, can a failure of the retainer affect operation of the rifle?

[MarkG]

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but does the buffer retainer and spring actually do anything after the upper and lower are assembled? I mean, if it's only function is to retain the buffer and buffer spring until assembly, can a failure of the retainer affect operation of the rifle?

No...

The buffer retainer only captures the buffer when the upper receiver group is removed. The buffer does not contact the retainer during the cycle of operation.