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Thread: How could one identify what type of Aluminum a buffer tube is made from?

  1. #1
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    How could one identify what type of Aluminum a buffer tube is made from?

    Purchased a few Buffer Tubes which were advertised as being of Mil-Spec sized and constructed of 7075 T-6 aluminum. But when received the tubes were not bagged or had any markings which would identify the manufacturer or material used. Now when I called the retailer the response I received was less then stellar and very uniformed and was told I could return the items if I was not satisfied but there would most likely be a re-stocking fee.

    Now I know retailers never like to give up there parts sources and a lot of times the items they sell are re-bagged for sale under their own brand but one has to wonder what they are actually receiving hoping the retailer is being honest with their product. So the question is how "if any" way is there to identify what tubes I received so to know if I have the real deal or some knock off they shipped out in place of 7075 T-6.

    Thanks!
    Last edited by PA PATRIOT; 11-23-13 at 17:00.
    We are all inclined to judge ourselves by our ideals; others, by their acts.

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    Spectral analysis. Buying from reputable dealers helps avoid this.

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    Measure the density?

    Tape a thermometer to them and see which reacts fastest to temp change?

    http://www.makeitfrom.com/compare-ma...5MgCu-Aluminum

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    A lot of suppliers, especially gun parts/smithing suppliers, buy their parts in bulk from the various manufacturers, and the only packaging they come to you in is generally a ziplock bag, maybe with a Sharpee-written part number scrawled on it somewhere. This is very common, and you'll just need to trust that your chosen supplier is selling legitimate gear. DSGArms sells their parts this way- over the years, I've occasionally compared parts I received from them to other known-origin parts, and have never felt I'd received a bogus advertised part.

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    I once asked BCM what alloy their rifle buffers were made from, and they replied: 7075. After handling, using (and abusing), and comparing theirs to known 6061 buffers, I believe BCM.

    Using trusted retailers who are up front about their products is the best way to go.
    Last edited by Amicus; 11-23-13 at 19:29. Reason: Screw up
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  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by PA PATRIOT View Post
    Purchased a few Buffer Tubes which were advertised as being of Mil-Spec sized and constructed of 7075 T-6 aluminum. But when received the tubes were not bagged or had any markings which would identify the manufacturer or material used. Now when I called the retailer the response I received was less then stellar and very uniformed and was told I could return the items if I was not satisfied but there would most likely be a re-stocking fee.

    Now I know retailers never like to give up there parts sources and a lot of times the items they sell are re-bagged for sale under their own brand but one has to wonder what they are actually receiving hoping the retailer is being honest with their product. So the question is how "if any" way is there to identify what tubes I received so to know if I have the real deal or some knock off they shipped out in place of 7075 T-6.

    Thanks!
    Do they have grey dry film lube inside?
    http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRQ2zEv1ukzyH_aeFG6-amwPk7CUBz7b4URcTQ8lFFl-LOLSDkQ

    "BRD, much like the Wutang clan, is nothing to f@ck with"

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    I recently bought a pair of "premium" 7075 receiver extensions from PSA. They were packaged just as you described as was the BCM 7075 extension I recently purchased. I wondered the same thing: how do I know its 7075? The BCM and the PSA premium receiver extension looked nearly identical right down to the grey dry lube in both tubes. Neither was marked 7075 anywhere.

    I have noticed some differences in how many threads are cut on each vendors extension but I'm of the opinion it probably doesn't matter much one way or another.

    Bottom line, buy from vendors you trust.

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    It's easy to spot, most manufacturers that use 6061 do so because they cut corners, an easy way to tell with receiver extensions is the inside finish, if it's smooth and has dry lube it most likely is 7075, most 6061 are rough as hell and do not have dry lube. They are soft, too. I dented one of mine (Armalite) from handling it on the bench.

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    If I needed another tube, it would be hard to argue with this->

    http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin...ction&key=M4RE

    Genuine Colt part for the price of a pizza.

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    I have compared the tubes in question with two which I believe are true 7075-T6 with the light gray film coating inside, from outside appearance both look identical from the threading, milling for the six position stops and the color. Now on the ones in question the inside coating appears to be the same color as the outside parkerizing were the 7075-T6 are a much lighter gray.

    **Edited**to add,
    The tubes in question with the dark inner coating are much thicker at the tubes opening (The thickness of the aluminum wall) then the true 7075-T6 tubes. This leads me to believe the ones received are not as advertised and will contact the retailer Monday to demand the proper item or a full refund. Now mistakes can happen so I will give them a chance to make it right before I call them out publicly on the forum.
    Last edited by PA PATRIOT; 11-23-13 at 23:19.
    We are all inclined to judge ourselves by our ideals; others, by their acts.

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