Alternate buffer tube question

[ghosttwofive]

Thank you. Having to rethink if I'm going to do this myself or take it to the guys at the gun store. This is, by far, my favorite rifle, it's had a ton of rounds thru it and it's a great quality rifle so I don't want to jeopardize any part of it. Ever since I originally bought it brand new back in 2015, I've slowly customized it, some things myself, others I've had pros do the work so I don't do any major damage to it. I think the buffer tube is about the last thing I need to switch out and I'll be done. It's going to be left to my son eventually who loves shooting it about as much as I do...lol

[ghosttwofive]

Thanks again for the info on the Colt buffer tube. I went ahead and ordered that one today, I'd like to keep the replacement tube as close to the specs of the stock one as possible and that one looks like a total match except for being a six position tube. Most likely going to have it installed as I don't trust myself to be able to stake it properly without breaking something, but again, thanks for the info on that part.

[Duffy]

Definitely torque to spec (38 to 40ft/lb) and stake it in two places. We're working on our castle nut staking punch to go with our castle nut and end plate. Till then, I put this on our site last year: https://www.forwardcontrolsdesign.co...t_ep_64-1.html

[1168]

Thanks again for the info on the Colt buffer tube. I went ahead and ordered that one today, I'd like to keep the replacement tube as close to the specs of the stock one as possible and that one looks like a total match except for being a six position tube. Most likely going to have it installed as I don't trust myself to be able to stake it properly without breaking something, but again, thanks for the info on that part.

I would recommend learning to do it yourself. Based on my experience with local gunsmiths in at least 4 states, there’s a 90% chance they will do it incorrectly. Its not hard to do correctly. BTW, a starter punch makes it easier, and you’ll find yourself using it for other stuff if you become your own gunsmith.

[ghosttwofive]

I appreciate the info, I just don't know. I have crappy luck when it comes to DIY, always have. I just hate to do a first time install like that on my favorite rifle and risk jamming it up or messing up the staking part. I guy I take it to I trust, he's been working on rifles for many years and seems to know my Colt rifle pretty well, he's done some mods for me, but I do agree, I'd like to do this kind of thing myself.

[Diamondback]

I appreciate the info, I just don't know. I have crappy luck when it comes to DIY, always have. I just hate to do a first time install like that on my favorite rifle and risk jamming it up or messing up the staking part. I guy I take it to I trust, he's been working on rifles for many years and seems to know my Colt rifle pretty well, he's done some mods for me, but I do agree, I'd like to do this kind of thing myself.

The other option is what I do since I don't have access to a vise here in the studio: I pre-screw it and torque it as far as I can, then I have my neighborhood pro check torque and "finish torque" it in as needed.

Another suggestion, get a cheap crappy plastic 80% to use for practice, that way you don't bugger your good rifle on your first try. Consider that I'm so clumsy I got smacked in the head with a freakin' submarine once... and I'm not talking about a sandwich.