What spares should you have?

[MikeC]

Other then a complete rifle, disassembled, what spares should the average AR owner have?

[Goderator]

I always try to have at least one spare firing pin with my rifle along with the firing pin retaining cotter pins.

[Sharpshooter]

I always try to have at least one spare firing pin with my rifle along with the firing pin retaining cotter pins.


I agree with the firing pin and it's retaining pin . In addition I like to keep a spare extractor and gas rings for the bolt as well. If you get the extractor for backup make sure you get a USGI or Colt unit as they have been the most reliable for me.Cheap insurance when your on the range that your shooting session does not end early.

[goldenspurholderx2]

Most lost/damaged parts while I was an Armorer? Selector switch detent and spring! Second most, on fixed butt stocks only? Rear take down pin detent and spring. Cause? Soldiers taking their weapon apart past their level and not knowing they were there! They always played stupid and wonder why I got pissed!

[Sharpshooter]

All good suggestions for sure. However a complete kit would be best to cover any scenario

[biotech]

A complete bolt assembly for a quick change instead of trying to replace the extractor or gas rings in field. Firing pin, retaining cotter pin, Hammer , trigger, disconnector, hammer, trigger springs, and disconnector springs. Any other part waits until home for repairs to be made.

[goldenspurholderx2]

Definitely a spare extractor spring.

[Mars]

Having a few spare rifles never hurts!;)

When I go to the range, or to shoot in the forest even, I bring a box that I picked up at Gander. I have a bunch with mags and parts, gear for specific rifles. I have 5 for ARs now.

Anyhow, in the hinged lid are two small compartmentalized boxes that slide out. These have quite a few parts. Spare springs of all kinds, FCGs, bunch of firing pins, etc, etc. The main body of the box will hold about 30 loaded mags even with the pull out that fits in it and that has a spare bayo, some slings, couple of spare BCGs, spare buffer spring, HGs, etc.
I usually bring a few tools(punches, gunsmith screwdriver set, CAR stock wrench, brass hammer)

ADCO has some cool tools FWIW. I really like their polymer punches as they don't mar the finish on the pins.


You could just pick up a spare field repair kit as that is probably the easiest and cheapest way to pick up a good set of spare parts.

When I just go out to hike I don't carry any spares. Maybe I should.

[ilike9s]

I have a spare bolt and carter pin foremost.

Then I also have

detents and springs
A complete LPK
extractor
buffer detent and spring.
charging handle
gas tube



almost everything to build a complete rifle from scratch.:cool:

[MrGoodwreck]

Ya know,

I have never had anything other than a Bushmaster Bolt break. I shoot alot!, I have several of the rifles and along with my service in the military, I never had a problem in the field from the rifle.

So I keep a spare bolt.