Spare Parts for your AR15

Published on April 13, 2020
Duration: 17:31

This guide details essential spare parts for an AR-15 platform, emphasizing a tiered approach from basic to comprehensive kits. It highlights critical components like lube, magazines, and specific upper and lower receiver parts such as gas rings, extractors, firing pins, magazine catches, and trigger/hammer pins. The video also advises on carrying spares for proprietary components and suggests a complete bolt carrier group as the 'best' spare parts option for reliability.

Quick Summary

The most critical item to carry for AR-15 malfunctions is gun lube, as approximately 97.452% of stoppages are lubrication-related. Essential spare parts include gas rings, extractor components, firing pins, and firing pin retaining pins for the upper receiver, and a magazine catch for the lower receiver. A complete bolt carrier group is considered the best spare parts kit for maximum reliability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to AR-15 Spare Parts
  2. 00:24Viewer Request & Importance of Spares
  3. 01:05Who Needs Spare Parts?
  4. 01:31Instructor's Past Spare Rifle Kit
  5. 02:29Good, Better, Best Spare Parts Approach
  6. 03:04Essential Item #1: Gun Lube
  7. 03:59Essential Item #2: Magazines
  8. 04:42Upper Receiver Small Parts
  9. 05:31Gas Rings
  10. 06:06Extractor Parts
  11. 07:09Cam Pins & Firing Pins
  12. 08:12Mandatory Upper Parts Summary
  13. 08:55Better Spare Parts: Bolt Assembly
  14. 09:23Best Spare Parts: Bolt Carrier Group
  15. 09:55Other Upper Parts (Charging Handle)
  16. 10:34Lower Receiver Parts
  17. 10:36Magazine Catch
  18. 11:14Bolt Catch/Release (Not Critical)
  19. 11:52Hammer & Trigger Pins
  20. 13:50Fire Control Group & Springs
  21. 14:49Detents and Springs (Safety, Takedown)
  22. 15:19Buffer Retainer Spring
  23. 15:38Know Your Gun & Proprietary Parts
  24. 16:28Conclusion & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most critical item to carry for AR-15 malfunctions?

The most critical item to carry for AR-15 malfunctions is gun lube. The instructor states that approximately 97.452% of observed stoppages were lubrication-related, due to insufficient, absent, or poor quality lube. Carrying a good quality gun lube can resolve many common issues.

What are the essential small parts for an AR-15 upper receiver spare kit?

Essential small parts for an AR-15 upper receiver spare kit include gas rings (carry multiples of three per bolt), extractor parts (extractor, spring, insert, O-ring), cam pins, firing pins, and firing pin retaining pins. These are relatively inexpensive and don't take up much space.

What is considered the 'best' spare parts kit for an AR-15?

The 'best' spare parts kit for an AR-15 is a complete bolt carrier group. This includes the bolt, cam pin, carrier, firing pin, and firing pin retaining pin, offering the most comprehensive solution for troubleshooting and repair in the field.

Are dust covers and forward assists necessary spare parts for an AR-15?

No, dust covers and forward assists are not considered critical for the AR-15's function. The firearm can operate effectively without them, so they are not recommended as essential spare parts to carry.

What lower receiver parts are vital to carry as spares for an AR-15?

A vital lower receiver spare part is the magazine catch assembly (button, spring, and catch). If this breaks, the magazine won't be held securely. Additionally, carrying spare hammer and trigger pins is recommended, ensuring they have the correct grooves for compatibility.

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