AR 15 Spare Parts You Would Carry

[HWS]

I am putting together a list and then a collection of spare parts for my AR 15. By this I mean parts which are most prone to failure. So far I have gas rings for sure. Trigger springs but I have a drop in trigger so this is not on my personal list. Firing pin retainer pin (cotter pin). Cam pin. This is one replacement item which is interesting because it takes so much abuse you would think it would fail more often, although mine never has. Firing pin--everyone says you need a spare. Extractor spring--donut?

What else have I missed? What has failed in your case?

[UWone77]

Spare LPK's... not because everything wears out, but things can get lost.

A collection or replacement springs is always a good thing. Depression/Compression will wear those out eventually. Not just LPK springs, but buffer springs as well.

I used to say a spare bolt, but when I see PSA selling complete BCG's for less than a spare bolt, I'll just say BCG.

Firing Pins

[alamo5000]

In a perfect world all moving parts and springs.

If not the whole BCG just a couple of bolts.

If it came down to SHTF I can canibalize parts from other ARs.

Really the question can vary depending on intent and personal situation.

If say you have to drive an hour to get to a gun range you need to take stuff including tools so one loose screw or a broken extractor won't mess up your entire day.

If you are talking about long term preparations to me that's just another reason to have more than one AR and spate maintenance parts for each.

[alamo5000]

For a range bag I would mention not just parts but tools. Particularly wrenches that fit your optic mount and gas block.

A spare BCG and small things like springs or gas rings wouldn't hurt.

Depends on the situation. Having a whole day screwed because your gas block came loose or the optic mount is loose sucks.

[UWone77]

Having a whole day screwed because your gas block came loose or the optic mount is loose sucks.

Literally never had an issue with either of these.

Then again pinned gas blocks and Bobro Mounts minimize them. [:)]

[alamo5000]

Literally never had an issue with either of these.

Then again pinned gas blocks and Bobro Mounts minimize them. [:)]

When done right it's not a problem but I've had both happen during my first build. Ever since I learned my lesson but even then I still carry a small very specific tool set just in case. That is of course when I go away from my house, even 15 minutes away to go shoot.

Better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

[UWone77]

When done right it's not a problem but I've had both happen during my first build. Ever since I learned my lesson but even then I still carry a small very specific tool set just in case. That is of course when I go away from my house, even 15 minutes away to go shoot.

Better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

Eh, no one will ever convince me not to have a pinned Gas Block.

[Jerry R]

Eh, no one will ever convince me not to have a pinned Gas Block.

That's why, when I do a build with a Rainier barrel, I have their gunsmith mount the barrel nut of choice and pin the gas block.

[alamo5000]

Eh, no one will ever convince me not to have a pinned Gas Block.

Mine are not pinned but I do own a dimple jig from SLR. Dimple and loctite has worked for me. That said if I can get around to pinning my blocks on my own without destroying things and I will do so. Eliminate as many variables as possible.

[Stone]

https://brdengineering.com/ I pin and dimple everything, the peace of mind is worth it.

OP- In all my rifles grip I keep an extractor kit, gas rings, firing pin, firing pin retaining pin, cam pin, extractor axle pin and a spare bolt.

[BoilerUp]

https://brdengineering.com/ I pin and dimple everything, the peace of mind is worth it.

OP- In all my rifles grip I keep an extractor kit, gas rings, firing pin, firing pin retaining pin, cam pin, extractor axle pin and a spare bolt.

That's a good idea and list. I may copy that.

[HWS]

https://brdengineering.com/ I pin and dimple everything, the peace of mind is worth it.

OP- In all my rifles grip I keep an extractor kit, gas rings, firing pin, firing pin retaining pin, cam pin, extractor axle pin and a spare bolt.

This is kinda my idea minus the extractor axle pin and spare bolt but what about the springs people have mentioned? My buffer spring is not going to outright fail on me all of a sudden, is it? All those little springs sound like a great idea if I have to disassemble something---you know how those little devils get away from you.

[Former11B]

I had to replace an extractor spring at the range a few weeks back. Without it, I would’ve been firing single shot and damaging brass beyond repair had I not packed up and left.

[mustangfreek]

I too keep small upper parts, Allen keys etc in my grips.

[HWS]

I too keep small upper parts, Allen keys etc in my grips.

And that is an issue too, Allen keys. I am sure everyone has a huge collection at home but does anyone else carry them in their bag?