AR buffer tube question, mil-spec

zenheretic

zenheretic

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Oct 29, 2005
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Does anyone know if a milspec sized buffer tube will fit the threads of a civilian AR? If so, where to buy one?

I have a tan Magpul collapsible stock but it is for a milspec buffer tube. I didn't notice when I bought it and I can't take it back to the seller. :grumpy:

If you don't know, the milspec tube is a different diameter so my hopes are slim. :mad:
 
zenheretic said:
Does anyone know if a milspec sized buffer tube will fit the threads of a civilian AR?
Click to expand...

Yes!

Civilian buffer tubes thread a standard sized tube instead of using a slightly more expensive method to thread per mil-spec. Your cheapest solution may be to sell what you have at a slightly reduced price instead of upgrading things to Mil-Spec.
 
Sid Post said:
Yes!

Civilian buffer tubes thread a standard sized tube instead of using a slightly more expensive method to thread per mil-spec. Your cheapest solution may be to sell what you have at a slightly reduced price instead of upgrading things to Mil-Spec.
Click to expand...

Just to clarify your answer. If I bought a milspec buffer tube (I assume I would need a miil spec piston and spring as well?) then it will fit on my civilian (DPMS lower)?

However this would be more expensive to buy all that than to just sell my MilSpec sized Magpul and get a civie spec Magpul stock?

Is that what you are saying?

BTW thanks for answering. :)
 
It's my understanding that either tube will fit into a lower, it's just that certain companies ship one or the other as standard if you buy a complete rifle from them.

http://www.ar15pro.net/2008/09/milspec-buffer-tubes-vs-commercial.html

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Mils...-Buffer-Tube-p/milspec receiver extention.htm

I don't think the spring and buffer are different... but I could be off base there. I haven't seen buffers and springs though specifically advertised as being for "commercial" or "mil-spec" tubes.
 
ThinkOfTheChildren said:
I don't think the spring and buffer are different... but I could be off base there. I haven't seen buffers and springs though specifically advertised as being for "commercial" or "mil-spec" tubes.
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I hadn't seen them either, but then again I didn't realize the tube had two sizes before about a week ago. :grumpy:

:p
 
I would just go ahead and get a Mil-spec buffer tube. It will allow you to use alot of other stocks in the future if you decide to go that way. The difference in them is how they are made. It results in the civillian model to be just a little larger in outside diameter (cheaper to make some way) the thread size, length, etc are the same. The buffers and springs are the same as well. It will fit your rifle just fine. You should be able to pick up a milspec tube for $30-50.
 
Thanks everyone. It seems the civvie ones skip a step of milling so are "fatter" from the reading provided above.

I'll see what I can do.
 
If you write off the shipping and cut the price you paid for the stock by $10, you could save the expensive and trouble converting to a mil-spec buffer tube. If you are going to swap stocks a lot, either tube will work. If your castle nut is staked, you'll need to buy one of those as well.
 
Sid Post said:
If you write off the shipping and cut the price you paid for the stock by $10, you could save the expensive and trouble converting to a mil-spec buffer tube. If you are going to swap stocks a lot, either tube will work. If your castle nut is staked, you'll need to buy one of those as well.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the advice.

The way I see it, I'll have to order a "civie" one and pay for it and shipping. Then sell the mil spec to someone...if I have any takers, and loose shipping and dollor loss on it. Considering I have to order some other parts anyhow, throwing a mil-spec tube in is no biggie.

Appreciate all the advice you have given me.
 
Sid Post said:
If your castle nut is staked, you'll need to buy one of those as well.
Click to expand...
FWIW, I removed a factory-staked castle nut from an LMT lower last night because I wanted to replace the regular receiver end plate with one that included a sling loop. It was pretty well staked in two places, but with a little elbow grease I was able to remove it without damage and then re-install it.

I'm not sure why you'd need to buy a new one unless someone staked the thing on there so hard that you had to dremel it off.
 
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