Good Brand for Spare Parts, AR

[HoosierQ]

I am starting to collect a supply of spare parts. Couple of extractors, couple of firing pins, probably a spare bolt. Cotter pins. Spare springs. Stuff that wears out and breaks.

Brownell's has a few kits that are DPMS branded but they don't have everything.

Heading to a big gun show this weekend. Are these parts branded? Are these parts just parts? I suspect not. Certainly not the bolt.

But I value opinions on parts I might need, who might make them (if I need to care) and everyone's thoughts/experiences on this topic. I like to be prepared.

 

[HOOfan_1]

The bolts for sure are branded. Not all bolts are equal for sure, and those are the most likely to break first.

JP Enterprises, Daniel Defense, Bravo Company, Spikes Tactical.

those are a few of the really good bolts. The best are made of Carpenter 158 Steel, MPI tested and shot peened.

9310 steel also seems to be accepted more highly over 8620.

 

[HoosierQ]

The bolts for sure are branded. Not all bolts are equal for sure, and those are the most likely to break first.

JP Enterprises, Daniel Defense, Bravo Company, Spikes Tactical.

those are a few of the really good bolts. The best are made of Carpenter 158 Steel, MPI tested and shot peened.

9310 steel also seems to be accepted more highly over 8620.

Yes I think I will be getting the Daniel Defense bolt. I know that is one part that is much differentiated in the market place. I suspect maybe also firing pins? Or no? I wouldn't think that I'd want so skimp on the extractor either? On the other hand, they are cheap and easy to fix so maybe there brand name doesn't matter so much?

Much of my question my be really this: Other than the bolt (BCG, etc) are there actually any real "brand name" spare parts? Does a brand name actually mean anything on these more miscellaneous parts? Mil Spec? I just don't know the facts here.

Thanks for the bolt recommends. I won't go generic on that!

 

[Jackal]

Brand name is only for our ego's. Any parts made to correct/same spec will perform similarly. The best way to buy spare parts is to buy a second (3rd, 4th) rifle.

 

[zoom6zoom]

Cotter pins? No cotter pins on an AR.

The biggest problem with collecting spare parts is they tend to turn into complete rifles. And then the cycle begins once more.

 

[gotigers]

I would not get any internal lower parts at a gun show that do not come in packaging labeled with a known manufacturer. Also do not get barrel nuts that you do not know the origin. I've had some bad barrel nuts that came from a gun show.

 

[ugaarguy]

Like HOOfan, I prefer carpenter 158 steel for bolts, but Rainier Arms does have shot peened, MPI bolts from 9310 steel on sale for $40. That's nearly half the price ($30 less) of any C158 MPI bolt I can currently find. If I needed a spare bolt I'd probably grab that one from Rainier at the price.

Brand name is only for our ego's. Any parts made to correct/same spec will perform similarly.

Unfortunately many parts aren't even made to the minimum specs. Some brands have a long track record of making substandard parts. Gotta do your homework.

 

[rcmodel]

Cotter pins? No cotter pins on an AR.

That might be a common name for the Cotter Pin (Firing Pin Retaining Pin) that holds the firing pin in the bolt of every AR-15 / M16.

rc

 

[lxd55]

cotter pins? doubt it.
don't know of any rifle that you stick in a pin
and bend the tabs. I think retainer was meant.

 

[HoosierQ]

That might be a common name for the Cotter Pin (Firing Pin Retaining Pin) that holds the firing pin in the bolt of every AR-15 / M16.

rc

Yes. This is the pin to which I refer. The "Firing Pin Retaining Pin".

And thanks also for the advice Ugaarguy. I am headed to a big gun show this weekend where I have seen large parts bins. I will need to be wary.

So thanks to you all, my question is refining itself. Bolts I think I know what to look for...again, thanks to you all. I will be "critical" of the firing pins, retaining pins, and extractors I see offered for sale.