mil spec buffer tube

[gb0399]

I recently found out that the buffer tube on my Bushmaster is not mil spec. My LMT butt stock was too narrow to fit over the buffer tube. The question is this
1. Will a mil spec tube fit my lower?
2. Can I reuse the buffer and spring in a mil spec tube?

 

[taliv]

1. yes
2. yes

 

[HOLY DIVER]

while we are on the subject what are the advantages/disadvantages of mill-spec/commercial buffer tubes?

 

[Onmilo]

Better quality of construction on most military specification extension tubes.

 

[taliv]

generally, the mil-spec tube is manufactured differently (forged, I believe, instead of extruded) so the commercial tube has to be much thicker to be sufficiently durable. so the ID is the same but the OD is different. there are other annoying features like the sloped vs flat butt, and 4 vs 6 positions, but that is the main one. oh, and last time i checked mil-spec tubes were in the $40 range while commercial were in the high teens

 

[gotigers]

There are some milspec diameter tubes out there under $20, but they are not milspec metalurgy. The DSA buffer tube is milspec diameter, but it is made out of a cheaper material. It will work fine for most uses. Primary Arms sells it. Daniel Defense, Vltor and Bravo all make true milspec buffer tubes.

There are more stock options for milspec size tubes.

 

[Steve in PA]

You will never know the difference between mil-spec or civilian versions of the buffer tubes, unless you are trying to install a different stock.

My Bushmaster has the civilain buffer tube, but when I replaced the factory 6-position stock with the Magpul CTR, I just bought the one to fit my tube.

 

[TonyAngel]

You may not ever notice the difference between a milspec and a commercial tube unless you get drop your rifle or it takes a good hit and then won't work right because the tube is bent. I consider a strong buffer tube to be a pretty important part of the rifle.

It's as important as the bcg to my way of thinking. In any case, I've also found that you generally get a better tube to stock fit with the milspec parts than you do with commercial spec parts.

Given a choice, I'd go milspec. The only exception to this would be if I was going to go with the ACE buffer tube. Although it is commercial spec, it is strong, it has a quick detach cup and doesn't use a castle nut. It's also laser etched for stock position and you can preset a preferred stock position.