What's Involved in Replacing an AR Buttstock?

[Kestrel]

I have a "ban" Colt MT6400C, with the fixed "collapsible" looking stock. I want to replace it with something like a SOPMOD, or even just a fixed Colt A2 buttstock.

Do I need to also replace the spring and buffer inside? What about the receiver threaded rings? I know I'll need a staking tool.

Are there any gotchas to be careful about? Are there any links to instructions that are good?

Thanks!

 

[RooK]

You don't need to stake, but it's a good idea. Any punch will suffice.

To remove the stock, just slip the upper off the lower. Push down the buffer detent and remove the buffer and the spring. Loosen the castle nut and slide the piece that fits into the receiver to prevent the stock from turning back as well. Then, keep your thumb on the buffer detent and unscrew the stock from the lower. The buffer detent can be removed once the stock moves back far enough.

At that point, you can just install in the reverse for most collapsible stocks. Reuse the buffer and spring unless you switch to a rifle length buffer tube.

 

[Kestrel]

Rook,

Thanks. A question, though. It's currently staked pretty good from the factory, so appears I'll need a spanner wrench of some sort?

I'm also guessing I'll need to apply some blue loctite when mounting the new stock.

Is it a good idea to use an AR receiver block insert in a vise, to keep from torqueing/warping the receiver?

Thanks

 

[Bullet]

You might look here -

http://www.rbprecision.com/rb_precision_ar15_performance_tips_.htm


.

 

[45B@cav]

Get a spanner wrench. It can be done with a brass drift pin and a hammer but you run the risk of marring the finish. NO loctite if you want to stake it the material is soft if you take a punch and grind it to a point it is plenty hard enough to stake it. I know the factory stake is square if you want to be a Melvin about it grind it square. As far as the receiver block goes, I don't and have never torqued the receiver extension tube. Hand tight and use the spanner wrench to numb it up. then stake it. If you want put it in a vise for that I guess it's ok but I just hold the receiver with one hand and the spanner with the other.

 

[Kestrel]

Bullet and 45B - thanks for the good info. Bullet, that's a good link.

Thanks.