Buffer tube on AR15

[guywithfastcar]

I took my Smith and Wesson Sport to a buddies house today to install a single point sling attachment. One way or another some of the buffer tube treads - that go directly below the receiver plate- got stripped. It seems like it will still work fine, but I'm very anal about my guns and don't like there being anything wrong with them. My question is this: is there such a thing as "upgrading" the recoil buffer tube? Is there a brand that is known for high quality and dependability? Thank you much for your help!

 

[taliv]

not sure what the smith has, so i don't know if it's an upgrade or not, but odds are good the vltor receiver extension would be an upgrade. runs about $40 at bravocompany. is a nice forged mil-spec tube. make sure you get the same size (commercial or milspec) as you have today, otherwise your stock won't fit properly

 

[wriggly]

Smith Sport buffer tube is Mil Spec. If the threads are not stripped where it threads into the receiver or the castle nut, dont worry about it.

 

[jakk280rem]

Like was said, as long as the threads that screw into the lower aren't stripped, it's fine. If you still want to upgrade, take a look at the Vltor A5. you could do alot worse.

 

[MrCleanOK]

If you can post a picture of what's going on, it would help us to definitively tell you if you have a problem or not. It sounds like you don't, and the damage is only cosmetic.

 

[RyeDaddy]

It sounds like the castle nut was loosened and the extension was started unscrewing before backing the end plate off the receiver, I gorilla'd my AR like that and stripped the threads on the tube. I bought a new milspec extension from Bravo Company, no sweat. No real upgrades except the VLTOR A5, which will not work with a standard buffer and spring, it's 0.75" longer than a standard carbine tube. So unless you change to the special spring and rifle buffer you will get peening on the receiver.

 

[WinThePennant]

Why go for the VLTOR A5? The plain ole VLTOR mil-spec tube is excellent.

 

[jakk280rem]

I believe you, I just tend to recommend parts I have used and am familiar with. Also, if I remember correctly, the sport has a 16" barrel and a carbine length gas system. Often these can be over gassed, having such a long dwell time. The A5 has been shown to reduce bolt bounce, decrease wear on the BCG and reduce recoil. The S&W is a quality weapon and the benefits would be arguable. But, he did ask if an upgrade was available.

 

[adelbridge]

I nicked up my threads with a slip of my castle nut wrench. You can chase the threads to clean them up but if it threads with no resistance or cross threading I wouldnt worry about it. Your gun wont be any more functional or accurate with an "upgraded" tube.

 

[guywithfastcar]

thanks for the help men, ill post a picture when i get the camera working but i wont worry about it in the mean time