Reusing Lower Parts

[DMW1116]

I recently installed a new stock on my first ever AR from about 5 years ago. The new stock makes it clear my buffer tube might be a little out of line/clocked a tiny bit clockwise viewed from the stock side. If I loosen the castle nut and fix the buffer tube, can the castle nut be reused? This will require breaking loose the staking on the end plate. Can the end plate be reused/restaked?

 

[12Bravo20]

Yes you can reuse the castle nut. Yes you will have to break the staking loose and then retake it. Or you can use some thread locker if you wish.

 

[adcoch1]

I often use thread locker in lieu of staking a castle nut for the high likelihood I'll change something up in the future. Just cosmetic really, you can easily reuse a previously staked castle nut.

 

[horsemen61]

If it were me I’d just buy a new castle nut and end plate I’ve found those parts to be reasonable

 

[DMW1116]

I figured the castle but could be reused but the end plate has the staking dimples so thought it would need to be replaced, if nothing else for appearance purposes.

I built this one without many tools. I have another build I want to do from scratch. I’d like an end plate with a QD attachment or something. When I get that and my new build buffer assembly ready, what tools are needed to put them together?

I have a vice, torque wrench up to 150 ft-lbs, and an armorers wrench. I did not torque this one in place other than to tighten it up to the point it stopped working loose and then stake it on top of that.

 

[DMW1116]

So it appears there is a tab on the end plate that indexes the buffer to keep it straight. I may just have a slightly crooked stock. I’ll check later and see. If so it fits the DMR theme of my first rifle. (Discount Marksman Rifle).

 

[12Bravo20]

You can reuse the end plate too. At th most you will have to sand/file the market from staking down. Or if yo don't want to mess with it then buy a new castle nut and end plate. I have reused both plenty of times over the years without issue.

 

[DMW1116]

Well that was easier than I thought. I took off the stock, loosened the castle nut to the limits of the staking, straightened the buffer tube, which was crooked within the limits of the indexing slots, and retightened it. It’s not quite back to where it was, though one of my witness marks is lined up so close only I could tell. However it’s straight and no new parts are needed.

 

[Varminterror]

I usually try to reform the original staking and save as much metal as possible, then simply restake. If it’s a higher end customer build, I pass the $5 for a new end plate into the invoice.