AR buffer and stock questions

[blackwolfe]

I have a Rock River Arms AR with a fixed stock.  I was thinking of putting a tlescoping stock on it which I understand is not difficult, but I am a little confused and have a few questions.  Apparently there are two different diameter receiver extention buffer tubes.  There is a milspec sized tube and a commercial sized tube. 
1. Does anyone know if RRA uses milspec or commercial tubes?
2. Are the thread dimentions the same between the two tubes?
3. Do I need a different extension tube, buffer, and buffer spring?
4. Anything else?  I know I need a stock wrench.
Thank you.

[Big Frank]

When you get a telescoping stock it normally comes as a kit with the short buffer and everything you need.

[jimbob_texas]

Ooooh!  I know most of the answers...

I just went through this one myself.  First off, I don't know what diameter RRA uses, but I'd guess commercial.  2) Yes.  3) No.  4) make sure your stock is the same diameter as the buffer tube.  Milspec diameter is 1.14, commercial is 1.16.  A commercial stock will fit on a milspec tube, but it will be loose.  It doesn't work the other way around. Also, there are numerous buffer tubes on the market, with varying numbers of holes (usually 4-6) for the stock positions.  There are also buffer tubes (usually milspec) that have an angled end on them. 

A castle nut wrench is handy, but I've done it by being creative, too.   

Be aware of all the springs that lurk in an AR stock, my friend.  Once you've loosened the castle nut, (after you've removed the buffer spring and buffer, of course), and you begin to unscrew the buffer tube/stock, watch for the spring that's under the buffer tube stop pin - keep pressure on that pin as you unscrew the stock, or it's a missile. Also, on the lower right side of the rifle's lower, where the stock meets the lower, there's a spring and a pin inside there.  This presses against the rear takedown pin, and is very, very important.  And small.  And springy.  And hard to find clear across the room.   

Good luck!
jr

[Big Frank]

That's a good point - it's hard to find the little fiddly bits after they fly across the room. It's a good idea to strip the lower before changing the buffer tube.

[tombogan03884]

Some one suggested working with the lower inside a trash bag to contain the parts that get away.

[Sponsor]

[blackwolfe]

Thanks for the help.  Stopped at an out of town gun store to pick up a new Mini 14 GB.  It's the new one with the 16 inch barrel and flash hider.  It's blue with black synthetic stock.  Sweet looking rifle.  I have had other Minis, but I fell in love with this one.  Some time when I find the didital camera figure out how to use it I'll post some pictures. 

Any way, while there I found out that Rock River uses the commercial sized tube. Picked up a DPMS telestock, but haven't had the time to install yet.  I'm glad this place is about 90 minute drive away, because I can't afford to stop there often.  While ther I let myself be talked into putting a S&W M&P lower on layaway.  I still need to get some books, tools, and instructional information on working on AR rifles.  I think I have been bitten buy a Black Rifle Bug.   

[Pathfinder]

Thanks for the help.  Stopped at an out of town gun store to pick up a new Mini 14 GB.  It's the new one with the 16 inch barrel and flash hider.  It's blue with black synthetic stock.  Sweet looking rifle.  I have had other Minis, but I fell in love with this one.  Some time when I find the didital camera figure out how to use it I'll post some pictures. 

Any way, while there I found out that Rock River uses the commercial sized tube. Picked up a DPMS telestock, but haven't had the time to install yet.  I'm glad this place is about 90 minute drive away, because I can't afford to stop there often.  While ther I let myself be talked into putting a S&W M&P lower on layaway.  I still need to get some books, tools, and instructional information on working on AR rifles.  I think I have been bitten buy a Black Rifle Bug.   

Welcome to the club, Blackwolfe.  I'm debating between the DSA Molon Labe lower, and the Spikes Tactical with the spider and red bullets, or maybe Spike's with the word "Infidel" etched into the receiver. Of course, I should finish building up the DPMS lower for the Stag 6.8 upper I got. It was supposed to be a winter project, but winter is flying by and I haven't done anything except put the VLTOR stock on it.

[Malvolio2]

Just as a point of clarification, while RRA rifles that come from the factory with a telestock installed do in fact have commercial diameter buffer tubes, there should be no reason you couldn't install a mil-spec stock if you wanted--especially since you'll have to change the buffer tube anyway. My apologies if I got the wrong impression, but it seemed to me from your last post that you had only purchased the collapsible stock itself and not the buffer tube to go with it--if so, you'll also need a commercial diameter carbine buffer tube. As previously stated, a commercial stock on a mil-spec tube will work, but is not desirable--especially if you have long hair or a beard, if you get my drift.