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Ar-15 Buffer Tube Spec Question
altheman2:
Ok i am a little confused on this. I have a DPMS lower, I was looking at stock options. There is a Mil-Spec and a Commercial Spec. I have heard it many ways now after a search on the internet. Does it matter which one i get for my lower as long as the stock goes with it?
WarHorse1961:
There definitely is a difference in the buffer tube size, but as long as you get the tube with your buttstock, you should be good to go.
00BUCK:
The lower will take either - the thread size is the same. The tube size is the main difference - just make sure your stock matches your tube. FWIW I like mil-spec better, the threads just seem to fit much better.
bkoenig:
Yep, just make sure the stock matches the tube. Mil-spec is a little beefier I think, but in real life I doubt if any of us would ever abuse a gun to the point where a commercial one would fail.
Brian:
Here's a couple of sites that talk about the differences:
http://www.carolinashootersforum.com/showthread.php?t=97170
Basically the easiest way to determine the difference between the two is the 5 degree sland on the back of commercial tubes as opposed to the straight style of the Mil-spec. I've used both styles in regular shooting and strenuous applications and I've never noticed the difference during use.
If you want good dimensional info (assuming in spec):
Mil-Spec
diameter 1.148"
Commercial
diameter 1.168"
http://www.ar15fornoobs.com/mil-spec-vs-commercial-spec-buffer-tubes
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