Commercial vs mil-spec buffer. Does it really matter?

[autogateman]

Im about to buy a new stock for my AR and it has a commercial buffer tube. I see all the stocks that Im looking at come in mil spec and commercial. Should I change my tube to mil spec or is the only thing that matters is that I buy the right stock for the tube I have?

Thanks,
Rod

 

[Leadfoot]

 

[autogateman]

Yeah. I got that.
What Im asking is there any advantage to going to mil spec tube and stock?

 

[SpeedRacer]

Depends entirely on the use of the rifle. Commercial may not hold up well under harsh use/mortaring during malfunction clearance/etc. If that's not a concern commercial is fine. If it's a "serious use" weapon I'd spend the few bucks to upgrade the tube to a quality milspec.

 

[autogateman]

Thank you Speed thats what I needed to know.

 

[tallwalker]

Does anyone happen to know the history of how/why there is a commercial dimensioned buffer tube anyway? I've always wondered just why that particular complication.

 

[cableguy]

Does anyone happen to know the history of how/why there is a commercial dimensioned buffer tube anyway? I've always wondered just why that particular complication.

One less process in the manufacturing process of a commercial. Hence commercial=higher profits.

 

[SpeedRacer]

Does anyone happen to know the history of how/why there is a commercial dimensioned buffer tube anyway? I've always wondered just why that particular complication.

Cheaper to produce. Milspec tubes are impact extruded (alot like forging) as opposed to standard extrusion, require more machining and are made of better materials.

Milspec tubes have rolled threads (stronger) that protrude higher than the tube. Commercial threads are simply cut into the tube, which is why the tube itself has a larger diameter.

 

[PonchatoulaJay]

Mil-spec tubes are 7075 T6 and commercial tubes are generally 6061 aluminium with welded end caps.

 

[tallwalker]

Thanks guys.