Buffer tube question.

[Beej]

I picked up some used parts for a great deal and some trades but the owner couldn't remember what buffer tube he had on it, mil spec or commercial. Is there an easy way to tell just by looking at it? Trying to figure it out for buttstocks.

[Devilmonkey89]

An upper doesn't have a buffer tube... But some commerical tubes are slanted on the rear, compared to a milspec which is flat. Both will work fine.

[HighWildFree]

Calipers?

[strongpoint]

The answer you're looking for is here.

[MrSam]

Commercial spec tubes have a slant at the end (closest to where the end of your stock sits) whereas milspec tubes are flat.

[ar15barrels]

Commercial spec tubes have a slant at the end (closest to where the end of your stock sits) whereas milspec tubes are flat.

There are also commercial spec tubes with a flat end.
The only statement that is FULLY correct is to say that slanted back tubes are commercial spec.

[Revhendo]

The answer you're looking for is here.

Dude! That is awesome. How did you do that?

[strongpoint]

Dude! That is awesome. How did you do that?

Well, I started by doing this.