Is an AR-15 buttstock spacer really required?

[Bogart]

Hi,

I have an A2 buttstock on my AR and the kit didn't come with an A2 buttstock spacer. I've put 150 rounds through the gun without it, am I running the risk of damaging the gas tube, or some other problem developing?

[dieselpower]

Are you sure there is no spacer? Sometimes the spacer is stuck to the tube..or could you have a A1 stock...

[CHS]

If it's truly an A2 stock and the spacer is truly missing, then yes, you risk the problem of ruining the buttstock of the rifle. With nothing to support the buttplate at that location, the screw can be pulled through during stress.

Likely? Not too likely. But possible.

A new spacer is cheap insurance that's actually a good idea.

[Bogart]

Yeah...it's definietly missing. I added a stock extension and that came with a spacer, and when I put it in it was sliding around. So I took that one out. I'll buy another spacer so I can have two in there and with the extension it should be secure.

Thanks for the info.

[gemini1]

WTF?! You have an A2 and still added a stock extension? you must have quite a long arm?