AR 15 build, missing parts in the lower

[starsnuffer]

This is why you need a cat. Cats will always find that spring.

Building your rifle inside a small white box also helps.

-W

[mike_the_wino]

Yeah, anytime I get a lpk, I immediately check refer to a parts list to make sure everything is there - too many small parts to pack correctly by the manufacturer.

^This. Plus you should have a 'spare parts' kit in your range gear, as others have noted. I use a tackle box to keep all the random bits I need for shooting: screwdrivers, spare cleaning supplies (rags, patches, brushes), AR front sight tool, etc.

[Josh3239]

Don't need it, it is there for convenience. It just captures the buffer system and makes it easier to takedown.

Dang!!
Don't mean to thread jack, but I just finished building my lower, when I then decided to change my adjustable stock for a shorty stock, and wham!!!! There went the buffer detent spring flying out.. Dam!!!
It's gone... forever..

[shooterfpga]

Don't need it, it is there for convenience. It just captures the buffer system and makes it easier to takedown.

i didnt have one for a long time. then i changed stocks so i put one back in.

[2shotjoe]

i hate those takedown springs, always great idea to buy a bag full just in case you don't want to look for the lost ones.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

As the others have noted, you don't need it for the short term. You can go shooting without it. And as the others have noted, you will most likely end up putting together a small bag with extras of many of the small parts that ARs use as you go. Welcome to the world of ARs. I am sure somebody will post a more complete list of critical extra parts, but here is a quick run-down of some of the basics:

Detents. Several, as they are the most likely thing to get lost during any build. I shot one up my nose on my first build. I have launched several others into a low earth orbit, judging from the way they disappeared. You stop losing them as much after your first few builds, but they are good to have.

Detent springs. Simply because they seem to want to follow the detents into hiding.

Disconnector. This one is important to have. Not because they break all that often, but because when they do, you have the potential for the rifle to go full-auto when you pull the trigger. Amusing, but not woth the trip to Club Fed.

Hammer/Trigger Pins. These also don't break often, but when they do, it is hard to fire the gun without them.

Selector spring and detent. These don't normally break. And you don't normally lose them during the build. These like to disappear when you are swapping out pistol grips. Not that people in regular states do this that often, but here in California, you may decide that you want a featureless rifle, and got to swap it out every so often.

Extractor. This one actually does break once in a while. Having an extra extractor or two is usually a good thing. You may also want to get an extra extractor pin and the spring to go with it. If the extractor breaks, if may lose those parts too. Unlikely, but possible. Since they are cheap, you may as well get them.

There are other parts, like the firing pin and other bits on the BCG that are good to have extras for, but somebody else will probably chime in and give you that list. As you order parts from Midway or Brownell's, try to add a buck or two's worth of these little do-dads to your order every time. Within a couple of months, you will probably have everything on the list. Put them all in the same place, and hang on to them. Sooner or later you will be happy you did.

-Mb

[AR22]

I lost one once and I used a flint spring out of a Bic disposable lighter,cannot remember if it was the mini Bic or the large one and I think I had to clip it a little shorter but it worked great..Looked like the same spring as the AR original one.....

[bjl333]

Look in the holes from some of the other parts, like the grip! The LPK usually comes greased up and the thin spring can get stuck inside other parts. Dig around other parts before ordering! Good Luck...

[glockwise2000]

One good lesson is to assemble the LPKs and other parts inside a big white box.

[Heretodaygonetomorrow]

Riflegear in Fountain Valley.

It's right outside the Fry's Fountain Valley parking lot, right off the 405 Frwy.