First build - Ran into some problems...

[PBCRM88]

So I just finished my build earlier today and I wanted to go back and double check every, make sure everything is lubed up fine before i go out shooting. As I was taking my upper off something came flying out into the trigger compartment. I look and it was the buffer retainer spring with the retainer. The spring completely bent and it isn't fixable. Gotta get a new one... PITA. I was wondering if I did something wrong or does this happen often? I also tried to do some research and I've read some people say when you take off the upper you might want to be cautious and hold onto the buffer(I didn't do that). Was that the problem? Also when i was screwing in the buffer tube I didn't screw it in all the way up to the retainer, could this have caused the problem as well? Last question, where can I get a new buffer retainer spring quick? I am in the bay area. Thanks in advance for the help!

[19K]

You didn't screw the buffer all the way to hold the retainer? Here's what happened it came out a little bit. You pulled the charging handle and it pulled the retainer and spring bending the hell out of it.

You not screwing it all the way to the retainer messed it up.

[PBCRM88]

ok yeah that makes sense!! I just did some more research and someone said you can use a ball point pen spring as the buffer retainer spring. Obviously I'm not gonna keep it in there forever just temporary. Tried it and it works, Can I shoot a couple hundred rounds with the ball point pen spring? I screwed in the buffer tube all the way right next to the retainer this time.

[jkody]

^this

The tube has to cover the lip on the retainer.

[hermosabeach]

To answer another one of your questions, no you do not need to be cautious when opening an unloaded AR.

They are US Mil grunt proof

The platform is solid once you get it assembled correctly.

Lots to learn and building one is a great way to understand the operation.

[PBCRM88]

Is this tight enough or should i do one more turn? Thanks for all the very fast response and help guys! I really appreciate it!

[Mossy Man]

One more rotation.

[gwhiz]

Hard to tell from camera angle but looks like you need to go a bit more.

[Dhena81]

Tighten the buffer tube all the way until it touches the nipple of the retaining pin then back it off until its indexed properly.

[PBCRM88]

Thanks guys for all your help! screwed the buffer tube all the way up so it holds down the retainer now the nipple part! Gonna use the ball point pen spring for now until I can get the buffer retainer spring! hopefully by this weekend!

[mod1217]

Just a quick heads up, the spring from your ball point pen might hold your buffer pin in place but i would be cautious when after the range opening your upper again. The heat from your bolt might render your spring useless and not hold your buffer pin in place after a few rounds, altho it wont affect the rifle while still assembled the moment you pop that upper out you might have your buffer flying out. So a little word of caution and have a great day in the range

[PBCRM88]

Touch the nipple have fun at the range!

Sure will . I'll try and stop by the local gun shop before the range or tomorrow after work. I just don't think a gun shop will carry something so small and specific, so I might be rendered to online purchase and have to wait.

[ar15barrels]

The heat from your bolt might render your spring useless and not hold your buffer pin in place after a few rounds,

LOL.
The bolt carrier does not actually touch the buffer detent.

[SemperFi1775]

the nipple should be able to move up and down freely, otherwise the buffer tube is in too far.

any good ar gun shop should have these parts available. i was at a lgs tonight when someone came in looking for a replacement safety detent pin. he lost it when took the grip off...