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Thread: Mil-Spec vs. Commercial AR buffer tubes

  1. #1
    Senior Member Mark Ducati's Avatar

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    Mil-Spec vs. Commercial AR buffer tubes

    FYI, you cannot visually look at the tubes and tell the difference!!! I thought I could... traditionally, the Mil-Spec buffer tube is 1.15" in diameter and the commercial one is 1.17" in diameter... but visually, the Mil-Spec one on the end is square where the commercial one is slanted, easy way to visually tell... OR SO I THOUGHT!

    I picked up an extra tube at a gunshow a long time ago, it was square on the end so I ordered a new milspec stock from MagPul... it doesn't fit, the tube is 1.17" and COMMERCIAL, even with a square end

    So now I have to send it back and get a commercial one!

  2. #2
    ADMIN | LOGIC POLICE RJ Shooter's Avatar

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    Yes, the easiest way to tell is the butt of the tube. A Mil-Spec is straight up vertical. A Commercial tube has a slight angle, the bottom angling toward the rifle...

    That's strange about the commercial square end. Never heard of that happening...
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  3. #3
    Senior Member Partisan1983's Avatar

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    I thought the length was different too


    BTW, why in the hell are there two different versions ???

  4. #4
    Forum Administrator Schuetzenman's Avatar

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    Exclamation

    I knew about the diameter but had never heard a difference at the back. And as you have found out, not always the case. Why the two different types, hell if I have ever seen any justificiaction for it. I would say the commercial should be a tad stronger as it is thicker walled.

  5. #5
    Senior Member vit's Avatar

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    Quote Originally Posted by Partisan1983 View Post
    BTW, why in the hell are there two different versions ???
    I would guess Colt started that shit.

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