Posted by on 3/30/2022 to
A civilian AR-15 can never be fully Mil-Spec. However, there are some parts where Mil-Spec is the most common type of part. This can be good since Mil-Spec is synonymous with quality. and there are some parts where it makes a lot of sense to choose the military specified version. For some things, the Mil-Spec part has shown itself to be so good at what it does, that it is the obvious choice. These parts tend to be easier to find in Mil-Spec. Here at Davidson Defense, we have plenty of Mil-Spec options in stock.
Upper Receivers, there are plenty of Mil-Spec versions of this as low as $34.99. The best reasons not to have a Mil-Spec Upper Receiver are if you don’t want the forward assist, or to save some money by using 6061 aluminum, which is still good quality aluminum. Upper Receivers are one piece with places for moving parts, but no actual moving parts, and besides always having a place for the forward assist, does not vary between military and civilian in shape or size. These make use of 7075 aluminum that measures to the correct Mil-Spec dimensions.
Charging Handles are another item that has a lot of Mil-Spec examples. Once again the type of aluminum used is key, the sturdier 7075. We have these for as low as $11.99, or if you want a flashier higher quality version you can have that as well. Considering their relatively low cost, why wouldn’t you get Mil-Spec Charging Handles?
As we’ve just seen, Mil-Spec doesn’t have to be expensive. Lower Parts Kits are a great example of this. They have everything you need to complete your empty lower receiver. From the hammer, to all the pins, to the trigger and even the pistol grip. This includes a trigger with a pull weight of 5-10 lbs.; the standard for the military. Whether you are new to AR-15s, or a seasoned veteran the Military standard trigger can be great. If you don’t need everything in the full LPK you can find versions that leave some of these parts out for a small discount.
Mil-Spec buffer tubes are high quality and made with 7075 aluminum. They are not compatible with just any upper receiver, though they are with most. You will need a Mil-Spec compatible Upper Receiver as the threading on the Mil-Spec buffer tube is higher and thinner than non-Mil-Spec. When it comes to buffer tubes Mil-Spec is by far more common, and saving a few bucks may not be worth buying something both lower in quality AND less commonly compatible, especially when a few bucks is literally three dollars you might save. Mil-Spec buffer tubes can be found easily at low prices right here.