Let’s Dive into Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit
The Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit offers a complete solution for builders seeking the classic A2 rifle stock experience. This kit includes the buffer tube, rifle-length buffer spring, and A2 buffer, all essential components for a fixed rifle stock setup. Guntec USA aims to provide affordable AR-15 parts, and this kit promises a straightforward path to completing your rifle build.
My own AR build started as a budget-friendly project, but I found myself needing a reliable and properly sized buffer tube assembly for the A2 stock I had already acquired. I was looking for something that provided consistent cycling and recoil mitigation, without breaking the bank. Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the tube’s sleek, black finish and the substantial weight of the buffer. The kit felt solid and well-packaged, though closer inspection revealed some potential issues, which I’ll delve into later.
I considered other options from Aero Precision and Brownells, but the Guntec USA kit’s price point was the deciding factor. Its affordability made it an attractive choice for my budget build. My initial excitement was tempered by a touch of skepticism, given the lower price compared to competing kits, but I was eager to see how it would perform.
Real-World Testing: Putting Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit at my local outdoor range on a crisp fall afternoon. It was installed on my 20″ AR-15 rifle, chambered in 5.56 NATO, along with the A2 stock I had previoulsy purchased. I focused on evaluating its cycling reliability and felt recoil across 100 rounds of both brass and steel-cased ammunition. The buffer spring felt slightly stiffer than some of my other rifles, but the initial installation was straightforward.
During the first few magazines, I noticed consistent cycling with the brass ammo, but steel-cased rounds occasionally exhibited slight hesitation. This was surprising, considering the rifle’s proven performance with other buffer systems. After approximately 60 rounds, I experienced a failure to extract with the steel-cased ammo, which was a concern.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and a total of approximately 500 rounds, the Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit continued to function, though with some caveats. The cycling issues persisted intermittently with cheaper ammunition. There weren’t any catastophic failures, but the inconsistent performance was worrying.
The black finish on the buffer tube showed some signs of wear near the castle nut after repeated stock installations and removals. The spring coating issue I initially noticed continued to worsen, further exposing the metal beneath. While cleaning was easy, the spring’s coating degradation raised concerns about long-term corrosion resistance. Compared to higher-end buffer systems I’ve used, the Guntec USA kit felt noticeably less refined and reliable.
Breaking Down the Features of Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit
Specifications
The Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit comprises three essential components. It includes a T6 6061 aluminum A2 buffer tube, a rifle-length buffer spring, and an A2 buffer. The tube is finished in black, and the kit is specifically designed for AR-15 rifle builds.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring proper function of an A2 fixed stock. The correct buffer weight and spring rate are important for reliable cycling. Using improper components can lead to short-stroking, failures to feed, and excessive recoil.
Performance & Functionality
The Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit generally fulfills its primary function: providing a buffer system for an AR-15 with an A2 stock. However, the intermittent cycling issues I experienced, particularly with steel-cased ammo, indicate a potential weakness. The buffer and spring are intended to work in concert to manage the rifle’s recoil impulse. While the kit allows the rifle to fire, its performance can be inconsistent.
The main strength is its affordable price point. The weaknesses lie in the inconsistent performance and potentially questionable spring quality. For a budget build, it might suffice, but for serious use, improvement is needed.
Design & Ergonomics
The buffer tube itself is manufactured from T6 6061 aluminum. This material is fairly standard for AR-15 components, balancing weight and strength. The buffer is a standard A2 weight and size.
The kit installs like any other A2 buffer tube assembly, with no unique design elements affecting ease of use. The black finish provides a clean aesthetic. The overall design is functional, but not exceptional.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum buffer tube should offer adequate durability for most users. The spring’s coating is concerning, as its peeling suggests reduced corrosion resistance and lifespan. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The long-term durability of the spring is the biggest question mark.
Accessories and Customization Options
This kit doesn’t include accessories beyond the buffer tube, buffer, and spring. It’s designed to be used with any standard A2 stock. No specific customization options exist directly for the kit itself.
The kit is compatible with any standard A2 stock and associated hardware (receiver extension nut/lock ring, and screw). This allows for a range of customization within the A2 platform. However, there are no Guntec USA specific upgrades for this particular kit.
Pros and Cons of Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Complete kit with all necessary components for A2 stock installation.
- Straightforward installation.
- Acceptable performance with brass-cased ammunition.
- Lightweight aluminum buffer tube.
Cons
- Inconsistent cycling, especially with steel-cased ammunition.
- Questionable quality of the buffer spring coating.
- Potential long-term durability concerns with the spring.
Who Should Buy Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit?
The Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit is perfect for budget-conscious builders and hobbyists assembling a range toy or a basic AR-15. It may also suit those who rarely shoot and prioritize affordability over top-tier reliability. This kit is suitable for builds intended for casual range use with brass-cased ammunition.
Competitive shooters or those relying on their AR-15 for self-defense should skip this product. Anyone who consistently uses steel-cased ammunition, or those seeking maximum reliability should look elsewhere. I would advise you to invest in a higher-quality kit from a more reputable manufacturer.
A must-have modification, if you still chose to purchase this kit, would be replacing the buffer spring with a higher-quality alternative from a known brand like Sprinco or Damage Industries. This could potentially alleviate some of the cycling issues.
Conclusion on Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit
The Guntec USA AR-15 A2 Rifle Stock Tube Kit offers an inexpensive way to complete an AR-15 build with a fixed A2 stock. The price is attractive, but the inconsistent cycling performance and questionable spring quality raise concerns. For a budget build where perfect reliability isn’t critical, it might suffice.
The value proposition is debatable. While the price is low, the potential for cycling issues and the likely need to replace the spring detract from the overall value. I would only recommend this kit with reservations. If utmost reliability is a priority, consider spending more on a higher-quality kit from a reputable manufacturer. Buyer beware.