PSA: Check your Chinese made buffer tubes for an out of spec condition

[baglock1]

It's not a huge deal but if you get a Hecho en China buffer tube, you may want to check the diameter before installing. I just ordered a pair a buffer tubes (seller didn't indicate they were foreign made; I would have passed at that time) and found them to be out of spec. Mil-spec diameter is 1.148". These measured at 1.158". I'm assuming their "parkerizing" process (I use that term loosely) is going on too thick.

So for a mil-spec stock they have to be forced on (can still be done, but adjusting length is an ordeal) and they'll rattle excessively with a commercial stock.

I sent the supplier an email requesting a return. I don't expect any problems but we'll see.

I figured I'd throw that out there since there's a lot of people out there building ARs right now who've never done it before. Additionally, with supplies being what they are, there's probably a flood of the Chinese units out there.

For those who might be doing their first build, the stock should easily slide on with minimal play or rattling, assuming both the stock and tube are the same style (i.e. mil-spec vs commercial spec).

[dwalker460]

what makes you think it was made overseas?

[HoneyBadger]

Lol at first I thought this was another thread griping about Palmetto State Armory... Not a Public Service Announcement.

[TAR31]

Lol at first I thought this was another thread griping about Palmetto State Armory... Not a Public Service Announcement.

Probably is a PSA about PSA, i just recieved a lower build kit from them and the MOE stock is TIGHT.

[baglock1]

what makes you think it was made overseas?

The bag it came in had a "Made in China" sticker on it.

[CareyH]

Probably is a PSA about PSA, i just recieved a lower build kit from them and the MOE stock is TIGHT.

Yeah the one I got is pretty tight too.

[dwalker460]

and where did you get this? I havent seen any Chinese AR parts around, except for the airsoft stuff. I have had several issues with buffer tubes though, from a variety of sources, does not seem to be much consistency in the manufacturing.

[Fentonite]

Probably is a PSA about PSA, i just recieved a lower build kit from them and the MOE stock is TIGHT.

Yeah, I built one for a buddy with a PSA kit. The Magpul stock was super tight. I just got a couple tubes from DSG Arms, and the stock slides just like it should.

[TS12000]

Got one from PSA too, slapped some grease on it and manipulated a bunch which helped but it'll have to go me thinks

[Fentonite]

So,... Does anybody want a really good deal on a "tactically snug" buffer tube?

[colo-pr]

Funny, If say: "Made in China" is not rare but if say "Hecho en China" this is maybe a "Mexican-Chinese" invent because "Hecho" is in Spanish lol

[baglock1]

and where did you get this? I havent seen any Chinese AR parts around, except for the airsoft stuff. I have had several issues with buffer tubes though, from a variety of sources, does not seem to be much consistency in the manufacturing.

Some random dealer through Amazon. I needed one quickly and all my normal "go-to" places were out of stock. Caveat Emptor I suppose. As far as a specific name, I'm going to hold off until they respond to my request for return. I'm not going to name them just so the intraweb can crucify them before they've even had a chance to make it right. I'll post the dealer name at the same time as their response. Regardless, it's just one of the dozens of suppliers that pop up when you search Amazon.


Funny, If say: "Made in China" is not rare but if say "Hecho en China" this is maybe a "Mexican-Chinese" invent because "Hecho" is in Spanish lol

It says "Made in China." Hecho en China is just a term I use to signify cheap crap made overseas. I picked it up in a border town in AZ (born and raised). I've been using it for so long, I sometimes forget it isn't widespread. Mea culpa.

[TAR31]

Yeah, I built one for a buddy with a PSA kit. The Magpul stock was super tight. I just got a couple tubes from DSG Arms, and the stock slides just like it should.

Built 2 other lowers with their lower build kits a few months ago and they are normal, the one I got last week is just super tight.

[baglock1]

I just wanted to follow up on this one. The dealer made it right and refunded my money. I'm out $3 for return shipping but that's the cost of doing business online. The seller was Battery and Light Junction. They handled everything just as I would have hoped. There was really no communication due to working through Amazon, but the refund was swift. Obviously, the preferred outcome would have been to receive parts that were in spec, but screw-ups happen. That was the fault of the manufacturer, not the dealer. All in all, I was satisfied.

Of course, I still don't have a buffer tube... :(

[jerrymrc]

It says "Made in China." Hecho en China is just a term I use to signify cheap crap made overseas. I picked it up in a border town in AZ (born and raised). I've been using it for so long, I sometimes forget it isn't widespread. Mea culpa.

Your not the only one. [Coffee]