Recently I've been considering collecting a few of those spare parts that seem to be the more common ones that break for my C&R's. Things like firing pins, firing pin strikers, firing pin springs, ejectors and the like. My thought is that while readily available today, who knows say 30 years down the road. From what I've found on the ones I own I'm talking a whopping $20-$30 for each rifle. You folks thing I'm going a little overboard or does this sound like a decent idea? Also, not being a smith, are there other parts that you think I should add to my list? I'd like to start with my '03 Springfirld, T38 Arisaka and VZ24. Also maybe a Winchester Model '97, '06 and 42.
I would probably pick up spare parts for the old guns I collect. At least some springs and firing pins, possibly extractors - the sort of things that break or get lost more than others. But I don't go out of my way at the moment. There are several specialists who seem to have a stockpile.
It never hurts to have a few extra parts . What I have done in the past is try to buy a "beater" to match one of my firearms that I am always using. For example, some of my hunting rifles are based on the M98. I do keep a junker/buba rifle that I picked up for dirt cheap just in case I brake a extractor or something. In time if you need a replacement part , then you will have one on hand and it can save you a lot of money.
I have some for my Llama 9 mm (love shooting this gun!)but not the part I need..cant find it so will eventually have to find a smith to make one from picture, diagram and pistol. I still look for spare parts hoping I can find the part I need. Its better to have a part to use as a pattern to have new ones made than "scratch made" be sure if you have to have one made to have 2-3 made at same time for spares!
30 years down the road. Like many here, I've already spent that and am at that road marker a couple of times over and a few more to boot. The only spare parts I need are parts that have titanium in them.
I have a spare trigger spring assembly for an old H&R 22 revolver I own.That's about all that really ever goes wrong with them.And some spare grips for another.Your right some parts might be hard to get sometime in the future.
I think most folks would be surprised how easy it is to break a part like an extractor, extractor sping or loose an extractor plunger in a semi-auto pistol or rifle. Spare parts like those, and also firing pins, sears and mainsprings are really handy to keep in the 'parts bin'. I've learned to NEVER throw parts away - even broken ones. They may come in handy if I need a machinist to make something that may no longer be available.
I've learned to NEVER throw parts away - even broken ones. They may come in handy if I need a machinist to make something that may no longer be available.
By the time I retired in '93 my parts box must've weighed ten or fifteen pounds, and that was my second parts box - first one was a goner when our house burned back in '84.
I hoard spare parts. Any time a customer cleans out their garage and brings in spare parts I buy them with my personal money (not for shop) and put them in a cigar box. So far I've collected a few WWII rifle sights, sling mounts and swivels, misc stock bolts, springs, mounts and other stuff. You'd be surprised how often I rotate parts out of that box when a regular customer has a missing or broken part and I just happen to have it at home.
I sell parts on ebay but I hang on to some of the best ones. Parts for these old guns are getting very difficult to find. I had to buy a complete Winchester 03 22 rifle just to get the extractor. I once bought a complete lettered Colt 1878 US pistol for the parts to complete a better one. I actually have a sight collection. Try finding an old original Winchester sight.
Once went absolutely bonkers trying to track down an original rear sight for a Winchester 04a .22 single shot, and finally nailed one on Ebay. No, it weren't cheap.
I though about selling some of my extra firing pins for the pistols I enjoy shooting. But after I had to replace two firing pins I decided to keep what I have.
I tend to research my acquisitions to the point of absurdity.
When I discovered that CZ-52 firing pins were notoriously brittle, I immediately had to scour the web to acquire some new production pins.
I couldn't sleep until they arrived.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Firearms Forum
2.2M posts
71K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to all firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!