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Old 07-09-2013, 01:50 PM
sithlord sithlord is offline
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Default Buffer Tube Issue

In February, I purchased a 15-22 MOE version. I have been extremely happy with the performance of the rifle with one minor issue - the buffer tube and MagPul collapsible stock.

A few weeks ago, while extending it, the stock came completely off. Looking at the buffer tube, it isn't obvious as to what the failure is - there *MIGHT* be a small chip in the back edge of the tube. If there is, the stock doesn't come off all of the time when extending it. It just takes the right angle when trying to extend it. I took it to the LGS where it was purchased, and they thought that I was using extreme force to pull it off... until they were able to get it off themselves!

I usually use the stock in the 2nd position, and collapse it completely when my wife or son uses the rifle. I generally extend it fully for storage purposes.

So, the question that I'll throw out to the community is....

Do I send it back to S&W for repair (which likely means a new lower), or do I keep it and live with it? Do I switch out the stock for a CTR or similar that can be locked down completely? Other than the stock coming off the end *sometimes*, there does not appear to be an issue with the tube or stock, and no impact regarding firing or otherwise handling the rifle.

Thanks for your inputs and insights.
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Old 07-09-2013, 01:59 PM
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Majorlk Majorlk is offline
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Interesting ... this is the second report in a month of this happening, the end of the buffer tube apparently breaking where the cut for the locking pin ends. I wonder how much if this is caused by slamming the butt stock against the stop instead of just sliding it to the end.

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... the stock doesn't come off all of the time when extending it. It just takes the right angle when trying to extend it.
You can send it to S&W and it will require a new lower, and the associated paperwork with the FFL you bought it from, or you can ignore the problem and just pay attention to what you are doing when you extend the butt stock. I would do the latter.

A CTR won't change anything, you still have to unlock it to move the stock.

Last edited by Majorlk; 07-09-2013 at 02:01 PM.
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Old 07-09-2013, 01:59 PM
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I have a CTR & yes, it does lock it down completely. However it is still an adjustable stock, so with it on, if you were to extend the stock, sounds like the CTR would come off too... assuming the buffer tube is damaged.

I suggest sending the gun off for repair, then putting on a CTR.
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Old 07-09-2013, 02:29 PM
telero telero is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sithlord View Post
Looking at the buffer tube, it isn't obvious as to what the failure is - there *MIGHT* be a small chip in the back edge of the tube.
Could you post a picture of the tube? I'm just curious as I haven't actually seen one that does that.



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Originally Posted by sithlord View Post
Do I send it back to S&W for repair (which likely means a new lower), or do I keep it and live with it?
I didn't ever see a follow up from the other person that had the this problem, so I'm not sure how it ended up being handled for them as far as transfer/background check fees. It seem clear from the wording of the law that they didn't actually have to send the new receiver back to a dealer for a transfer, but they just may be doing it the easy way for them. Otherwise they would have to make some special notes in their acquisition/disposition records. If they're willing to foot the bill for any additional transfer/background check fees I'd say get a replacement that works as it should.
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Old 07-09-2013, 03:19 PM
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Yes, I would like to see a close up of the end of the tube, as well.
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Old 07-09-2013, 05:03 PM
sithlord sithlord is offline
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Ask and ye shall receive.

The only reason that the stock has hit the back of the groove is that the stock originally required excessive force to extend. I sanded the outside of the buffer tube to make the stock a *little* easier to extend.

Yes, I realize that the CTR stock would have the same issue in general, however, the LGS put one on just to try it it out, and when not tightened down does not require any force to extend. The MagPul does.

Think a little fiberglass/plastic filler could be used to repair?

Also, in talking with the LGS, they indicated that they wouldn't charge the transfer fee, but might charge $2 for the background check... I'd be ok with that... I've been out with the rifle a LOT, don't know if I could live for a few weeks without it!
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Last edited by sithlord; 07-09-2013 at 05:17 PM.
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Old 07-09-2013, 08:35 PM
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I would use a little epoxy or jb weld and shape it with a file.
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Old 07-09-2013, 08:49 PM
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yep some of that black 2 part 5 million ton plastic epoxy or some JB Weld, they make it for plastic now. fill the edge so it overflows a little, then shape with an emery board you steal from the wife!!! should be good as new. i would not send it back for that small of an issue. be more careful when you pull it back....your not jumping out of the back of a SWAT wagon with it!! JK
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Old 07-09-2013, 08:52 PM
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After looking at the photo, it looks like the chip was caused by over aggressive extension of the buttstock, but that's just an opinion. One would really have to try hard to make the buttstock come off with no more damage than that. One has to pull down on the pin itself to remove the stock, not just squeeze the adjustment latch.

The 15-22 is not a combat arm, so I can't imagine getting worked up about it.

BTW, both the MOE and CTR are MagPul products. The only difference between the two is the friction lock. Otherwise, they are identical.
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Old 07-09-2013, 09:46 PM
sithlord sithlord is offline
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Unfortunately, with just that little bit of damage, the stock *does* come off without a significant pull by just depressing the adjustment latch!

I put some epoxy on the lip, and sanded the rest of the buffer tube. It runs a *LOT* smoother now, but there is still something that is causing to not pull out smoothly. When completely collapsed, it requires a fair amount of force (it used to require quite a bit more...). I actually didn't have to sand down the epoxy; the MOE stock has quite a bit of headspace there.

After sanding the tube, it pulls out with little force *after* the 2nd or third pin stop. There might be a slight bend in the tube; I might sand it some more. However, right now, I can move the stock using my off-hand thumb until it gets to the 2nd pin stop..

It may be a while before I am "confident" that the fix worked 100%, but for now, I appreciate the comments, feedback and recommendations!

Last edited by sithlord; 07-09-2013 at 09:52 PM.
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Old 07-09-2013, 10:01 PM
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I put a moe stock on mine and it was tight too. I did some sanding on the buffer tube (the flat parts on the sides of the tube, not the round tube itself) and lightly lubed with some clp. slides great now.
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Old 07-09-2013, 11:37 PM
HRArms HRArms is offline
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Adjust the pin on the stock so that it seats deeper. Push out the roll pin on the lever cap. Screww in the pin, re-align the holes and install the roll pin.

Last edited by HRArms; 07-09-2013 at 11:57 PM.
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Old 07-09-2013, 11:58 PM
Brett248Vista Brett248Vista is offline
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Standard LEO 6 Position Collapsible Stocks, the pin setup can't just come lose, it's locked in place by a roll pin, and to adjust the lockdown tension you first have to remove said roll pin.
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Old 07-10-2013, 04:47 AM
Kayback Kayback is offline
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How are you guys pulling the stock out to break that part?

Am I the only person who runs mine on the first or second hole?

You guys must have gorilla arms.

KBK
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Old 07-10-2013, 08:10 PM
sithlord sithlord is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kayback View Post
How are you guys pulling the stock out to break that part?

Am I the only person who runs mine on the first or second hole?

You guys must have gorilla arms.

KBK
If the tube isn't straight (perhaps it was taken out of the mold prior to being 100% cooled), then as the buttstock is collapsed, it gets tighter. When fully collapsed, it can take quite a bit of force to overcome the friction. Not gorilla arms, but still quite a bit of force. And stopping that in the 5" or so before the pin hits the back edge of the channel ain't easy either...

However, I sanded the flat portion some more today, and now it requires *almost* no force to extend or collapse.

Next, I'll look at a replacement stock.. I like the cheek weld on my VTAC....

Thanks, all, for the sound advice!
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