Does anyone know if the BCG, firing pin, ejector assembly and spring are available from any dealer or shops? (I am looking for factory parts. Not sure if it is easier/ cheaper to go to S&W or if they will even sell to the public.)

I'm not concerned that the rifle will start to fall apart; it's just prudent that a few items you keep spares for.

Nothing special about any of those parts that would require you buy them from S&W. If you buy milspec parts of that nature, you will be fine.

http://www.palmettostatearmory.com/

http://www.spikestactical.com/new/z/

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/


Above are just a few of hundreds of sources. I like PSA for price, quality and fast shipping.

That was what I was thinking, and I was feeling better looking for some dope here rather than on another site; it just starts a ****-tornado when you look for simple info sometimes.

Brownells carries factory parts for an astounding array of manufacturers. BTW- the bolt isn't necessarily plug & play in ANY AR. If you change the bolt, you really should check the headspace with the proper gauges.

And yes, S&W does sell to the public.

Thanks for the heads up on Brownells. The issue of headspace was one I was not sure about, and that was a bit of my reason for the post. I doubt breaking a bolt, but a firing pin, or ejector over time is a likely replacement item.
Very cool info!

I've never seen a firing pin need replacing. I have seen a bolt snap in two. Best bet with AR "spare parts" is to buy a high quality BCG to begin with. And I don't mean Spike's or DPMS, I mean Colt, BCM, DD. Besides the bolt, the BCG will essentially last forever. Bolts are run far past there service life and still usable. The main thing to keep up on, once you have a good BCG in your rifle, is springs and rings. Buffer spring, extractor spring, buffer and donut, ejector spring, and gas rings. Thing is, most people don't shoot enough to ever wear these out.

If you buy a bolt from one of the three I mentioned above, you will not need to check headspace.

So bottom line, when you clean your rifle, look at what parts you might damage or lose through negligence and buy those for a spare parts kit. A lost part is far more likely than a worn out part on an AR.

My thoughts were most likely gas rings and extractors needing to be replaced. I have a couple shotguns that have seen 30+ years of hard hunting.... and only 1 firing pin failure. Your point makes good sense.

If I were to wear out a firing pin on a rifle, I should have already won the war by sheer volume of fire!!!