Smyth Busters: AR-15 Small Parts Kits Are NOT All the Same

There’s an old saying, “Part is parts.“ So all AR-15 small parts kits are pretty much the same, right? That’s the notion going around on the Internet. But is it true? Let’s get some truth today from Brownells Gun Tech™ Steve Ostrem and Mike Mihalski, founder and owner of Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), a guy who knows a LOT about AR-15 parts. AR-15s rarely break down because a major component fails. Stoppages are usually the result of a little $2 spring breaking and bringing the whole rifle to a halt. Mike says the difference between a highly reliable AR-15 and one that’s iffy IS those small parts. Even a “mil-spec“ AR-15 trigger is capable of delivering a consistent pull with a clean break, heavy hammer strike, and a positive reset - all hallmarks of a “good“ trigger - IF it’s manufactured to strict tolerances. The most problematic part from the generic small parts kit is the bolt stop, which has to take the stress of stopping the bolt with all the ma