First things first, we need to be very clear with this disclaimer. All firearms are very different and many don’t even have the same parts.
For instance, if you shoot a single-shot break rifle, you’re not even going to have a mag spring or recoil spring, though you will have a firing pin and extractor.
If you shoot a muzzleloader, you won’t have a single one of these parts!
Therefore, we need to publish the caveat that this is a general guide only and that for platform-specific maintenance you should look for parts by model.
Otherwise, get a good gun parts kit or keep these parts on hand (for your specific gun) because they tend to be the first parts to go.
Recoil Springs
In pretty much any semi-automatic platform, whether it’s recoil or gas operated, the recoil or buffer spring is going to be one of the first gun parts to fatigue and wear out.
When that happens, your rifle or handgun (or shotgun) is going to struggle to cycle and reset. This part is vital to reset the action after extraction and ejection and without it, the action won’t close fully or reset. If it’s really fatigued, it might not even be strong enough to feed a new round.
Anyway, if your firearm won’t cycle this is often the first place to look.
Extractors (and Ejectors)
Not every gun has ejectors but pretty much all breech-loading arms have extractors and extractor springs. When they wear out or break, it becomes very difficult to effectively cycle the firearm and you’ll get a lot of jams.
For instance, stovepipe jams are common with worn extractors or ejectors, or springs. If you’re getting a lot of these, clean any fouling away from your chamber and ejection port and inspect the extractors. If they’re not functioning, replace them.
Firing Pins
Firing pins don’t break frequently, but when they do, the firearm will not fire until they are replaced. Typically, problems with metallurgy or repeated stresses can cause firing pins to deform or snap.
If your firing pin is in shape and the gun clicks but does not fire when you pull the trigger, the problem could be a fatigued firing pin spring – replace this first if these are your symptoms.
Mag Springs
On any mag-fed firearm, autoloading or repeating, the mag springs take a lot of abuse. When they fatigue, the mag won’t feed smoothly anymore and you’ll get a lot of jams. Fortunately, they are fairly easy to replace on both box and tube mags. Just take off the mag cap or base plate and drop a new spring in.
Where Can You Find Build Kits and Gun Parts Kits
Looking for gun parts or kits or even full platform build kits for 1911s or AR-style rifles? Visit SARCO Inc. online at SarcoInc.com. They carry a huge range of gun parts and kits, especially for historical rifles. Contact them at 610-250-3960 if you have any questions.
