TLD Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 Is it really necessary? How many failures have you had with an AR system? I'm thinking of getting another bolt that headspaces, and after I install a new trigger, use the original as a backup. Do you think that would be adequate? It sucks to have a gun go belly up even if I only drive a couple hours and pay $20 or $30 for the local matches I frequent. I had a friend who loaned me his but it would be nice to be able to fix most stuff between stages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Religious Shooter Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 For the AR I usually take a complete backup upper with optic to major matches. For local matches I just bring my main rifle with no back-ups (parts or rifle) whatsoever. If you can deal with the hassle of hauling it around and the added expense I think a back-up anything is a sound practice. All kinds of things can happen. In SMM3G during one year I had my AR break an extractor on one stage and on another it did some burst action on me. The next year it burst on me again. Both times I went to Accuracy Speaks to have it fixed or adjusted. Last year when it went burst on me I was so frustrated and pissed off I had Accuracy Speaks install their trigger on my lower during the match. I come back home and it burst on me twice during two local matches and it burst on me again at the R&R match in Oregon. A back-up trigger and a back-up for the nut behind the trigger would be good. A complete bolt would also be good. But a back-up bolt and carrier would be better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbrowndog Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 I used to lug a back up rifle around, but after a year of no major breakages, plus i have friends that could share if it really crapped out. i still carry essential spare parts. but thats it. Trapr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 (edited) I have 2 complete rifles (tac and lim) but never bring both to a match. I will bring a complete bolt assy since its light and fits in my parts box, but I never had to use it during a match. Plus everyone I shoot with pretty much uses the same gun so I just borrow (or vice versa) if necessary. They kinda get mad though when I borrow a gun 'cause I usually end up beating them with it Edited January 9, 2008 by Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Orr Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 ......... plus i have friends that could share if it really crapped out.Trapr +1 Extra parts....? I carry a gunsmith with me to matches... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingman Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 Merlin..... Must be nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
priceg Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 A take a spare G17 in case somebodys craps out,never took a spare rifle or shotgun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokshwn Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 +1Extra parts....? I carry a gunsmith with me to matches... Come one......isn't more like you wheel him around Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Orr Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 +1Extra parts....? I carry a gunsmith with me to matches... Come one......isn't more like you wheel him around LOL! He's still got pretty damned good wheels on him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentlemanJim Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 ......... plus i have friends that could share if it really crapped out.Trapr +1 Extra parts....? I carry a gunsmith with me to matches... I was wondering how you get him in your shooting bag Jim PS dont need any spare rifle parts....mine dont break Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn jones Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 don't you mean back up rifles? lynn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uscbigdawg Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 I'll be carrying a back up upper at the most. Like others though a good selection of spare parts is all I've ever brought. I picked up one of the fishing tackle boxes w/ dividers and Wally World and then loaded up on all the junk that "breaks". Full BCG, gas rings, extractors, etc. It also holds the cleaning supplies minus my rod so it just goes in the shooting bag. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthyBlagga Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 (edited) I shoot Tac Iron, meaning these days that it would be harder to find a rifle to borrow. For major matches I always bring a spare rifle, pistol and shotgun. My spare guns are not exact copies of my primary guns, but they are better than nothing. I have been shooting 3-gun for many years and have never needed the spare guns, nor even pulled parts off them, but it is comforting to know they are there. I only attend matches I can drive to, so the bulk/weight is not an issue. If I was flying, then I would make a different choice. Edited January 9, 2008 by StealthyBlagga Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wsimpso1 Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 I have no patience for guns that are not reliable and accurate. If I think that my equipment has a reliability issue, it does not go to matches until it is fixed. That being said, I carry a little kit with gas rings, extractors, and a full set of springs and pins. One of the big reasons to clean your guns everytime out is to catch stuff that is cracked or is becoming worn, and replace it then. That tends to take care of the stuff that does wear. I have heard of people commenting that the gas tube takes so long to replace that you might as well have two uppers. Thing is though, that a well aligned gas tube lasts as long as the barrel, and you should catch it going bad at home too. Billski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outerlimits Posted January 9, 2008 Share Posted January 9, 2008 I have 2 complete rifles (tac and lim) but never bring both to a match. I will bring a complete bolt assy since its light and fits in my parts box, but I never had to use it during a match.Plus everyone I shoot with pretty much uses the same gun so I just borrow (or vice versa) if necessary. They kinda get mad though when I borrow a gun 'cause I usually end up beating them with it or you break theirs as well (remember vegas?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bladewurk Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I have no patience for guns that are not reliable and accurate. If I think that my equipment has a reliability issue, it does not go to matches until it is fixed. That being said, I carry a little kit with gas rings, extractors, and a full set of springs and pins. One of the big reasons to clean your guns everytime out is to catch stuff that is cracked or is becoming worn, and replace it then. That tends to take care of the stuff that does wear. I have heard of people commenting that the gas tube takes so long to replace that you might as well have two uppers. Thing is though, that a well aligned gas tube lasts as long as the barrel, and you should catch it going bad at home too. Billski What are the hints a gas tube is going bad? Worn tip? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wsimpso1 Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 (edited) You can look at the bulb on the end of the tube, where it goes into the carrier key. I have a little dental mirror to see on the top side. Either a quick check of the tube, or wait until it starts failing to lock open and or other short stroking symptoms. In truth, if the carrier (no bolt) slides in and out without tweaking the tube, you won't put enough wear on it in the life of a barrel to matter. If it is tweaking the tube, tube life will be short. Fix it by bending the tube (gently) to a position where the carrier runs without causing the tube to move... Billski Edited January 10, 2008 by wsimpso1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I have 2 complete rifles (tac and lim) but never bring both to a match. I will bring a complete bolt assy since its light and fits in my parts box, but I never had to use it during a match.Plus everyone I shoot with pretty much uses the same gun so I just borrow (or vice versa) if necessary. They kinda get mad though when I borrow a gun 'cause I usually end up beating them with it or you break theirs as well (remember vegas?) I think that was more ammo related. My 1187 gave it up on the first stage, so I borrowed an 1100CM from JB. But that last death jam was because the extractor pulled through the rim on the shell. Winchester sent me a certificate for a new case of ammo after I called to complain about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronco Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Depending on the match (round count and conditions) I have hauled an extra rifle, even used it once. Usually will take an extra carrier group and gas block with gas tube attached. Been known to take an extra scope cause guys will run over them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Anderson Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 I have two rifles and for big matches that I drive to I bring both of them. If I'm flying it gets way too heavy trying to lug duplicates of everything. I have had to use all of my backup guns at various matches before. Most commonly at the MGM Ironman. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jobob Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 I usually take a backup for everything to any major match that I drive to. I've never flown to a match, but I'd agree it would be a hassle to transport 4 long guns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurtm Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 I used to carry all that stuff. Now I just take one of each. For the rifle I carry a spare extractor and spring. For the pistol and shotgun...nada. I can always find something to use if I have to. Now when I'm not going to a match but going somewherwe where I am on my own, I carry a lot more spare parts. I hate not being able to shoot Prairie dogs if I don't have gas rings....etc. KurtM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SinistralRifleman Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 In Trooper where I'm screwed if it breaks if I don't have a spare I am carrying, I carry a complete bolt group (which is just as handy if you don't have time for a full cleaning), and spare fire control parts. Never had to use any of it yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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