Like the title says.

My inventory is pretty much were I want it necessity wise.  So was looking into keeping a bunch of spare parts just in case.  Spare parts as in upgrades, not keeping the old stock stuff I already replaced.

Thinking of:
BCG (already have a firing pin, didn't fit inside my Magpul stock)
Small parts for the VP9 since I shoot that the most (It did go down once, broken striker plate)
Small pins for AR (Never replaced)
Cheap free float handguard (was told a story where a guy fell on his rifle and bent it)
Spare AR upper (Have a lower already)
Maybe spare VP9 barrel (kind of over my cost of spare part budget)

Parts kits stored as complete guns! 

Parts kits stored as complete guns! 

But you need parts for those...i guess buying 5 more AR's aren't unreasonable.

But you need parts for those...i guess buying 5 more AR's aren't unreasonable.

If you have a backup gun that works, you don't need to keep spare parts -- unless you rely on that specific gun for specific needs, like competitions and so on.

Just buy replacement parts as needed.  It's inefficient and an added expense to maintain a stash of replaceable parts for all your guns you may never need.  Some parts also require gunsmithing knowledge & tools to replace, so you'd need those in addition to the parts.

A small parts kit for your AR15 would be the most practical replacement parts to toss in your range bag. It's good to have that to avoid a wasted trip caused by a lost spring or detent.

Keep a backup ready.  Two is one; one is none.

  It's inefficient and an added expense to maintain a stash of replaceable parts for all your guns you may never need.  Some parts also require gunsmithing knowledge & tools to replace, so you'd need those in addition to the parts.

I never thought about that until now.  Which made me think about my P10C bullet proof firing pin I bought because there are a good handful of peoples who's firing pins broke.  Same problem Glock had.  I got a new handgun bag and was going to put the spare pin in there.  I forgot where I put it and took me 3 months to find.  It was in my old Magpul Stock box that had the milspec spare stock in it.  So even though it was with all my gun stuff, I couldn't find the damn thing for 3 months.  I was super close to ordering another one.

I'll give up on my spare parts venture for now.

If you have a backup gun that works, you don't need to keep spare parts -- unless you rely on that specific gun for specific needs, like competitions and so on.

Just buy replacement parts as needed.  It's inefficient and an added expense to maintain a stash of replaceable parts for all your guns you may never need.  Some parts also require gunsmithing knowledge & tools to replace, so you'd need those in addition to the parts.

A small parts kit for your AR15 would be the most practical replacement parts to toss in your range bag. It's good to have that to avoid a wasted trip caused by a lost spring or detent.

Keep a backup ready.  Two is one; one is none.

That's pretty much my approach these days.  Mostly from guidance and lessons learned preparing for and participating in shooting classes on the mainland, which also applies to general firearm ownership and use.  I had and was able to take a backup carbine and handgun for both classes and the carbine helped another shooter many times as well as myself.  I understand that some folks can't afford to have a complete backup, but to me it was worth it to help ensure I made the most of the course. 

But you need parts for those...i guess buying 5 more AR's aren't unreasonable.

I never thought about that until now.  Which made me think about my P10C bullet proof firing pin I bought because there are a good handful of peoples who's firing pins broke.  Same problem Glock had.  I got a new handgun bag and was going to put the spare pin in there.  I forgot where I put it and took me 3 months to find.  It was in my old Magpul Stock box that had the milspec spare stock in it.  So even though it was with all my gun stuff, I couldn't find the damn thing for 3 months.  I was super close to ordering another one.

I'll give up on my spare parts venture for now.

My initial feedback was partially in jest, but mostly serious.  Over the years, I have accumulated a bunch of spare parts for ARs as well as handguns.  I have backups for my ARs as well as Glocks.  In general, they are pretty reliable, but have their share of "wear items".  When I first got into ARs, I bought a spare BCG, bolt, firing pin and other items that I heard can shut down a gun.  That said, there are many other smaller parts that can render a gun useless.  Many of those smaller parts, like springs, detents and such require tools and a bit of time to replace (like FJ mentioned).  I do have complete LPKs that I could use as backup, but I mostly got them on sale or for another lower.

In general, I buy parts as they fail or become questionable.  I also have bought parts to address specific things, and at the same time bought extras just in case (like springs that are notorious for going flying) and have since lost track of them.  Thankfully, the AR parts were relatively inexpensive and if I should need them again, I can order more. 

For Glocks, I only have spare action springs. That was because I bought a couple extra when I had to replace one.  I have thought about buying the "critical" parts set that they sell on many sites, but just haven't gotten around to it.  As mentioned, it can be quite expensive to keep a range of spare parts.  Thankfully, Glock parts are easy to come by and through many different vendors. 

I have mostly Ruger revolvers. They dont break. 

For my Glocks everything except a barrel and the magazine release and spring.

For my ARs I bought two lower parts kits, buffer tube kit, one spare BCM PNT Trigger Upgrade Kit, a complete BCG from Aero Precision, and a spare BCM bolt with an extractor “field repair” kit. Also made sure to get a good amount of gas rings, cam pins, and firing pin retaining pins.

For my Mossberg shotgun, I bought a complete trigger assembly and safety kit along with a slide action tube assembly.

Also got a bunch of spare Glock mag springs, M4 mag springs from Brownells, and spare Mossberg factory mag tube springs.

So…. Yeah, Im neurotic like that. Excessive, but oh well. When considering what guns to buy, the FIRST thing I look for is how easy are FACTORY OEM parts to find for that particular gun.

On a serious note. I have an essential AR parts kit, extra lower build kit, enough parts to build another AR, extra stripped lower, 2 extra bcg's
I only have parts for my 3 AR's since that's my shtf rifles
If something goes wrong with my handgun, I'll just switch to another one

But having spare parts is always a good idea 

I have mostly Ruger revolvers. They dont break. 

Oh you just jinxed yourself   

I hope not, but...

 

Like the title says.

My inventory is pretty much were I want it necessity wise.  So was looking into keeping a bunch of spare parts just in case.  Spare parts as in upgrades, not keeping the old stock stuff I already replaced.

Thinking of:
BCG (already have a firing pin, didn't fit inside my Magpul stock)
Small parts for the VP9 since I shoot that the most (It did go down once, broken striker plate)
Small pins for AR (Never replaced)
Cheap free float handguard (was told a story where a guy fell on his rifle and bent it)
Spare AR upper (Have a lower already)
Maybe spare VP9 barrel (kind of over my cost of spare part budget)

Why did you want a spare VP9 Barrel? I mean get one if you feel needed, but probably one of the last things I’d buy. I guess I could see doing that if the gun was being phased out. I guess you can’t tell when Murphy is gonna mess with you...

For the free float handguard, also have to consider tools needed to install. I have the DD Omega on a couple of guns and they use the OEM Barrel nut. Something to consider if you’re gonna go there.

Get parts for high stress items if you're shooting thousands of rounds a year.  Springs are the most common wear item, especially the recoil spring which should be replaced every 3,000 to 9,000 rounds depending on the handgun.  AR15 buffer springs too.  Extractor claw is good to have since those can get a lot of wear and break on the rare occasion.  Extra firing pin is good to have, but I've never had one break.

Why did you want a spare VP9 Barrel?

Because that's the gun I shoot 99% of the time at the HDF shoots and figure buy it because of all my stuff, I know I'll have to replace it eventually.  I think my round count is about 7,000. 

Because that's the gun I shoot 99% of the time at the HDF shoots and figure buy it because of all my stuff, I know I'll have to replace it eventually.  I think my round count is about 7,000.

It takes a long time to wear out a pistol barrel.  I've never worn one out.  I'm guessing at least 50,000 rounds for standard calibers for reasonable accuracy?

Read this interesting article on high roundcount pistols and their maintenance...

https://www.ar15.com/forums/Handguns/High-round-count-pistols-100-000-observations/4-160140/

Because that's the gun I shoot 99% of the time at the HDF shoots and figure buy it because of all my stuff, I know I'll have to replace it eventually.  I think my round count is about 7,000.

At 7k, I’d check recommendations for the action/recoil spring. Others are the trigger and other springs in the slide. As for the barrel, I haven’t heard of anyone who has shot out a pistol barrel. I’ve heard of Glocks going well over 20k and some to about 5x that much. With the amount you spent on ammo to get there, I guess one isn’t worried about the cost of a replacement barrel.

If you’re that worried, why not have a second VP9?

If you’re that worried, why not have a second VP9?

Price did go down since I first got it.  Got mine for just under $700, it was pre election (2016).

Price did go down since I first got it.  Got mine for just under $700, it was pre election (2016).

Got for it! 

I’ve long wanted a VP9. Now that the B Model is out, even more interested.

Got for it! 

I’ve long wanted a VP9. Now that the B Model is out, even more interested.

Not a fan of the B.  I like the paddle and other HK models have the paddle.  It's like driving an electric Chevy Camaro.

Not a fan of the B.  I like the paddle and other HK models have the paddle.  It's like driving an electric Chevy Camaro.

My first gun was an HK and got used to the paddles. Have since gone to Glock and other push button models (PPQ M2) and now the paddles are super foreign to me. Even slightly fumble when at the bullseye range. More like driving a stick shift with the transmission on your left and pedals reversed.