2024 Parts Availability?

[Stefan1235]

Just picked up an AC556 after a decade or so of wanting one, and am now looking to purchase some replacement parts. I figure I’ll keep an eye out for a parts kit but in the meantime I’m curious if there’s a source for common wear items like recoil springs, buffers, fire control springs, bolt parts, etc.?

Figure I can always purchase a couple 181 series mini 14 barrels off eBay and have them cut and threaded, along with spare 181 series mini 14 bolts (or ranch bolts + bolt stop if that’s a worthwhile “upgrade”?)

Any info is appreciated, thanks!

 

[KickStand]

Congrats!
I love the mini-14/AC-556’s. Just something about them like I really like, what I’m not sure. Aesthetically, the AC556K is TITS.

As for parts kits, they’re out there but they’re really expensive nowadays. I’d check on Funbroker and Sturm every now and then, if you want one. The good news is the vast majority of parts (other than the auto parts) interchange. The time period is vast, from the late 1970’s through the early 2000’s. I’d get a new recoil spring, a few Ruger mags and maybe a rubber buffer (I use a buffer in my two rugers) and you’ll be good to go. Parts breakage is not really a concern, make sure you assemble the trigger pack the right way. I think you need to make sure the selector is set to semi auto (I could be wrong on that but there’s a correct way to do it). Grab a bolt and a spare barrel from eBay and you’ll be fine.
As for the ranch bolt, I think the only difference is the ejection pattern being lower to clear a scope (not necessarily better) and the bolt stop should be the same.

Lastly, get a 22 kit for it, they’re a blast too.

 

[Slowmo]

David Spiwak seems like he has a knack for finding parts kits. I’ve seen a good number come through him in the past several years.

 

[Stefan1235]

I can’t seem to find a replacement AC556 recoil spring, any source for one of those? Which brand of buffer do y’all recommend?

 

[KickStand]

I can’t seem to find a replacement AC556 recoil spring, any source for one of those? Which brand of buffer do y’all recommend?

I’ve use the Ruger mini-14 recoil spring. They should be available.

 

[Stefan1235]

I’ve use the Ruger mini-14 recoil spring. They should be available.

I’ve read these are ~1” longer than AC556 springs, is that not true? Either way if it works it works.

 

[Cortland]

I recently purchased a KAC-556-F (in fact, I submitted the Form 4 with my dealer via Silencer Shop about an hour ago). A few weeks back I dug up an old-ish thread on Sturmgewehr from a gentleman with some full size stainless AC-556 parts kits that came out of a prison system. I emailed him and evidently he still has a few kits left (minus the one that I just bought, of course 😁). Here's his website, you'll need to email him about the parts kits: https://www.smithsspeedshop.com/

 

[Stefan1235]

Any brand of buffer y’all recommend? Or is it not necessary?

 

[smdub]

I use Wolff recoil springs and the blue Wilson Combat 1911 buffers in both my AC556s.
The extra stifness of the Wolff spring is now a little overkill in the one I put the adj gas block on though. Helps a lot on stock guns however.

 

[Quicksand]

What did you do for an adjustable gas block?

 

[smdub]

Accuracy Systems gen4 adj gas block.
Though I made a shorter bbl for that gun (went from non-K to K length) and had to open up the gas port a lot so didn't really need the adj block as much. But I can still turn it down a few clicks if running hot ammo.

Edi: smithspeedshop on sturm is legit. I got most of a stainless parts kit from him this year for spares.

 

[Stefan1235]

Accuracy Systems gen4 adj gas block.
Though I made a shorter bbl for that gun (went from non-K to K length) and had to open up the gas port a lot so didn't really need the adj block as much. But I can still turn it down a few clicks if running hot ammo.

Edi: smithspeedshop on sturm is legit. I got most of a stainless parts kit from him this year for spares.

Any issues with your gen 4 adjustable gas block? The 7075 aluminum construction has me concerned, not only is it weaker than steel (inch for inch, not lb for lb) but it expands more when heated, figure it would loosen on the barrel after shooting through multiple magazines quickly or deform at very high temperatures.

 

[TimEricksonND]

Hello

I just joined the forum today.. I am looking for a resource to price out a partial ac556 parts kit that I have. The kit I have is a short barrel with proper gas block sight. An original folding stock. I do not have full auto parts. I do have a complete semi auto parts kit.. I was going to find a donor Mini 14 and make an SBR. Though I am new on this forum I have been on AR15.com for many years Same user name minus the ND Any imput is appreciated.

 

[KickStand]

Your best bet would be to part it all out separately for the most coin. Especially, since you don’t have a complete auto kit.