The $3 Spring That Can Stop a $600 Gun
You’re reassembling your pistol after a deep cleaning. Everything’s going fine and then it happens. A detent spring takes flight across the garage. You freeze. You look. It’s gone. Now that $600 pistol is a paperweight, all because of a $3 spring.
If you’ve worked on guns at home, you know this feeling. One missing piece cancels your range trip and leaves your project in pieces while you wait on shipping. That’s the reality of DIY gunsmithing.
The Hidden Cost of Waiting
Things break. That’s just how it goes.
Pins walk out. Springs wear down. Extractors snap. Sometimes a part just disappears into the carpet. And when you order replacements? They’re often back-ordered, discontinued, or stuck in a warehouse two states away.
Living in Montana, I’ve had rifles sit in pieces for weeks waiting for a spring. By the time the part showed up, I had to re-learn how it all went back together. That wait isn’t just inconvenient. It stalls your project, delays your training, and puts your independence on hold.
The Treasure Chest Sitting on Your Bench
A surplus parts kit isn’t just a bag of extras. It’s a treasure chest.
Inside you’ll find the exact pieces that tend to break or vanish:
- Springs
- Pins
- Small hardware
- Extractors and other high-stress parts
Think of it like a first aid kit for your firearm. When something fails, you already have the cure. No waiting. No supplier headaches. No canceled range trips.
Stuck vs. Solved
I was an FFL for 10 years, so I’ve built up a stash of AR and Glock parts. But when I work on other platforms, that stash doesn’t always help.
That’s when a kit shines. You pull what you need, fix the gun, and set aside the rest for later. Keep the extras sealed or toss them in a bin. Either way, you’re building your own inventory.
That’s the difference between being stuck and being solved.
Beyond Repairs: Future-Proofing Your Guns
Parts kits go further than emergency fixes. They let you plan ahead.
- Swap in fresh springs for smoother cycling.
- Replace worn parts before they fail.
- Build a backup assembly like a trigger group or bolt carrier.
- Help out a buddy when his rifle breaks.
A kit keeps you ready today and prepared for tomorrow.
Cost vs. Value
Look at the numbers.
- A single Glock extractor with shipping runs about $31.
- A Glock parts kit costs around $295 plus $20 shipping (use code ROGUE to save $29).
That kit is nearly a full Glock minus the frame. Even after pulling the extractor, you’ve still got the barrel, recoil spring, locking block, trigger group, pins, slide stop lever, and more. Enough to fix two or three pistols.
The first time you avoid a delay, the kit pays for itself. Every dip into it after that stacks the savings.
How to Choose the Right Kit
Not all kits are equal. Here’s a simple checklist:
- Match the kit to the guns you actually own.
- Start with the firearm you use most.
- Track how often you dip into it. If you work on your guns regularly, you’ll be surprised how fast it becomes your go-to fix.
Your Bench = Your Independence
DIY gunsmithing isn’t just about saving money on shop fees. It’s about independence and that pride that comes with saying, “I fixed it myself.”
A parts kit means you’re not at the mercy of backorders. You’re in control. You fix what breaks, when it breaks, and you keep shooting.
Don’t let a $3 spring sideline a $600 gun. Stock up now. EveryGunPart has the kits you need to keep your projects alive and your independence intact.
If you want to learn more about DIY Gunsmithing, check out my website at www.trb.fyi.
Author Bio
Jason Schaller has over 40 years of shooting experience and spent a decade as a licensed FFL gunsmith. Long before “DIY gunsmithing” was a buzzword, he was fixing and rebuilding firearms on his own bench. Today he runs The Rogue Banshee, where he shares step-by-step guides that help everyday gun owners keep their firearms running and build confidence in their own skills. Visit him at www.trb.fyi, or on social networks like:
