AR Parts for Sale

There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to AR parts, but we’ll keep it to the basics.

Parts of an AR

• AR Lower Receiver: This is the foundation of the AR. The lower is the part that is serialized and defined as the firearm itself. A stripped lower has no other parts installed. It is one piece that comprises the lower receiver and the magazine well. It houses the fire control group.
• AR Upper: This houses the bolt carrier group (BCG) and connects to the barrel. Depending on preference, there are different styles like flat-top or carry-handle, but this does not affect the function of the upper.
• AR BCG (Bolt Carrier Group): The main core of the action, the BCG chambers, fires, extracts, and ejects rounds.
• AR Barrel: As with any firearm, the barrel determines the caliber, range, and accuracy. AR barrels are available in pistol lengths, like 10.5”, and rifle lengths of 16” and longer.
• Gas System: The gas block and gas tube. Either a direct impingement system or a piston-driven variant.
• AR Triggers: Also known as the trigger group, which includes: trigger, hammer, disconnector, and pins. There are mil-spec and aftermarket triggers and trigger groups. Drop-in triggers are very popular due to their ease of installation.
• AR Buffer Tube Assembly: Manages recoil and cycling, the buffer tube contains the buffer and spring.
• AR Safety Selector: Manual switch that toggles between “safe” and “fire”. On select fire (burst-fire, full-auto) models, this switch also selects the firing mode.
• AR Charging Handle: Manually chambers a round from the magazine and is used to clear malfunctions.
• AR Handguard: Surrounds the barrel and usually has mounting points (Picatinny, M-LOK, KeyMod) to attach accessories. Arguably the most versatile part of the AR platform, especially with attachment points on all four sides. Accessories can include everything from optics, lights, and lasers to foregrips, handstops, and more.
• AR Pistol Grip: This attaches to the lower and is held with the hand firing the weapon.
• AR Buttstock: Attached to the buffer tube, the buttstock contacts the shooter’s shoulder, enhancing stability and accuracy. AR pistols do not have a buttstock, but can be equipped with a pistol brace, where legal. Always check the laws and regulations before modifying any firearm.
• Note: Collectively, the AR handguard, pistol grip, and buttstock are sometimes referred to as “furniture”. All can be found in our AR Stocks, Forends, & Forearms category listings.
• Muzzle Devices: Very common on AR firearms. Most AR barrels are threaded to accommodate a number of different muzzle devices. Muzzle devices include flash suppressors, compensators, and muzzle brakes. Silencers (or suppressors) are an NFA item that require a tax stamp and additional regulations, but are very popular muzzle devices for the AR platform.
• AR Magazines: Detachable part that holds the ammo. It is not uncommon for AR owners to have multiple magazines for each AR firearm that they own, for faster reloading.

Other AR Parts You May Be Interested In:

• AR Parts Kits
• Small AR Parts
• Other AR Accessories & Parts