So I've had this AR-15 awhile and I noticed while handling it at home that the stock was misaligned. Probably 3-4 months ago I took off the retainer plate (as shown) and replaced it with a ambi sling one. Perhaps I did something horribly wrong, but the actual thread on the tube is stripped. The little notch on the plate that holds between the grove at the bottom between the threads on the tube is stripped 1/4 of the tube, as shown, so when I tighten down the castle nut, it cants off further than it should. It is only now that I've come to this realization, because this entire time It's been functioning flawlessly, as it always has been. So am I buying a new buffer tube? Some might say I'm answering my own question, but I need to know for sure. I'm still relatively new to ARs, having only owned one for 6 months.

This was off of a complete RRA factory lower. The tube is commercial. I will not go Milspec because I just purchased a VLTOR commercial spec EMOD stock. If I'm looking at a new tube, what should I look at in terms of brand, quality, price range, etc. Any help will be great. I was disappointed greatly by this!

You didnt try to spin the end plate off did you? Either way from the looks you need a new one.

It looks like the tube spun with the nut during removal.

I've done this before with a loctited castle nut.

The tube is toast, get a new one.

Ouch. Is there a brand to avoid with buffer tubes?

I usually avoid commercial tubes. Other than that Id go with a rra / dpms.

Well I bought a VLTOR emod from primary arms. I doubt I could exchange it, so I need a commercial tube. :)

I would avoid Tapco buffers that is the only company I have had any problems with..

Give a call to Primary Arms about an exchange, you might be surprised, the've got a good reputation

I had that same problem with my RR lower. I noticed that the receiver extension was misaligned as well. I tried to correct it, but couldn't get it adjusted. I ended up having to heat it up with the torch; I think red loc tight was used. My threads weren't damaged as bad as yours. Try to clean them up, and see if the receiver extension will thread back on, just don't force it anymore He-Man