My mixmaster, built on a Cav lower, has never seen a buffer detent and runs without a problem.  All you need to do is remember hold the buffer with your finger when you seperate the upper from the lower.  It can rest on the decocked hammer.

Either way, make damned sure that you get all the little chunks of the old part out, or it'll make your next several outings miserable.

Edit:  voted yes, but only for the convenience factor.  It has no effect on function either way.

Fix it...


..cause you know you'll forget it's not there !

[:D]

its a 10 minute fix and a 2.00 part (shipping might kill you though)

go ahead and fix it.

Flip a coin, either way you'll be fine and the gun will function.

As a designated gunsmith, I have never encountered a broken buffer retainer pin. The only way such damage could occur through regular use is due to the incorrect fit of the upper and lower. In an properly functioning gun, the buffer is slightly depressed by the rear of the bolt carrier, thus preventing the any buffer to retainer contact during firing.

A more common type of retainer failure occurs with improperly installed collapsible stock tubes. The thread timing is often off, preventing the lip of the buffer tube from covering an adequate amount of the retainer, barely holding it in some cases. The only way to remedy this is to file the edge of the buffer tube down to allow the lip to cover the edge of the retainer up to the raised stem.

Fix it.They didn't put it in there for no reason.Yesterday I ordered a detent and spring from Georgia Precision,if he can fit a part in an envelope he'll only charge $1 shipping.

Yes fix it,while changing my pistol grip out,you guessed it my safety detent spring was lost to all but god!   I put a bic lighter spring in untill I could find one at the gun show(75 cents)  hell do it right!

You are that kind of guy!


  Bob [:D]

You are right about that for sure but the average grunt as you call him,don't need nothing more to slow him down or confuse him!

But like said ain't needed!

 Bob [:D]

"designated gunsmith"
[hail2]

A Colt Armorer's School they said that it wasn't strictly necessary, and was more for ease of takedown than anything else. The weapons should function fine without it.

If you find yourself with a need to tear it down quickly, you will probably wish that you had one. I say replace it, but you don't necessarily have to be in a hurry to do so.