I've already seen another run on AR and other stuff

for personal defense, like CCW hot models. A bit more subtle but stuff selling out and prices up a little. Luckily there is such a glut of ammo jobbers and retailers are using this as a opportunity to level things out and not gig on prices. Some good deals out there to get supplies back to norm. I saw one special a vendor had been running for a long time; buy a tactical case and (10) mags for $100. After last weekend they dropped it to (7) mags for the same price special. Tricky-tricky.

I was kicking around the idea of building a fun and pleasant AR platform rig. My first encounter of "non-mil" spec parts. Back in the day everything was "mil-spec." because that was what started the black gun industry. They were sub-contractors supplying parts and sold over-runs to sport shooters. I did lots of business as a FFL with "Pac West Arms", built many a AR when the Mini-14 was the only competitor in the field.

I waited one weekend too long to get some 9mm upper parts and now the specific things I personally wanted are gone! I ordered a complete lower to rob some parts off and fix a friend's rig with a new slider stock and pistol grip. Well the slider won't fit on the old buffer tube. One is "mil-spec" the other is "Commercial"? I checked with calipers and the old buffer tube is 0.003" too big one way and 0.004" the other. Cripes! What goober does that?! Smaller = less materials and should be cheaper price. Why have two different specs?! It really pisses me off. Now I have to change complete assemblies. So FWIW, be aware.