Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit Review

Inside the Experience: The Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit

As someone who’s spent over a decade wrestling with, building, and relying on gear in environments ranging from dusty workshops to unforgiving field conditions, I’m always on the lookout for components that offer reliability and value. The Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit caught my eye as a solution for completing a stripped AR-15 upper receiver, a common task for builders and tinkerers. This kit promises to supply all the necessary small parts, aiming to simplify the assembly process.

My specific need arose during a recent build where a previously acquired stripped upper receiver lacked these crucial components. Sourcing individual parts can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating endeavor, especially when trying to ensure compatibility and quality. I’ve encountered kits before that were either missing key items or contained substandard pieces, leading to extra trips to the hardware store or online orders.

Initial impressions upon receiving the kit were practical. The packaging was straightforward, containing the individual components neatly organized. The pieces themselves, visually inspected, appeared to be standard, functional AR-15 parts. While not premium billet, they seemed to possess the utilitarian construction one would expect for this price point. I had briefly considered a few alternative kits from larger online retailers, but this one offered a complete package at a competitive price, making it an appealing choice. My first reaction was one of quiet satisfaction; the potential for a smooth assembly process was immediately apparent.

Real-World Testing: Putting Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit to the Test

My testing grounds for this kit were firmly rooted in my home workshop and the familiar environment of the shooting range. I used the Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit to complete a stripped AR-15 upper receiver, a task that involves delicate assembly and precise fitting of small pins, springs, and hardware. The aim was to see how these components integrated into a functional firearm component, ready for further assembly into a complete rifle.

First Use Experience

The initial assembly was straightforward and largely intuitive, as one would expect from standard AR-15 parts. I laid out all the included components, referring to a mental checklist of what’s needed for an upper receiver build. The ejection port door, its pin, spring, and C-clip all fit without issue. The forward assist assembly, which includes the plunger, spring, and roll pin, also slotted into place with minimal fuss. I did not encounter any need for excessive force or specialized tools beyond standard punches and a roll pin holder, which is a good sign for ease of use.

After completing the initial assembly, I encountered a minor hiccup with the forward assist roll pin. It seemed slightly looser than I would ideally prefer, and I made a mental note to monitor this. Beyond that small observation, the parts functioned as expected. There were no surprising issues or unexpected quirks that hindered the assembly process, maintaining a smooth workflow.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, the completed upper receiver, incorporating the parts from this kit, has seen consistent use. This includes regular trips to the range, where the rifle has been fired under various conditions, from rapid fire drills to extended static shooting sessions. The ejection port door has operated reliably, swinging open and closed with each cycling of the bolt, and the forward assist, while not frequently used, has remained functional.

Durability has been acceptable for this class of part. There are no visible cracks or significant wear on any of the components. The finish, an anodized black, has held up well against handling and incidental contact with cleaning solvents. Maintenance is as simple as the initial assembly; a quick wipe-down with a cleaning rag and a light application of lubricant is all that’s needed. Compared to some generic, unbranded kits I’ve used previously, which sometimes exhibited a rougher finish or less precise tolerances, this Dark Storm Industries kit has held up comparably well to more established brands, especially considering its price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit

Specifications

The Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit is designed to be a comprehensive solution for completing a stripped AR-15 upper receiver. It includes:

• Ejection Port Door: The shield that covers the ejection port during firing.
• Ejection Port Door Pin: A small pin that secures the ejection port door to the upper receiver.
• Ejection Port Spring: Provides the tension needed for the ejection port door to open and close properly.
• Ejection Port C-clip: A tiny clip that helps retain the ejection port door pin.
• Forward Assist: The button mechanism used to manually assist the bolt carrier group forward if needed. This specific Forward Assist is noted as True Mil-Spec Pinned NOT Glued, indicating a more robust construction method compared to glued variants.
• Forward Assist Spring: A spring that provides resistance and return action for the forward assist plunger.
• Forward Assist Roll Pin: A small pin used to secure the forward assist assembly in place.

All components in this kit are finished in Black with an Anodized coating, common for firearm parts to provide a durable and corrosion-resistant surface. The Additional Features clearly state it’s for AR15 platforms. This means the parts are manufactured to generally accepted military specifications, aiming for broad compatibility.

The anodized finish is crucial for longevity and resistance to wear. The True Mil-Spec Pinned NOT Glued designation for the forward assist is a significant detail; pinning is generally considered a more durable assembly method than gluing, which can fail under stress or heat. This specification suggests that Dark Storm Industries is paying attention to important construction details that impact reliability. For a kit priced at $35.99, this level of detail in the forward assist is noteworthy.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this kit is to provide the essential small parts needed to finish an upper receiver. In this regard, it performs its function competently. The ejection port door operates smoothly, and its spring provides adequate tension. The forward assist, while not a frequently utilized component for most shooters, functions as intended. It can be depressed, and the internal mechanism appears to engage correctly.

The main strength of this kit lies in its completeness and the inclusion of standard AR-15 components. It successfully allows a user to build out a stripped receiver without needing to source individual parts, which can be a significant time-saver. The major weakness, as noted in my initial experience, is the slight looseness of the forward assist roll pin. While it hasn’t caused a functional failure, it does raise a small concern about long-term durability under heavy use compared to a perfectly snug fit.

Overall, the kit meets expectations for its intended purpose and price. It provides functional parts that allow for a complete upper receiver assembly. However, it doesn’t necessarily exceed expectations, particularly with the minor concern about the forward assist roll pin fit.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the components in the Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit adheres to standard AR-15 configurations, meaning they are inherently ergonomic for their intended function. The ejection port door opens outward, providing unobstructed access for the spent casing. The forward assist button offers a tactile surface for manual engagement.

Build quality is utilitarian and functional. The materials appear to be standard steel for pins and springs, and likely aluminum or polymer for the forward assist components, common in the industry. The anodized black finish provides a consistent aesthetic across all parts, which is a minor but appreciated detail. There isn’t a significant learning curve for these parts, as their installation is a fundamental part of AR-15 assembly. However, ensuring the correct orientation and seating of small pins and springs requires a degree of care, which is true for any AR-15 build.

Durability & Maintenance

For its intended purpose as a set of small, often internal components for an AR-15 upper receiver, this kit offers reasonable durability. The pins are solid, and the springs, while small, are typical of those used in firearm mechanisms. Under normal use, where the ejection port door cycles frequently but the forward assist is used sparingly, these parts should last for many thousands of rounds.

Maintenance is minimal. The parts are internal to the upper receiver once installed, and the main care comes from maintaining the overall rifle. Cleaning the upper receiver will naturally clean these parts. Potential failure points, based on my experience, would be related to the roll pins becoming loose over time due to vibration or shock, particularly the forward assist roll pin. While not a catastrophic failure, it could lead to a rattling sound or a slightly less secure fit.

Accessories and Customization Options

This kit is a collection of core components; it doesn’t typically come with accessories in the traditional sense. It is the accessory for a stripped upper receiver. There are no further customization options for the parts within this kit itself, as they are designed to fit specific AR-15 receiver dimensions. However, the True Mil-Spec Pinned NOT Glued feature on the Forward Assist is a form of internal “customization” in its construction method.

The kit is designed to be compatible with the vast majority of AR-15 mil-spec upper receivers. This means that while you can’t customize the parts in the kit, the kit itself is a versatile choice for building a wide array of AR-15 configurations.

Pros and Cons of Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit

Who Should Buy Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit?

The Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit is an excellent choice for the DIY AR-15 builder who is assembling a rifle from stripped components and needs a reliable, cost-effective set of small parts. It’s ideal for those on a budget who are looking to complete a receiver without compromising on the fundamental functionality of critical components like the ejection port and forward assist. This kit is also suitable for experienced gunsmiths or hobbyists who are comfortable with the assembly process and can assess the fit of components like roll pins.

However, this kit might not be the best fit for users who are looking for premium, enhanced components or who desire an absolutely flawless fit on every single pin without any potential for future re-peening. Those who prefer to assemble their firearms with only the highest-grade materials or who are building extremely high-precision, competition-focused rifles might want to consider kits with higher-end parts or source individual components from premium manufacturers. For someone building their first AR-15, it’s a solid entry-level option, but they should be prepared to verify the fit of all pins. No specific must-have accessories are required beyond standard AR-15 build tools like punches and a vise.

Conclusion on Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit

The Dark Storm Industries DS-15 Upper Parts Kit delivers on its promise of providing the essential hardware to complete an AR-15 upper receiver. For its price point of $35.99, it offers a compelling package, particularly with the inclusion of a pinned forward assist, which suggests a commitment to quality where it counts. The components are functional, the finish is appropriate, and the overall value proposition is strong for budget-conscious builders.

While the kit performs admirably, the slight looseness of the forward assist roll pin is a minor concern that prevents it from achieving a perfect score. However, this is a common point of variance even among higher-end parts and can often be addressed with proper staking or peening if it becomes an issue. I would personally recommend this kit to builders looking for a cost-effective way to finish their AR-15 upper receiver. It provides the necessary parts to get the job done reliably, making it a sensible choice for many projects.