Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit Review

Let Me Walk You Through the Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit

For anyone assembling or maintaining an AR-15 platform firearm, the details matter, even down to the smallest components. This is where the Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit comes into play. As someone who’s spent over a decade putting gear through its paces in everything from dusty workshop environments to precise lab setups and rugged field conditions, I appreciate when manufacturers provide the necessary bits and bobs to ensure proper function and a clean build. Spikes Tactical, a name that generally signifies quality in the AR-15 accessory world, offers this small but crucial kit for attaching their engraved ejection port doors.

My own need for this kit arose during a custom build. I had acquired a rather uniquely engraved ejection port door from Spikes Tactical, aiming to add a personal touch to the rifle. However, simply having the door wasn’t enough; it needed the correct hardware to be securely and functionally installed. I’d previously attempted to source individual components for similar tasks, often with mixed results or higher costs. The prospect of a dedicated, matched kit from a reputable manufacturer like Spikes Tactical seemed like the most straightforward path.

Upon receiving the kit, my initial impression was one of understated quality. The components, while small, felt well-machined and exhibited a consistent finish. This isn’t a product where you expect lavish packaging or groundbreaking innovation, but rather reliable, functional parts. I had briefly considered just trying to use salvaged parts from an old upper receiver or purchasing generic hardware from a large online retailer, but the uncertainty of fit and material quality made me lean towards the specialized kit. This provided an immediate sense of relief, knowing I had the precisely correct pieces for the job.

Real-World Testing: Putting Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this particular kit were my workbench and then the static range. The primary scenario was the installation itself. I had an upper receiver that was either awaiting a dust cover or needed a replacement. The scenario was straightforward: fit the new dust cover with the provided components from the Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit.

The installation process with this kit was remarkably smooth. The components slid into place with satisfying precision, requiring no undue force or modification. I didn’t encounter any issues with components not aligning or fitting snugly. This level of intuitive usability is exactly what you hope for when working with small firearm parts.

There were no real surprises or quirks during the first-time use, which, in this case, is a testament to the product’s design and Spikes Tactical’s attention to detail. Everything performed exactly as intended, integrating seamlessly with the upper receiver and the ejection port door.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, this specific installation has seen consistent use, albeit with the passive wear and tear of an operational firearm rather than the abuse of constant manipulation. The ejection port door, secured by the components from this kit, has opened and closed with every shot fired and cleared without any sticking or looseness. The spring retained its tension, the pin stayed put, and the C-clip has shown no signs of backing out.

Durability in this context is measured by the components maintaining their integrity and function over time and use. I haven’t observed any degradation, such as the pin becoming loose or the spring losing its efficacy to snap the dust cover shut. These small parts are not subjected to significant environmental stress, but their consistent performance in a functional firearm is key.

Maintenance for this kit is virtually non-existent beyond standard firearm cleaning. The anodized finish on the components, typical for Spikes Tactical products, resists corrosion and is easily wiped down during routine maintenance. There’s nothing specific to watch out for, as the parts are designed to be self-contained and require no special attention beyond being kept with the upper receiver. Compared to generic, unbranded kits I might have tried in the past, this one offers a noticeable step up in terms of the finish and the confidence in its long-term reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit

Specifications

The Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit is a remarkably simple assembly designed for a singular purpose: to properly mount an AR-15 ejection port door. It comprises three essential components: an Ejection Port Door Spring, an Ejection Port Door Pin, and an Ejection Port Door C-clip. The kit itself has an impressively low Weight: .24oz, underscoring its lightweight nature.

These specifications are critical because each part plays a vital role in the ejection port door’s function. The spring provides the necessary tension to keep the door closed when not in use and to snap it open when ejecting brass. The pin acts as the pivot point, allowing the door to swing freely, while the C-clip secures the pin in place. The USA-made origin and Anodized Black finish suggest a level of quality control and durability typically associated with firearm components.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job, this installation kit performs flawlessly. The kit’s core function is to provide the correct, precisely manufactured parts for attaching an ejection port door. Spikes Tactical ensures that these parts work in harmony with their own engraved doors and, by extension, most standard AR-15 upper receivers.

The main strength of this kit is its reliability and perfect fit. It eliminates guesswork and the potential frustration of using ill-fitting or sub-par components. There are no significant weaknesses to report, as the kit does exactly what it’s designed to do with precision. It meets and exceeds expectations for such a basic but essential set of parts, especially considering its extremely accessible price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit is utilitarian, focusing on function over form. The components are made from robust materials, likely steel for the pin and C-clip, and a suitable spring steel for the torsion spring. The Anodized Black finish is not just for aesthetics; it adds a layer of corrosion resistance and a matte appearance that blends well with most firearm finishes.

Ergonomics isn’t a major factor for individual components that are installed once, but the design of each piece facilitates easy handling during installation. The pin has just enough surface area to grip and insert, and the C-clip is designed for simple spring-clip pliers or a small flathead screwdriver for placement. The spring’s shape is standard, ensuring it engages correctly with the upper receiver and the door.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the materials and construction, the Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit is built for longevity. These are not parts that experience significant wear and tear during normal operation. The Anodized finish provides a protective layer against moisture and minor abrasions.

Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe-down with a cleaning cloth during firearm maintenance is all that’s needed. There are no specific failure points that I’ve encountered or that are common with these types of parts when manufactured to a good standard. Potential concerns would only arise if the spring were to lose its temper over extreme time or if the pin were to become excessively corroded, neither of which is likely with Spikes Tactical’s quality.

Accessories and Customization Options

This kit is designed to be a self-contained set of necessary components. It does not come with additional accessories, nor are there customization options for the individual parts themselves, beyond the intended color matching. The primary “customization” aspect is that the kit allows for the installation of Spikes Tactical’s specially engraved ejection port doors, which offer a wide variety of aesthetic designs. The components are standard, ensuring compatibility with most aftermarket ejection port doors designed for the AR-15 platform.

Pros and Cons of Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit

Who Should Buy Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit?

This kit is an absolute must-have for anyone building an AR-15 from parts or replacing worn-out components on an existing firearm. It is ideal for the DIY gunsmith, the enthusiast undertaking a custom build, or even a casual shooter who needs to replace a lost or damaged ejection port door assembly. If you are installing one of Spikes Tactical’s custom engraved dust covers, this kit ensures the perfect accompanying hardware.

Those who might consider skipping this kit are individuals who already have a spare, perfectly functional ejection port door assembly from another reputable source and are confident in its quality. However, given the extremely low cost, it’s often more practical to just purchase this dedicated kit. For anyone performing work on their firearm, I would also recommend ensuring you have a set of small snap ring pliers or a very fine flathead screwdriver for the C-clip, though it can sometimes be manipulated with needle-nose pliers.

Conclusion on Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit

The Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit is a small but vital component for any AR-15 builder or maintainer. For its incredibly modest price, you receive a set of precisely manufactured, high-quality parts that guarantee a proper installation of an ejection port door. The kit’s performance is flawless, offering the reliability and confidence that comes from using components designed and made by a respected name in the firearms industry.

The value proposition here is exceptionally strong. You’re paying just a few dollars for guaranteed fit, durability, and peace of mind, saving yourself the potential hassle and frustration of sourcing individual, possibly lower-quality parts. I wholeheartedly recommend the Spikes Tactical Ejection Door Installation Kit to anyone undertaking an AR-15 build or repair. It’s one of those small investments that pays significant dividends in ensuring your firearm functions as intended, without any unnecessary complications.