I would like to try an aftermarket buffer in my AR-15 since I hear that the heavier ones cut down on recoil and are easier on the gun.

I bought the gun with a 16" barrel but I also have another upper with a 26" barrel and scope that I shoot Prairie Dogs with.

Would/Could you guys recommend an aftermarket buffer that will work with both of my uppers and if so what weight should I go with?? Its pretty confusing.

Also can I use my factory spring?

Thanks!

How long are the gas tubes on each upper and what is the make I the carbine barrel? Are you using a fixed or collapsing stock?

As a rule, the shorter barrel/gas tube or carbine upper uses the shorter/lighter buffer than the rifle version. Action of these rifles is like a balancing act regarding recoil and the spring/buffer system. Check with Brownells web site or catalog and they offer various buffers for specific purposes and good explanations as well. As for beating up on the gun, unless in full auto or sustained fire, it's unlikely you really need to change anything. Just a suggestion

Oh man never thought of the gas tubes being different lengths! With that being said I don't think that I ever had a single malfunction with either upper.

The 26" barrel upper's tube is +- 15"

The 16" barrel upper's tube is +- 10"

I AM using a collapsible stock and the gun is a Bushmaster.

Whatdaya think???

Thank! Frank

quote:

Originally posted by Instructor:
As a rule, the shorter barrel/gas tube or carbine upper uses the shorter/lighter buffer than the rifle version. Action of these rifles is like a balancing act regarding recoil and the spring/buffer system. Check with Brownells web site or catalog and they offer various buffers for specific purposes and good explanations as well. As for beating up on the gun, unless in full auto or sustained fire, it's unlikely you really need to change anything. Just a suggestion

...as well as the gas port hole size and location along with carrier weight. Many AR's are over gassed and beat the action unnecessarily. Too early beginning to the bolt opening is not a good thing either. That is what led David Tubbs to come out with the carrier weights to slow down the opening. The problem with that then is more then necessary bolt/carrier mass banging the barrel extension. A better means is an adjustable gas valve.

H2 buffer.

Think it will be big improvement over factory buffer?

Have you considered trying the Tubb Carrier Weight System?

I use their chrome silicon springs and the CWS to great effect and the versatility it adds is amazing.

Look Here!

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
Oh man never thought of the gas tubes being different lengths! With that being said I don't think that I ever had a single malfunction with either upper.

Excellent responses. Some thoughts:

The only painful mistake is to install a carbine length buffer in a rifle-length buffer tube, forgetting to add a spacer. That is a great way to allow the gas key to trash your lower's receiver ring. Even non-NFA lowers aren't being given away free.

Matching buffer weight/motion characteristics is more important in FA use due to the potential for bolt bounce. Not an issue in semi-only.

That you have not had a malfunction suggests you are in the ballpark with those two uppers. The typical indication of too-violent extraction is referred to as "dropped extraction" (stoppage and find an empty case and next round wedged in chamber area). Another indication is stuck cases. This resulted in the development of O and D rings, and in the current use of enhanced power extractor springs for M4 carbines and shorter lengths. I use these extractor assists only with my 11.5" uppers, finding no real need in the 14.5" lengths. But barrels are individual.

There is a chance your carbine stock already has a H2 installed. Look at the buffer face. If not, the H2 will be a bit heavier than the H. H3 is heavier yet. Beyond these - should you desire - are the "heavies" such as the 9mm buffer, MGI, enidine, and now a host of others. I've used, and prefer, the non-hydraulic MGI. But, again, there is really no point outside of FA, unless increasing extractor tension isn't enough to solve issues.

BTW, after playing with these things for decades I've settled on a riflestock/buffer. The std rifle buffer is a heavy, and I have never had bolt bounce with any upper/ammo combination. FWIW, I've never had a problem using the rifle uppers with a carbine buffer, but was told by someone who has forgotten more than I ever learned that the combination is "unsupported".

Sam

Tubb CWS. More mass and same spring results in slower velocity, not more energy.

I use a CWS in a NRA/CMP Service Rile, with 80 grn bullets at 2850, brass was getting beat up with one reload, now with the CWS, brass condition is markedly improved; back to 4-5 reloads.

Short line 75s at 2750 (less powder capacity due to deeper seating depth) and the Lake city cases last 6-9 reloads with a minimum of resizing (2 thousandths bump).

Fewer (not that there were many to begin with ) malfunctions, better rhythm in rapids due to slower bolt carrier velocity.

I use a CS flat wire spring in all my ARs, same spring for rifle or carbine. never runs out of compression due to stacking.

Thanks Guys.

My gun has the factory buffer.

Can I get away with the heavier H3 weight buffer for both 23 & 16" uppers?

quote:

Originally posted by HPMaster:
Tubb CWS. More mass and same spring results in slower velocity, not more energy.

I use a CWS in a NRA/CMP Service Rile, with 80 grn bullets at 2850, brass was getting beat up with one reload, now with the CWS, brass condition is markedly improved; back to 4-5 reloads.

Short line 75s at 2750 (less powder capacity due to deeper seating depth) and the Lake city cases last 6-9 reloads with a minimum of resizing (2 thousandths bump).

Fewer (not that there were many to begin with ) malfunctions, better rhythm in rapids due to slower bolt carrier velocity.

I use a CS flat wire spring in all my ARs, same spring for rifle or carbine. never runs out of compression due to stacking.

True, but more mass makes the bolt/carrier group bang the barrel extension. The better method is an adjustable gas valve. My brass got beat up too in the 5.56 and it got that super flat primer that made one thing of very high pressure, but like Mr Tubbs said that's the bolt opening too soon. It all stopped with my adjustable gas valve. JP told me the carrier weights as to the whole bolt/carrier weight and aren't good on the barrel extension.

quote:

Originally posted by Leopardtrack:
Can I get away with the heavier H3 weight buffer for both 23 & 16" uppers?

Cannot be predicted to a certainty, but unless you are marginally gassed it will likely work. H series buffers are not pricey.

Whether the H3 will reduce your recoil perception, likewise, cannot be predicted by us. I can tell you the MGI actually increased my recoil perception (on semi) as action closure became very noticeable (see SmokinJ's post).

I have not seen anything to suggest that increasing carrier/buffer mass reduced overall wear and tear. I imagine that would depend on whether an upper is overgassed and bottoming in the buffer tube with standard weight buffer installed. Most likely that does not describe your situation.

Stick with the original action spring. A general rule that will serve you well: change one thing at a time.

Sam

Hey Fellas,

I installed an H2 Buffer and it cycles perfectly.

I don't know if it did anything to reduce recoil so if it did, it isn't much