Posted on 10/03/2019 11:00:53 AM PDT by Black_Rifle_Gunsmith
This next iteration of AR-15 gunsmithing and building covers the buffer, recoil spring, and how to "tune" your black rifle or pistol. For the usual readers, feel free to bookmark like the rest.
AR-15 BUFFERS, SPRINGS & WEIGHTS EXPLAINED
It’s a small, unremarkable little part, but it’s one of the most important pieces in your AR-15: We’re talking about the buffer. The buffer and recoil spring in your AR platform helps manage recoil but more importantly, it controls the action of the bolt carrier group (another guide is available for the AR-15 BCG, too) and it helps your weapon cycle any ammo you run through the magazine.
If you’re here, you’re probably hunting for the answer to the question: What buffer weight is best? This guide will answer your question, including how to modify your buffer weight, and which weight to use depending on your configuration.
If you have questions regarding the AR-15 or building one in general, as always, feel free to comment or message. Thank you to some who've reached out with positive feedback and questions. It is appreciated.
Thank you for the post. I learned a lot today.
Weights are important, but so is the clearance in the buffer tube and the holes in the back.
That buffer pushes a lot of air, some only have a single small hole in the back of them, while other higher quality tubes have them along the bottom as well. A tight tolerance buffer tube will resist enough to make a difference, we used factory ammo once and marked where the shell casings landed on a couple of dozen rounds with a factory tube. Then, using the same buffer and weight we put a higher quality tube with different weep hole configuration in it.
The difference of the angle and how far the brass ejected was quite drastic. I program for a guy who makes them for 5.56 and 7.62, with the proper length as well, not like some people who interchange the 7.62 because it works.
Good post, but you have to consider the weight of the complete moving system. That is, the bolt carrier group too. An M16 style carrier weighs more than a semi-auto carrier. Sometimes, especially with a caliber other than .223 or 5.56, you need to use the lighter carrier.
Bkmk
bookmark
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.