Home Forums Hunting & Shooting AR and Tactical Rifles Buffer info needed

I'm doing a couple of lower builds and have all the parts together except for one mil-spec specified tube, spring and buffer.

That brought up a few questions. First, where can I get a mil-spec tube? Next, realizing I've heard all kinds of stuff about parts kits, triggers, stocks, grips........everything but buffers, who makes the best? And is it the best for all builds? What about the springs? And how about the buffer. One better than another? Is this a fairly non-critical area or just not that fun to talk about since you never see it?

Here are my parts so far: Stag lower, RRA parts kits, Magpul stock (not the carbine styled one but more of a bench rest stock) and an ACE, Magpul grips, a WOA tuned RRA trigger and a Jard. I have one buffer assembly I got off of GB and now need another.

I'm going to put a Jard in the first lower I did for the Beowulf too and might need a different buffer in it as have experienced some issues with ignition and ejection. The 50 upper works fine on the Colt lower so it's not the upper.

So any info on buffers would be greatly appreciated!

Well there is no best for all but here's a list of buffer weights;

carbine 2.9 oz.
H 3.8 oz.
H2 4.6 oz.
rifle 5.2 oz.
9mm 5.5 oz.
H3 5.6 oz.
MGI RRB 7.1 oz.

Now here's what I've learned, the system was designed with a 20" barrel, rifle buffer and spring and a full auto carrier. Now you use a carbine gas system, that runs much higher pressure (app. 26K PSI), a semi carrier and a standard carbine buffer and spring, which btw should measure 10-1/16 to 11-1/4", a rifle spring is 11-3/4 to 13-1/2", and you can see why the carbine system has been called overgassed.

Short answer you want to reduce the force moving the bolt carrier back to where it functions with the weakest ammo you shoot, or use the carbine buffer and let it be overgassed but is utterly reliable. Most try for in between.

I used a 9mm buffer and an extra power buffer spring to make a 223 wssm run with a collapsable stock but it took trying different combos to get it right. With a rifle stock, you have basicly one choice, with a collapsable stock and a carbine gas system I'd start with an H buffer and standard spring. The extra power spring wouldn't let the bolt lock back in a standard .223 load.

For a mil spec tube try G&R tactical, Delton, Bravo company or Denny's guns. Most dealers stock both commercial and mil spec.

Just remember as your post has me confused, rifle buffers and springs go in rifle tubes only if you don't have a collapsable stock your basic rifle tube is what you want. Hope this helps.