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I had a customer ask at a store I work at whether or not the buffer tube had to be changed when switching between a regular 16" AR and an SBR? Do they need to be swapped or will it work with both uppers? He had an LMT which had a heavier buffer if that makes any difference as well.
Where do you work? Do you sell Pmags cheap? lol
A carbine or rifle buffer system will work with whatever DI upper. How it will run is another question. With a SBR you usually want to increase buffer weight and/or run a stiffer spring because they're typically over gassed (VLTOR A5 or H3 w/ blue springco).
Buffer tubes are either commercial or milspec "a heavy buffer tube" doesn't exist. Carbine buffers are either not marked -which means they are carbine weight, or are marked H1, H2, or H3 and increase in weight respectively. A heavier buffer slows down the BCG during cycling more than a lighter one, you need to find the right balance with whatever setup your running. Most people want a smooth running setup, so you basically want to use the heaviest buffer than will run reliably (not short stroke, lock to rear, and do that consistently with the gun dirty as well as clean/lubed).
Thank you for the info. Sounds like some research needs to be done on his part in order to find the best weight for his set up. Good to know that various between each particular rifle as well. My apologies though, don't know why I put buffer tube. I meant heavier buffer. Thanks again for the info though, will come in handy to know there is no simple answer about what will and will not work for future reference.
If you want to optimize the set up it's usually best to know manufacturer, barrel length, shooting suppressed or unsuppressed, ammo, etc.... this allows customization.