Which buffer/spring would you suggest. [Archive]

Derek33

10-22-19, 18:34

I built an upper with a 13.7” Rainier Arms Rock Creek .223 Wylde Barrel. Carbine gas system and .750 gas block seat.

What buffer/ spring would you suggest to mitigate some of the recoil?

I know ammo often plays a role in this decision. I don’t have a “go to” or preference. Usually just 55 or 62 grain I suppose.

Thank you!

Derek

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Walker_Texasranger

10-22-19, 19:21

A5. If you already have a carbine buffer tube on it then an H buffer should be good.

just a scout

10-22-19, 19:22

I’ve had great luck with an H3 and Springco blue spring.

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MegademiC

10-22-19, 20:16

Really depends on the gas port.
I would start with a springco blue spring and an h2.
Might want to go with an carbine or h3 depending on gas port size and what ammo you use.

GSMullins

10-22-19, 21:10

Really depends on the gas port.
I would start with a springco blue spring and an h2.
Might want to go with an carbine or h3 depending on gas port size and what ammo you use.

Black Rifle Tactical's "Custom Tune Gas Port" could have saved me a lot of the money I spent on springs and buffers, had they been around when I began my odyssey to fine-tune AR ejection/cycling....

Derek33

10-23-19, 05:45

Follow up question - why are the a5 buffer systems so hard to find!? Everywhere is sold out

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JediGuy

10-23-19, 05:57

People like them.

You can find good deals regularly at PrimaryArms.com, though the BCM kit they sell includes an A5H0 buffet.

Personally, I just got Vulcan (blemished) receiver extensions directly from VLTOR, VLTOR A5H2 buffers from OpticsPlnet.com, and rifle springs from BCM.

me2hootyhoo

10-23-19, 06:12

Everyone over at P&S say an H3 is too much for any gun. Heavy buffer inflict wear on gas rings. I’m no expert, just trusting the folks that know more than I do. Don’t kill the messenger......

1168

10-23-19, 06:33

I think you’re going to get alot of advice from people saying what they use with their guns, without having the same barrel as you. Additionally, the buffer and spring is a poor place to try to mitigate recoil, though it clearly has an effect, however small.

I suggest shooting it with whatever you have on hand, if you have another lower, or already have a buffer and spring. Then go from there, if you feel that it needs something different. Alternatively, you can buy an EZ Tune gas tube from BRT spec’d for whatever ammo, buffer, and spring you choose, and it’ll choke down the gas a bit. In which case, I would suggest setting it up for a regular carbine spring or Sprinco White and an H2. Or A5H0 with a regular rifle spring.

Everyone over at P&S say an H3 is too much for any gun. Heavy buffer inflict wear on gas rings. I’m no expert, just trusting the folks that know more than I do. Don’t kill the messenger......

Interesting. H3 is about the same weight as A5H2, slightly heavier than Rifle.

Walker_Texasranger

10-23-19, 06:36

Follow up question - why are the a5 buffer systems so hard to find!? Everywhere is sold out

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I just got one. But it was on a complete BCM lower from Brownells. If willing or needing a complete lower they are always available.

titsonritz

10-23-19, 12:52

Follow up question - why are the a5 buffer systems so hard to find!? Everywhere is sold out

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I don't know why everyone keeps saying that, it just take a little patience. There are a couple of threads on this subject.

Currently Midway has Vltor tubes (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1003409554?pid=348370) on sale and they are in stock, Magpul also has tubes (https://www.magpul.com/products/magpul-enhanced-receiver-extension-sr25-m110) available. Forward Controls (https://www.forwardcontrolsdesign.com/Vltor-A5-Buffer_p_75.html) is a good source for buffers and Green springs (https://www.forwardcontrolsdesign.com/CRK-A5-Carbine-Receiver-extension-Kit-Vltor-A5-_p_175.html), if out of springs Sprinco (https://www.sprinco.com/tactical.html) will have them. SOLGW (https://sonsoflibertygw.com/green-spring-rifle-a5-system/) is pretty good about having A5 stuff too.

themonk

10-23-19, 13:11

I don't know why everyone keeps saying that, it just take a little patience. There are a couple of threads on this subject.

Currently Midway has Vltor tubes (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1003409554?pid=348370) on sale and they are in stock, Magpul also has tubes (https://www.magpul.com/products/magpul-enhanced-receiver-extension-sr25-m110) available. Forward Controls (https://www.forwardcontrolsdesign.com/Vltor-A5-Buffer_p_75.html) is a good source for buffers and Green springs (https://www.forwardcontrolsdesign.com/CRK-A5-Carbine-Receiver-extension-Kit-Vltor-A5-_p_175.html), if out of springs Sprinco (https://www.sprinco.com/tactical.html) will have them. SOLGW (https://sonsoflibertygw.com/green-spring-rifle-a5-system/) is pretty good about having A5 stuff too.

You can also get a BCM kit from Primary arms - https://www.primaryarms.com/bravo-company-manufacturing-a5-buffer-system-for-ar-15

Clint

10-23-19, 20:28

Great advice here.

I suggest shooting it with whatever you have on hand, if you have another lower, or already have a buffer and spring. Then go from there, if you feel that it needs something different. Alternatively, you can buy an EZ Tune gas tube from BRT spec’d for whatever ammo, buffer, and spring you choose, and it’ll choke down the gas a bit. In which case, I would suggest setting it up for a regular carbine spring or Sprinco White and an H2. Or A5H0 with a regular rifle spring.

Do you already have a working lower / buffer?

Has this been test fired already?

Does recoil seem excessive?

Any ideas what size the gas port is?

I built an upper with a 13.7” Rainier Arms Rock Creek .223 Wylde Barrel. Carbine gas system and .750 gas block seat.

What buffer/ spring would you suggest to mitigate some of the recoil?

MontanaMarine

10-23-19, 21:22

I've got a 14.7" mid-gas. I'm using an H3.

Main reason I went to H3 was not recoil, but extractor was jumping the rim. H3 settled it right down, and smoothed out the 'thump' of the buffer hitting the back of the extension.

Clint

10-23-19, 21:50

Sounds like a weak extractor spring with symptoms now masked by the heavy buffer.
Probably worth looking at a replacement/upgrade extractor spring to eliminate any potential problems in the future.
Think of it as cheap insurance.

I've got a 14.7" mid-gas. I'm using an H3.

Main reason I went to H3 was not recoil, but extractor was jumping the rim. H3 settled it right down, and smoothed out the 'thump' of the buffer hitting the back of the extension.

MontanaMarine

10-23-19, 22:46

I did plus-up the extractor and add a o-ring at the same time I put in the H3.

She runs like a champ now.

The extractor seemed to be getting a good grip initially, it was practically ripping the rim off the case.

Here's a pic of the spent brass from the carbine standard buffer on the right, and the same upper using a rifle lower on the left. When I switched to the H3 in the carbine, the brass looked the same as the rifle lower brass on the left.

https://i.imgur.com/BDu4m6n.jpg

Here it is. And nobody needs to advise me that....."your gun sucks....and you're holding wrong"......grin

https://i.imgur.com/HrEFTAl.jpg

1986s4

10-24-19, 08:29

I'm not going to give anyone here any advice as my experience is too shallow other than to say read as much as possible and go with a proven performer. What I decided on to go with my Colt SOCOM 14.5 barrel was a Geissele super 42 spring with H2 buffer. Once I had about 500 rounds down range it cycled the Wolf steel case just fine. Even before that there were only two stoppages with Wolf. The gas rings on the Colt BCG seem very tight.

RVTMaverick

10-24-19, 09:02

Hey MontanaMarine,
It's cool you got it working for you but >I< have to wonder, IF it would have be much better to just Slowing down the Bolt speed/extraction by tuning down the gas flow via >BRT CustomTUNE Gas Ports<or an adjustable gasblock, as it seems to me it's Over Gassed to be Ripping off the Rim!

http://www.blackrivertactical.com/concrete5/

Peace Jeff

I did plus-up the extractor and add a o-ring at the same time I put in the H3.

She runs like a champ now.

The extractor seemed to be getting a good grip initially, it was practically ripping the rim off the case.

Here's a pic of the spent brass from the carbine standard buffer on the right, and the same upper using a rifle lower on the left. When I switched to the H3 in the carbine, the brass looked the same as the rifle lower brass on the left.

https://i.imgur.com/BDu4m6n.jpg

Here it is. And nobody needs to advise me that....."your gun sucks....and you're holding wrong"......grin

https://i.imgur.com/HrEFTAl.jpg

1168

10-24-19, 09:41

MontanaMarine

10-24-19, 11:32

Hey MontanaMarine,
It's cool you got it working for you but >I< have to wonder, IF it would have be much better to just Slowing down the Bolt speed/extraction by tuning down the gas flow via >BRT CustomTUNE Gas Ports<or an adjustable gasblock, as it seems to me it's Over Gassed to be Ripping off the Rim!

http://www.blackrivertactical.com/concrete5/

Peace Jeff

It's possible. I believe they port these things (this is a FN CHF barrel from PSA) for the lowest common denominator regarding ammo. I tend to shoot mostly Federal, PMC, Magtech, IMI....so on the warmer end of the spectrum. Then again, in our winter temps, a little extra gas is not a bad thing.

I try to keep things relatively simple, and plan to leave this as is, even if it's over-gassed somewhat. I've got it running relatively well-behaved.....grin