View Full Version : Quarters as buffer tube spacer?
Someone mentioned a stack of U.S. quarters as a buffer tube spacer, maybe in jest or derision but I checked and they are about the right size. Is this an acceptable kludge to use a carbine buffer and spring in an A5/intermediate receiver extension?
Five_Point_Five_Six
09-05-20, 12:38
Someone mentioned a stack of U.S. quarters as a buffer tube spacer, maybe in jest or derision but I checked and they are about the right size. Is this an acceptable kludge to use a carbine buffer and spring in an A5/intermediate receiver extension?
Why wouldn't you use the correct A5 spring and buffer if you already have the receiver extension? If you're wanting to use a carbine spring and buffer, swap out the receiver extension for the correct one.
Using quarters to build out 3/4" is clown shoes.
militarymoron
09-05-20, 12:39
It'll work; all you're doing is reducing the inside length of the A5 to carbine length. Are you asking in case you don't have the correct spring and buffer available for an A5 tube in an emergency? Just make sure you space it correctly or else your bolt carrier might go too far back and cause damage to the receiver extension. Or, better yet, get the right parts for the job.
If you called Magpul, they'd probably sell you one of the spacers they include with the Gen 2 UBR.
Why wouldn't you use the correct A5 spring and buffer if you already have the receiver extension? If you're wanting to use a carbine spring and buffer, swap out the receiver extension for the correct one.
Or, better yet, get the right parts for the job.
I had just finished replacing the carbine RE with a BCM Intermediate RE when I discovered that the "A5" buffer I bought was not as it should be (https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?225500-V-Seven-quot-Enhanced-A5-buffer-quot-appears-to-have-no-bias-spring). I need to use the carbine spring and buffer until I figure out what to do about that.
It is fairly common for competitors to stack quarters in buffer tube to prevent bolt from cycling far enough to lock back on empty mag.
I’ve seen this with a number of PCC shooters.
Sooo, does it work? Sure it does.
Would anyone be advised to use this expedient/bandaid on a SD weapon? I think not.
Would anyone be advised to use this on a SD weapon? I think not.
Is there a better expedient/bandaid? I'm not pulling off the BCM intermediate RE I just put on.
Yes, there is.
https://www.gandrtactical.com/Colt-9mm-Receiver-Extension-Spacer_p_282.html
https://www.gandrtactical.com/assets/images/SP400211.jpg
Is there a better expedient/bandaid? I'm not pulling off the BCM intermediate RE I just put on.
Yes, there is.
https://www.gandrtactical.com/Colt-9mm-Receiver-Extension-Spacer_p_282.html
https://www.gandrtactical.com/assets/images/SP400211.jpg
That looks like it would leave the spring less compressed than a full diameter spacer. Would this be used with the rifle length spring rather than the carbine spring?
Is there a better expedient/bandaid? I'm not pulling off the BCM intermediate RE I just put on.
It will work long enough for you to get the right parts. For a proof of concept, I cut down and capped a plastic something or other for a sprinkler system to use as a spacer to test the effectiveness of a shorter buffer in a longer RE of a larger caliber AR. The spacer worked just fine (although the experiment was interrupted by extraction issues I've yet to address).
The only concern would if the quarters were to somehow block the vent hole at the back of the RE. I don't think they fit tight enough for that to happen. Pop the quarters in there and measure the stack up carefully. A quarter too many is better than a quarter too few. Then, go shoot. Using quarters for a spacer and shooting is better than not shooting while waiting for parts to come in who knows when
Yes, there is.
https://www.gandrtactical.com/Colt-9mm-Receiver-Extension-Spacer_p_282.html
https://www.gandrtactical.com/assets/images/SP400211.jpg
I don't think it's long enough, especially if you slip the spring over it
ColtSeavers
09-05-20, 20:10
I had just finished replacing the carbine RE with a BCM Intermediate RE when I discovered that the "A5" buffer I bought was not as it should be (https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?225500-V-Seven-quot-Enhanced-A5-buffer-quot-appears-to-have-no-bias-spring). I need to use the carbine spring and buffer until I figure out what to do about that.
Don't be lazy, just change it back while you figure out what to do. :p
Just PM me, I’ll sell you a spare A5H2 buffer.
We’ve done it a lot. We use one in the Shrike/MCR belt fed as a bolt limited so the feed lever cam pin doesn’t hit the receiver too.
Don't be lazy, just change it back while you figure out what to do. :p
I don't have a spare end plate and I really don't see the point as it sounds like quarters will get me by for a couple of weeks, "clown shoes" or not.
In honor of 2020, I recommend you use these quarters...
https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/01/10/PCIN/5cd417e4-93f5-4d04-adce-57b15c684dd4-2020-america-the-beautiful-quarters-coin-national-park-of-american-samoa-proof-reverse.jpg
Just PM me, I’ll sell you a spare A5H2 buffer.
Solid!
Andy
Some of you guys might remember the two quarters trick in the earlier Aero M5's. The bolt was traveling too far back, striking the receiver and eventually shearing the bolt catch. It's been years but I solved it with an Orange Sprinco spring IIRC. I know this issue from the OP is a different but similar.
It's necessary on some setups to prevent carrier key impact in the lower.
You have 3 options, 1) replace parts, 2) machine a thread off the Receiver Extension, 3) use spacers (quarters).
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