View Full Version : What causes buffer damage?
I have a VLTOR A5 buffer system in my AR. I noticed these divots on the buffer along the outside. I am guessing the buffer retaining pin did it, but how?
And how do I fix it. What part do I need to replace.
https://i.imgur.com/p1d9WkR.png
https://i.imgur.com/p1d9WkR.png
Check for burrs on the carrier, doesn't appear that its the case but worth a look.
jschmitt08
05-05-22, 01:52
The bolt carrier itself may be out of spec - too short. I had that issue with one particular BCG in both a carbine and A5 extension. The BCG was replaced by the company…and it was a well known manufacturer.
1st inspect the back of the carrier, it should be smooth with no burs.
2nd the carrier should measure 6.67-6.68 in length.
3rd check for a minimum of .030 of buffer standoff- see video
https://youtu.be/1cnOAWWAi1c
4th if you do not have the minimum buffer clearance, install this offset buffer retainer pin. https://gallowayprecision.com/offset-buffer-retainer-for-AR-15-rifles
Those are on the outer edge. No way the carrier is doing that. Monumentally unlikely that the carrier is too short unless it's some LWRCi garbage.
If there's a lot of rounds on the gun (over 300-500) then there's nothing to fix. The buffer would look chewed up much worse. Looks more like the detent to me.
MC_Oper8or
05-05-22, 09:21
Those are on the outer edge. No way the carrier is doing that. Monumentally unlikely that the carrier is too short unless it's some LWRCi garbage.
If there's a lot of rounds on the gun (over 300-500) then there's nothing to fix. The buffer would look chewed up much worse. Looks more like the detent to me.
This. And it looks like a FCD detent
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NoveskeFan
05-05-22, 09:56
An offset buffer retainer pin might fix your issue.
https://gallowayprecision.com/offset-buffer-retainer-for-AR-15-rifles
EDIT: I now see it was already posted above :jester:
It’s not a problem until a problem. Shoot the piss out of it.
Unusual that the buffer retainer is in the white. But yeah... that minute amount of denting could simply be from installing the buffer into the RE and it hitting the detent.
1st inspect the back of the carrier, it should be smooth with no burs.
2nd the carrier should measure 6.67-6.68 in length.
3rd check for a minimum of .030 of buffer standoff- see video
https://youtu.be/1cnOAWWAi1c
4th if you do not have the minimum buffer clearance, install this offset buffer retainer pin. https://gallowayprecision.com/offset-buffer-retainer-for-AR-15-rifles
I measured the gap between the wall of the upper and lower (I think that is what this guy did also but he covered it up with his arm in the video.). I got at 0.032in, there is more space but that it the thickest feeler gauge I have. Carrier back is smooth from what I can tell.
I measured the gap between the wall of the upper and lower (I think that is what this guy did also but he covered it up with his arm in the video.). I got at 0.032in, there is more space but that it the thickest feeler gauge I have. Carrier back is smooth from what I can tell.
When you close the upper and lower together you should be able to see the carrier push the buffer off the buffer retainer.
If it doesn’t that offset buffer retainer should correct the issue.
Sometimes this happens due to a slightly out spec upper or lower. It’s at least common enough that someone designed the offset buffer retainer just for this issue.
Bad BC, detent, and buffer interaction.
Looks like buffer is impacting detent, dimples around outer circumference. Shouldn't be happening.
Buffer should contact detent only when the gun is open. When upper and lower are closed, BC tail contacts buffer face and pushes it off buffer. Take a known-good and do this slowly, it's visible.
BC tail is smaller circumference than the buffer, an even circle of wear/polish inside of the outer edge is normal. Burrs on the tail chew a ring of uneven surface on buffer face, not polish it.
Swap in other buffers and BCs to see which the problem follows. If possible, gauge OAL of each.
Gap looks good. I think the divots must've already been on the buffer when I swapped uppers.
https://i.imgur.com/pHcpiOx.png
https://i.imgur.com/pHcpiOx.png
Given that there are only one or two of them, I'd say it is from installing the buffer.
If it was because the upper or BCG we're out of spec, there would be a dent for every round you ever shot in that thing.
titsonritz
05-05-22, 12:10
Unusual that the buffer retainer is in the white. But yeah... that minute amount of denting could simply be from installing the buffer into the RE and it hitting the detent.
From the FCD wed site...
RBF (Reinforced Buffer retainer, Forward Controls) is a strengthened AR buffer retainer machined with Swiss machines from 17-4 stainless steel bar stock, and heat treated to H900 hardness.
titsonritz
05-05-22, 12:12
Given that there are only one or two of them, I'd say it is from installing the buffer.
If it was because the upper or BCG we're out of spec, there would be a dent for every round you ever shot in that thing.
This is what I was thinking, it would be chewed up all around the perimeter edge of the buffer.
Given that there are only one or two of them, I'd say it is from installing the buffer.
If it was because the upper or BCG we're out of spec, there would be a dent for every round you ever shot in that thing.
Exactly.
From the FCD wed site...
RBF (Reinforced Buffer retainer, Forward Controls) is a strengthened AR buffer retainer machined with Swiss machines from 17-4 stainless steel bar stock, and heat treated to H900 hardness.
Good God. The Buffer retainer just holds the buffer. There's no reason to aftermarket that part. We are reaching DEEP to figure out dumb reasons to replace shit on the AR.
Good God. The Buffer retainer just holds the buffer. There's no reason to aftermarket that part. We are reaching DEEP to figure out dumb reasons to replace shit on the AR.
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I can't help but wonder if you are not just butt-hurt because your grip screw wasn't machined on Swiss machines. :cool:
One More Time
05-05-22, 17:31
When the pin hole is off there is no doubt after a few rounds.
My Law folder is a pin eater and needs an offset one.
https://i.imgur.com/9MR3m24l.png
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I can't help but wonder if you are not just butt-hurt because your grip screw wasn't machined on Swiss machines. :cool:
Yes. I didn't know and bought a regular one.
When the pin hole is off there is no doubt after a few rounds.
My Law folder is a pin eater and needs an offset one.
https://i.imgur.com/9MR3m24l.png
This can be because you need a spacer that goes on the end of the BCG extender. Ping Law Tactical and they will send a few out to you for free.
gesundheit
05-16-22, 21:21
Monumentally unlikely that the carrier is too short unless it's some LWRCi garbage.
Cliff notes on what makes LWRCi hardware garbage? Their handguards look cool but I have no experience with running LWRCi.
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