Help me understand buffers

[Bama Tactical]

I am putting together my first build (16" carbine). I read about buffers, H buffers, etc.... But I do not understand the difference or how to know which to use.

Thanks in advance.

[markm]

I've never heard of anyone recommending the Standard Carbine buffer. For a 16 inch carbine, and H buffer would be perfect.

[Robb Jensen]

16" midlength = CAR buffer
16" carbine length = H buffer

[Dave L.]

16" midlength = CAR buffer
16" carbine length = H buffer

Using a FA carrier correct?

[Robb Jensen]

Using a FA carrier correct?

You should run a M16 carrier whenever possible.

[R1pper]

Perfect timing for this thread to come up. Is a FA carrier considered a part that would make a weapon FA (I know I would need a different LPK to make it select fire). I ask this b/c the People Republic of Massachussetts is really strict on what you can and cant have , im pretty sure you can not have any componet that would mek the weapon selct fire without a MG lisence. Also what are the advantages of having a FA carrier?

[RD62]

16" midlength = CAR buffer
16" carbine length = H buffer

GotM4,

I am running the H2 buffer that came in my kit to convert my ban telestock to a post ban that I bought from ADCO when the ban sunset. It's in my RRA middy and thus far hasn't given me any problems with WWB, American Eagle, Federal XM193, Black Hills, etc. I'm of the opinion that if it ain't broke don't fix it, but do you feel I'd gain anything by using the CAR buffer in my Middy as you suggest above, or feel I am loosing anything by running the H2? I'm curious to see what you have to say.

-RD62

[Robb Jensen]

GotM4,

I am running the H2 buffer that came in my kit to convert my ban telestock to a post ban that I bought from ADCO when the ban sunset. It's in my RRA middy and thus far hasn't given me any problems with WWB, American Eagle, Federal XM193, Black Hills, etc. I'm of the opinion that if it ain't broke don't fix it, but do you feel I'd gain anything by using the CAR buffer in my Middy as you suggest above, or feel I am loosing anything by running the H2? I'm curious to see what you have to say.

-RD62

A H2 buffer on a midlength won't hurt anything but could make it short stroke (sounds like yours is running fine) it may get a little sluggish when dirty or dry or with weak ammo. Ideally you should run a CAR buffer as the 2" longer gas system doesn't need the reduced bolt velocity that the H2 provides. If it runs leave it in there and keep it well oiled. You also won't need a Crane 0-ring on the extractor spring.

[Mark/MO]

I'm sure this is going to be a stupid question but how do you determine what buffer you have? I don't notice any markings on mine. Are different ones marked somehow or is it strictly a weight thing?

[Robb Jensen]

I'm sure this is going to be a stupid question but how do you determine what buffer you have? I don't notice any markings on mine. Are different ones marked somehow or is it strictly a weight thing?

CAR aren't marked and weigh 2.9oz
H have a 'H' stamped into them on the face of the buffer and weigh 3.8oz
H2 have 'H2' stamped into them on the face of the buffer and weigh 4.57oz
H3 have 'H' and some are unmarked and weigh 5.6oz

[Dave L.]

I have been using an H2 in a car-length gas system for about 1,000 rounds and haven't had a problem yet...even using some really cheap ammo.

[SSGN_Doc]

This picture was posted by Randall of AR15barrels.com at one time on the web. It gives a pretty good representation of the differences in construction.

http://i14.tinypic.com/6qe2g0m.jpg

As to understanding the buffer, just think of it in this way:

If the buffer is heavier, the bullet has travelled farther down the barrel before the bolt unlocks. This means lower pressure in the chamber at the time of unlocking. With lower chamber pressure at unlocking it means lower pressure for extraction, and less work for the extractor to free the fired case from the chamber. Teh heavier buffer also means that there is more inertia against the bolt and carrier when it returns to battery, which means it is more likely to go all the way home as it chambers the next round.

I have run a 9mm (H3) buffer in one of my carbines for a while now. The reasoning for me is because of the carbine length gas system. The gas port is closer to the chamber, and there is more barrel beyond the gas port as well. This means high pressure for a longer period of time, so I wanted the heaviest buffer possible. If you look at the weights it is almost the same weight as a standard rifle buffer. I figured this could not be a bad thing. So far it has been great. It also seems to have smoothed out the cycling a bit. I think this is because it spreads the recoil impulse over a longer period of time so it does not seem as abrupt. Not that a .225/5.56 has a lot of recoil, but it just makes it different.

[pictaker]

GotM4 Wrote:
You should run a M16 carrier whenever possible.

What is the advantage of a F/A carrier vs a standard carrier.

[uranus]

Perfect timing for this thread to come up. Is a FA carrier considered a part that would make a weapon FA (I know I would need a different LPK to make it select fire). I ask this b/c the People Republic of Massachussetts is really strict on what you can and cant have , im pretty sure you can not have any componet that would mek the weapon selct fire without a MG lisence. Also what are the advantages of having a FA carrier?

FA carrier is O.K. in MA. The FA carrier does not make an AR a select-fireable weapon.

MA just follows Fed law on this type of issue, and when FRB has a question, they contact BATF.

[chadbag]

FA carrier is O.K. in MA. The FA carrier does not make an AR a select-fireable weapon.

MA just follows Fed law on this type of issue, and when FRB has a question, they contact BATF.

I know this comes up all the time but does anyone have an actual BATF letter stating that the FA carrier is OK? I saw a an BATF "explanation" stating that ANY M16 part would be considered an unregistered machine gun and it did not seem to exclude the carrier. This was on the ATF website I believe.

Thanks
Chad