Buffer Issue

[CoryCop25]

Looking for input on why this buffer is damaged.....

This is an A5 -1 buffer

Rifle Specs:
16' Carbine gas
A5 receiver extension
Vltor rifle spring

The gun runs 100% and eats everything I give it. ZERO malfunctions.
Recoil is VERY light but tosses even PMC ammo into the shell deflector.
My other rifles with heavier buffers basically spit the PMC out and it never hits the shell deflector.

My guess is that this buffer is too light.
There are no other scratches on any other internal parts of the rifle.
Back of the bolt carrier is clean
Receiver extension is clean
buffer retaining pin is clean and free of any dents.....


Untitled by corycop25, on Flickr


Untitled by corycop25, on Flickr

[markm]

That looks an awful lot like the Buffer retainer hole is out of proper position. When the Lower and upper are apart, does the buffer sit forward 1/16" or so like it's supposed to? And as you close the receivers does the back of the carrier push the buffer back and relieve the buffer retainer of any buffer tension?

[CoryCop25]

Rifle in question on the right
Colt on the left
Buffer sits forward on both rifles but rifle in question does not push on buffer when closed.


Untitled by corycop25, on Flickr


Untitled by corycop25, on Flickr

[Clint]

If the buffer is not pushed back upon closing the upper and/or there is a gap between the carrier and the buffer, the retainer is out of spec.

[CoryCop25]

Other than replacing the lower, any ideas on a fix?
It's not a rifle I am going to use for defensive purposes so I'm not overly concerned with it.
The rifle is going to my summer home and will be shot 300-500 rounds a year.
Rifle is crazy accurate

[CoryCop25]

I contacted the manufacturer about the issue.
I was told that about 20 lowers were sold before this issue was found.
They are going to machine me a buffer that will fix the issue and send it to me.
This upper and lower is a matched pair and the upper receiver lugs were drilled while sitting in the receiver so it's not worth replacing the lower.

[waveslayer]

I contacted the manufacturer about the issue.
I was told that about 20 lowers were sold before this issue was found.
They are going to machine me a buffer that will fix the issue and send it to me.
This upper and lower is a matched pair and the upper receiver lugs were drilled while sitting in the receiver so it's not worth replacing the lower.

I had the same issue. It's an easy fix. Just remove the buffer retaining pin and spring. Just remeber that you are playing Jack in the Box every rime you open up your AR. Not a big deal to solve. Or remove it and get a JP silent captured spring as well then you upgraded...

[CoryCop25]

I had the same issue. It's an easy fix. Just remove the buffer retaining pin and spring. Just remeber that you are playing Jack in the Box every rime you open up your AR. Not a big deal to solve. Or remove it and get a JP silent captured spring as well then you upgraded...

It's an A5 buffer so JP is a no go. They are going to machine the edges of a buffer for me so it will touch the carrier and I can keep the pin in.

[waveslayer]

It's an A5 buffer so JP is a no go. They are going to machine the edges of a buffer for me so it will touch the carrier and I can keep the pin in.

Thats nice of them. They sell buffer extender deals on Brownells. It basically adheres to the buffer creating a longer buffer so it contacts the BCG like it should. It's just a plastic washer. The retaining pin is not needed. It's been documented to break off and cause issues with the trigger having that little piece of metal lodged in there. Good luck.

[Robb Jensen]

Back when lowers other than Colt pretty much just sucked 3 gunners used to use the lower without a buffer retainer and spring. This was because the hole was milled in the wrong spot too far forward (not captured well by the receiver extension or too far back making the buffer run into the buffer retainer). I recently removed one for a guys 7.62x39mm AK mag lower for the same reason. It's just makes it harder to take apart the upper and lower because you have to control the buffer which will want to come out of the lower. The buffer retainers only job is to capture the buffer when the upper is removed.