Buffer options for Colt 9mm?

[Mike9250]

What is the best way to go for a stock 16" Colt 9mm? Mine functions fine, but doesn't have a spacer currently. I don't want to worry about broken bolt catches, so I was going to just add a spacer. That got me reading about various spring and buffer combos, and now my head is spinning. Some of the options I was considering:

Stock spring / buffer with spacer added
Stock buffer with XP spring
VLTOR A5 buffer (H3 or H4) with stock spring
VLTOR A5 H2 with XP spring
Spike's ST-9X and stock spring
9mm Q buffer
?

Thanks for any opinions

[Clint]

The main thing is to limit bolt travel to 1/4" past the bolt catch.

This ends up about 3/4" less stroke than standard.

A heavy buffer is also generally useful.

This two things are probably best accomplished with an A5 buffer.

[Mike9250]

Thanks. What weight buffer do you think would be best for my set-up? I have a spare A5 H2, which is close in weight to stock. Or I could buy an H3 or H4. I'm shooting standard pressure ammo un-suppressed, so I'm thinking I don't need anything too heavy.

The main thing is to limit bolt travel to 1/4" past the bolt catch.

This ends up about 3/4" less stroke than standard.

A heavy buffer is also generally useful.

This two things are probably best accomplished with an A5 buffer.

[GiddyHitch]

6-7 quarters in your buffer tube work as a pretty good spacer as well. Certainly cheaper than any of the alternatives and you can easily tune the length to your particular setup.

[Mike9250]

Would the Spike's ST-9x buffer (8.5oz) work in my otherwise stock 16" Colt? For $50 I was thinking about giving it a try. I'm just wondering if it was designed more for suppressed usage.

[TheChunkNorris]

Would the Spike's ST-9x buffer (8.5oz) work in my otherwise stock 16" Colt? For $50 I was thinking about giving it a try. I'm just wondering if it was designed more for suppressed usage.

Think that buffer set up would work fine... the buffer spring makes or brakes it at that point. I'm running a Spikes ST-9x with a Wolff SMG Spring and for it's run well with:

9" 3-Lug barrel w/Ramped Spikes Bolt Suppressed and Unsuppressed
5" 3-Lug barrel w/Ramped Spikes Bolt Suppressed and Unsuppressed
16" Spikes w/Ramped Spikes Bolt Unsuppressed
16" OEM Colt upper Unsuppressed

I was helping some random people at the range with my lower. Another set up I've been looking at is some of JP's new stuff:

http://jprifles.com/buy.php?item=JPBC-9MM-SCS

Here's their 9mm Carbine buffer:

http://jprifles.com/buy.php?item=RR9MM%200107

[Mike9250]

Thanks. Can I use the ST-9X with my stock buffer spring, or would I need to switch to the Wolff XP?

[TheChunkNorris]

Thanks. Can I use the ST-9X with my stock buffer spring, or would I need to switch to the Wolff XP?

I'm not 100% sure but I think you can with a regular carbine spring... I run mine suppressed 90% of the time so I went with the Wolff SMG XP spring for my particular set up.

[BillBond]

A Spikes ST-9X and a Wolff spring is the way to go. Aim Surplus has the buffer in stock.

The Q buffer from Slash also works well, but IMO it is not worth the extra cost.


ETA: The minimum thing you need to do is add a spacer, or even a stack of quarters.
As a side note the new Colts come with a spacer installed.

The longer & heavier buffer and/or the heavier spring just make it better.


.

[Mike9250]

Ordered the ST-9X. I already have an XP spring that I'm not using, so I'll throw that in there as well. Thanks for all the help