Free space in rifle buffer

[triggerjerk]

Rumor seems to have it that rifle length buffer (for a2 stock) should have 5 weights and whatever spacers. While making a heavier buffer out of a no name, encountered 1 long steel weight, 2 rubber discs, and a plastic spacer inside. Replaced plastic with 2 tungsten and a disc, and rifle seems to run fine, but I can't help but wonder what specs are for free space and it's effect on timing of bolt unlock. Humbly submitted and thanks.

[JediGuy]

https://www.full30.com/watch/MDEyODM...se-what-buffer

[lysander]

Rumor seems to have it that rifle length buffer (for a2 stock) should have 5 weights and whatever spacers. While making a heavier buffer out of a no name, encountered 1 long steel weight, 2 rubber discs, and a plastic spacer inside. Replaced plastic with 2 tungsten and a disc, and rifle seems to run fine, but I can't help but wonder what specs are for free space and it's effect on timing of bolt unlock. Humbly submitted and thanks.

The rifle buffer has a hole 5.323 +/- .005" deep

The buffer weights are 0.613 +/- .003" long

The disc is 0.071 +/- .005" thick

The spacer is 1.300 +/- .005" long

The bumper intrudes into the buffer .473 +/- .005"

There are 5 buffer weights, 5 discs, 1 spacer, and one bumper

Minimum space = 0.075"
Maximum space = 0.185"

[26 Inf]

The spacer is 1.300 +/- .005" long

I ordered an extra rifle buffer (don't remember vendor) to build an R7 heavy buffer. It didn't have the aluminum spacer, instead the bore of the buffer was shorter, and the base of the buffer 'included' the spacer, everything else was the same as far as number of buffer weights, discs (maybe one less - IDK) and bumper.

Since the R7 involves replacing the aluminum spacer with two additional weights, this was a no go for the project.

Is this rare, or is it common practice for aftermarket rifle buffers to eliminate the spacer?

[triggerjerk]

Again, rifle ran fine with my ho made heavy buffer, but was apprehensive about free space since I didn't check. Have a standard Noveske buffer/ez tune tube coming cause I don't like the heavy mass when shooting. Will check old buffer after replacement.

Mr. Lysander, curious: same 075-185 spec for buffers for carbine length extensions?

Thx all...

[lysander]

I ordered an extra rifle buffer (don't remember vendor) to build an R7 heavy buffer. It didn't have the aluminum spacer, instead the bore of the buffer was shorter, and the base of the buffer 'included' the spacer, everything else was the same as far as number of buffer weights, discs (maybe one less - IDK) and bumper.

Since the R7 involves replacing the aluminum spacer with two additional weights, this was a no go for the project.

Is this rare, or is it common practice for aftermarket rifle buffers to eliminate the spacer?

I have no idea what changes the after-market does to the original Colt designed buffer, but the spacer is aluminum with a hole through it so elimination is it probably adds weight.

That change might effect full-auto operation, but probably a wash for semi-only.

[lysander]

Again, rifle ran fine with my ho made heavy buffer, but was apprehensive about free space since I didn't check. Have a standard Noveske buffer/ez tune tube coming cause I don't like the heavy mass when shooting. Will check old buffer after replacement.

Mr. Lysander, curious: same 075-185 spec for buffers for carbine length extensions?

Thx all...

Somewhere around that length, I don't have the tolerances on a carbine buffer.

[triggerjerk]

Understand. Thanks, again.