Buffer and ejection pattern question

[1986s4]

So I have read with great interest many posts here and elsewhere on buffer weight and ejection pattern. But the more I read the more confused I get so I'll ask my question here for my specific rifle configuration.

So here goes:
My ejection pattern is a consistent 3:00 pattern.
Rifle details:
Colt 14.5 SOCOM barrel
Colt BCG
JP enterprises captured buffer/recoil unit. The standard one which they say is a carbine buffer ? I think I read that somewhere.

The rifle is, to this point, 100% reliable after one year of being built and used. Quality magazines and factory ammo, some steel case but very little. As originally built it had a Geissele super 42 spring and H2 buffer which was also 100% reliable. Upon installation of the JP unit I noticed slightly less recoil and disturbance to the front sight, overall just a little smoother operation. So I do like the JP unit.

So what do you all think? Is my rifle operating in optimal fashion? My goal is durability, reliability and accuracy. So far, so good..

Thanks

[markm]

There's so much aftermarket nonsense out there it's overwhelming. I'd absolutely only ever run a Colt Spring and an H2 buffer or the A5 buffer system for a Colt... which will be gassed correctly.

Ejection pattern isn't the end all diagnostic tool. It can give you an idea of what the gun is doing. I like to get an idea of the sharpness of the recoil impulse as well.

[1986s4]

Thanks markm,
Whenever I get to the range next I'll bring my other lower which is basically the same except with a Colt spring and H2 buffer. I can say without a doubt that the change [for the better] in the recoil characteristics of the JP unit vs. the super 42 spring and H2 was noticed by me when I took the first shots. The Colt spring and H2 will be my final comparison.

[markm]

We love to compare buffer systems. But it sucks cause you have to get off the gun, pop pins, swap lowers, reload, and then try to remember how the previous lower/buffer felt.

[MistWolf]

Buffers do not reduce free recoil. But they can change how recoil feels- softer, sharper and so on. Don't go changing buffers to affect ejection angle. Get your AR set up correctly and let the ejection angle take care of itself. However, if the AR starts consistently ejecting further forward than usual, or ejection angle is erratic, it may be time to replace the extractor spring.

[1986s4]

Buffers do not reduce free recoil. But they can change how recoil feels- softer, sharper and so on. Don't go changing buffers to affect ejection angle. Get your AR set up correctly and let the ejection angle take care of itself. However, if the AR starts consistently ejecting further forward than usual, or ejection angle is erratic, it may be time to replace the extractor spring.

Proper set up is the challenge here, especially with my limited knowledge of the AR. As an iron sight shooter I can say without a doubt that the JP unit showed less front sight disturbance that the Super 42 w/ H2 buffer. I will try the standard spring with H2 before I call it done. Once I have it set then I'm not going to bugger with it other than replacement parts/spares.

Thanks

[ViniVidivici]

Sounds like your gun is fine. I'd leave it alone.

[Dr. Bullseye]

So I have read with great interest many posts here and elsewhere on buffer weight and ejection pattern. But the more I read the more confused I get so I'll ask my question here for my specific rifle configuration.

So here goes:
My ejection pattern is a consistent 3:00 pattern.
Rifle details:
Colt 14.5 SOCOM barrel
Colt BCG
JP enterprises captured buffer/recoil unit. The standard one which they say is a carbine buffer ? I think I read that somewhere.

The rifle is, to this point, 100% reliable after one year of being built and used. Quality magazines and factory ammo, some steel case but very little. As originally built it had a Geissele super 42 spring and H2 buffer which was also 100% reliable. Upon installation of the JP unit I noticed slightly less recoil and disturbance to the front sight, overall just a little smoother operation. So I do like the JP unit.

So what do you all think? Is my rifle operating in optimal fashion? My goal is durability, reliability and accuracy. So far, so good..

Thanks

For me, 3:00 PM is fine. I wouldn't dare touch it if it is running great.

[MistWolf]

For me, 3:00 PM is fine. I wouldn't dare touch it if it is running great.

What if it was ejecting at 3 AM?

1986s4, you have a Colt 14.5" SOCOM barrel which has a .0625" gas port. That is the correct size. All you need to do is run the right buffer (H, H2, A5H2, Rifle) and spring. If running a carbine size buffer (H, H2) that means either a standard carbine spring or Sprinco blue. I don't think the braided G spring (pun intended. Puns should always be intended.) offers any advantage.

[tomme boy]

Get an adjustable gas block or key and problem solved