What causes buffer damage?

[Wow]

I have a VLTOR A5 buffer system in my AR. I noticed these divots on the buffer along the outside. I am guessing the buffer retaining pin did it, but how?

And how do I fix it. What part do I need to replace.

https://i.imgur.com/p1d9WkR.png

[trauma]

Check for burrs on the carrier, doesn't appear that its the case but worth a look.

[jschmitt08]

The bolt carrier itself may be out of spec - too short. I had that issue with one particular BCG in both a carbine and A5 extension. The BCG was replaced by the company…and it was a well known manufacturer.

[prepare]

1st inspect the back of the carrier, it should be smooth with no burs.
2nd the carrier should measure 6.67-6.68 in length.
3rd check for a minimum of .030 of buffer standoff- see video
4th if you do not have the minimum buffer clearance, install this offset buffer retainer pin. https://gallowayprecision.com/offset...r-AR-15-rifles

[markm]

Those are on the outer edge. No way the carrier is doing that. Monumentally unlikely that the carrier is too short unless it's some LWRCi garbage.

If there's a lot of rounds on the gun (over 300-500) then there's nothing to fix. The buffer would look chewed up much worse. Looks more like the detent to me.

[MC_Oper8or]

Those are on the outer edge. No way the carrier is doing that. Monumentally unlikely that the carrier is too short unless it's some LWRCi garbage.

If there's a lot of rounds on the gun (over 300-500) then there's nothing to fix. The buffer would look chewed up much worse. Looks more like the detent to me.

This. And it looks like a FCD detent


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[NoveskeFan]

An offset buffer retainer pin might fix your issue.

https://gallowayprecision.com/offset...r-AR-15-rifles

EDIT: I now see it was already posted above

[gesundheit]

Monumentally unlikely that the carrier is too short unless it's some LWRCi garbage.

Cliff notes on what makes LWRCi hardware garbage? Their handguards look cool but I have no experience with running LWRCi.

[Wow]

1st inspect the back of the carrier, it should be smooth with no burs.
2nd the carrier should measure 6.67-6.68 in length.
3rd check for a minimum of .030 of buffer standoff- see video
4th if you do not have the minimum buffer clearance, install this offset buffer retainer pin. https://gallowayprecision.com/offset...r-AR-15-rifles

I measured the gap between the wall of the upper and lower (I think that is what this guy did also but he covered it up with his arm in the video.). I got at 0.032in, there is more space but that it the thickest feeler gauge I have. Carrier back is smooth from what I can tell.

[prepare]

I measured the gap between the wall of the upper and lower (I think that is what this guy did also but he covered it up with his arm in the video.). I got at 0.032in, there is more space but that it the thickest feeler gauge I have. Carrier back is smooth from what I can tell.

When you close the upper and lower together you should be able to see the carrier push the buffer off the buffer retainer.
If it doesn’t that offset buffer retainer should correct the issue.

Sometimes this happens due to a slightly out spec upper or lower. It’s at least common enough that someone designed the offset buffer retainer just for this issue.