Question about a "buffer"

SimpleMan

SimpleMan

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So I've bought a "complete" lower that is equipped with a "standard carbine buffer". I then bought a "complete" upper with a 20" barrel labeled as rifle length. Do I need to change out the buffer and/or spring? I plan to use it as a longish range ar and coyote gun. I actually bought two of these lowers and have an 18" rifle length upper on the way as well, (please don't tell her).

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-magpul-acs-l-ept-lower-black-516444905.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...ele-modular-m-lok-no-bcg-or-ch-516445808.html

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...le-length-15-m-lok-upper-w-out-bcg-or-ch.html
 
Both rifle length gas systems yes? Am I reading that right?
I love me some rifle length. Muddy has a carbine/16" with a rifle length block on it. Shoots great and I know all he's got is that standard..what is that..H2 buffer?
I run a hydraulic buffer in mine. I'm sold. I won't go back to a mechanical buffer.
 
Friday said:
I run a hydraulic buffer in mine. I'm sold. I won't go back to a mechanical buffer.
Click to expand...

I'm gonna google hydraulic buffer, because I've never heard of such. Can you say what makes it better than mechanical? Thanks.
 
^^ pretty much.
On my rifle it eliminated buffer spring noise too. Not that I ever really cared...
The selling points are it softens the recoil, and allows faster follow up shots. I can say that for the most part it does do that, especially with the recoil.
The rifle still functions 100% no matter how hard or fast I pull the trigger.
No special spring needed. I used the stock H2 spring that came in the rifle.

They're supposed to be great with full auto. Can't myself say about that.
Downsides are that it can leak, or get slow in cold weather. I've never experienced either of those problems in at least 2000 rounds.
If you count ounces, it adds a few as it's a bit heavier than a standard buffer.
They're pricey compared to most regulars buffers.

It did make the gun 'easier' to shoot. The difference between the hydraulic and mechanical is quite noticeable.
 
Friday said:
^^ pretty much.
On my rifle it eliminated buffer spring noise too. Not that I ever really cared...
The selling points are it softens the recoil, and allows faster follow up shots. I can say that for the most part it does do that, especially with the recoil.
The rifle still functions 100% no matter how hard or fast I pull the trigger.
No special spring needed. I used the stock H2 spring that came in the rifle.

They're supposed to be great with full auto. Can't myself say about that.
Downsides are that it can leak, or get slow in cold weather. I've never experienced either of those problems in at least 2000 rounds.
If you count ounces, it adds a few as it's a bit heavier than a standard buffer.
They're pricey compared to most regulars buffers.

It did make the gun 'easier' to shoot. The difference between the hydraulic and mechanical is quite noticeable.
Click to expand...

The key is the way a hydro helps in the unlock process.

During step 5 the hydro dampers the gas push on the gas chamber in the bolt carrier. This single action slows the RPM by 150 to 250 in a full auto.

For a Semi-auto the affect is the same but it's more of a softer recoil then a snappy one. If you take the softness of .223, add a rifle gas makes it softer, and a hydro adds 5-8% more kitty cat feeling to it.

Fluffy and shit.

John
 
Well, I must say this has been a very educating question. I am a mechanical guy, but I've never given a lot of thought to my AR's, other than point and feed. So the buffer is as the shock to the wheel? Are there advantages or disadvantages to heavier or lighter buffers or springs? I would think temperature could have a variance with a hydraulic buffer, but I'm not likely to be operating in Ecuador and then the North Pole.
 
Last edited:
SimpleMan said:
Well, I must say this has been a very educating question. I am a mechanical guy, but I've never given a lot of thought to my AR's, other than point and feed. So the buffer is as the shock to the wheel? Are there advantages or disadvantages to heavier or lighter buffers or springs? I would think temperature could have a variance with a hydraulic buffer, but I'm not likely to be operating in Ecuador and then the North Pole.
Click to expand...

Read my article:

https://www.replacingluck.net/single-post/2017/03/04/Understanding-AR-15-Malfunctions

This will help your understanding
 
To help muddy the water, and for the sake those who are unfamiliar with mods to competition ARs, who may find it interesting:

Here's an 18" rifle gas with a carbine length tube on the back, that some may have seen before.

It has a small plastic 1 ounce buffer in it with a 10% reduced power buffer spring along with a super lightweight BCG. So its a low mass system.

Because it is all so lightweight, generally the gun would be way overgassed (more gas than needed to cycle gun), and this stuff would all get beat up pretty good, and brass would be ejecting in front of you.
But with the addition of adjustable gas (either at the gas block, or at the carrier key) you can start cutting the gas until you hit that sweet spot for cycling.
This eliminates a lot of the mass moving back and forth and allows the gun to shoot very flat, making pairs and following shots faster and whatnot and what have
you, and you can get the gas perfect for your ammo/ejection.

IMG_1075.JPG

There are many different choices and systems for these guns. I think that is why I like them so much. Fun to dicker with and experiment a little getting a feel you like.
 

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Adjustable gas block and low mass buffer/BCG are things on my list to try out.

Too many toys, not enough time/money. :(
 
Toprudder said:
Adjustable gas block and low mass buffer/BCG are things on my list to try out.

Too many toys, not enough time/money. :(
Click to expand...
Same here - I have no logical reason to get one - other then I want to play with it. I have the parts in my cart just waiting to see if July 4th sales bring anything good.
 
Geerubb said:
Same here - I have no logical reason to get one - other then I want to play with it. I have the parts in my cart just waiting to see if July 4th sales bring anything good.
Click to expand...

Aren't you always at DPRC? You can try mine out anytime.

Honestly you can get a basic carbine to shoot aobut as well as you need with just a muzzle brake. But it's fun to try stuff and this is certainly worth a try and feels very different, imo.
 
NKD said:
Aren't you always at DPRC? You can try mine out anytime.

Honestly you can get a basic carbine to shoot aobut as well as you need with just a muzzle brake. But it's fun to try stuff and this is certainly worth a try and feels very different, imo.
Click to expand...
I am - I'd love to take you up on that. I'm usually out there every Sunday afternoon. Look for the blue f150.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
 
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