Buffer and Spring question

[pklin1297]

Hello all,

I received my Mega upper and DROSed my Mega lower for my first AR15 build; very excited! I have also purchased a lower parts kit from Bushmaster and will be installing that when my Mega lower arrives... I have a question regarding the Buffer and Spring I was wondering if I may get some help on...
I plan to run a 16" mid-length gas system barrel on my first AR, and I will be using the Magpul CTR carbine length stock. To keep it simple I was going to purchase the Carbine receiver extension tube, and the Buffer and Spring from Magpul as well. My questions is, what is the purpose of having a "Heavy" Buffer? I have seen anywhere from standard weight buffers to "H3" weight buffers and I was just wondering what the added weight is for, and if it is actually needed?
Thank you.

Peter

[TMC]

Heavy buffers are typically for target rifles or some have been used in full auto guns to slow them down.

Keep it simple, use a standard Carbine buffer in a carbine tube. The buffers are calibrated for the lenght of the buffer tube, not the barrel lenght.

Heavy components have been talked about as helping to control or soften recoil, while this may be partially true you need to remember the parts move in both directions. As the bolt cycles rearward it may move slower and soften recoil slightly but it will have to come back to battery and when it does there will be more mass moving forward and when it hits home it will move the gun.

[xenophobe]

Heavier buffers will slow down the rate of fire (in consideration to full auto) and will absorb more of the felt recoil, and the heaviest buffers may also cause failure to feed problems with some rifles and civilian spec. .223 loads.

For a semi-auto shooter, a carbine with a standard buffer will feel like it has more 'kick' than one with a Heavy "H" marked buffer. There are also H2 and H3 buffers, as well as the 9mm which is the heaviest of them.

For most shooters using off the shelf .223 loads like WWB, FAE, and stuff like that might have problems cycling a H2 or H3 buffer, a standard or heavy buffer should work fine.

If you're only shooting military spec 5.56 ammo, a H2 or H3 buffer may work just fine in your rifle as well.

Then there are other alternatives, the MGI hydraulic buffer, the Endine, etc... both should work with commercial .223 loads.

It's a lot of trial and effort to get the heavier buffers to work with certain rifles sometimes. You may need to try a few different buffers and a few different recoil springs to find a combination that your rifle likes the best. For all practical purposes though, a standard or H marked buffer with a standard recoil spring should be just fine.

[pklin1297]

Xenophobe, if I were to use a M16 Bolt Carrier Group and use a H1 equivalent weighted Buffer, do you think that will create problems for me? Since I now have a heavier Bolt Carrier and a heavier than standard Buffer? Thank you.

[blkA4alb]

Xenophobe, if I were to use a M16 Bolt Carrier Group and use a H1 equivalent weighted Buffer, do you think that will create problems for me? Since I now have a heavier Bolt Carrier and a heavier than standard Buffer? Thank you.

The real question is why would you want the heavier buffer? The recoil is practically nonexistant anyways and you're not shooting full auto. Just use a standard buffer.

[pklin1297]

Never shot an AR or the .223 Remington so everything is new to me.

Have shot an AK47 when I was 10 though, but at that age a .38 special kicks hard to me...

I will use a standard Buffer. Thank you all.

Peter

[xenophobe]

The real question is why would you want the heavier buffer? The recoil is practically nonexistant anyways and you're not shooting full auto. Just use a standard buffer.

The question should be, if you want to try a heavier buffer they're only like $15, why not try it? Some people want 2-stage triggers as well. Adding a 2 stage trigger can improve your accuracy and consistency, and a heavier buffer may help tighten rapid follow up shots and make it a little quicker and easier.