Finally going to build an AR

[maxmonster]

Finally going to bite the bullet and build myself an AR. Since I'm still going to school I'm going to be taking my time with this build, and since I have time I'm going to build it right. I've been reading up about alot of different things such as gas tube length for barrel length and different kinds of buffer weights, and to think quite honestly I've lost track of what is best with what... I THINK I'm set on a 14.5 barrel with a mid length gas system. What kind of buffer would run best? H1 or just standard? Thanks guys I really appreciate it.

[Kingpin.SC]

I'm using a standard buffer on my 14.5" middy build. Seems to be working perfectly.



Good luck with the build! I love my 14.5 middy, and I'm sure you'll love yours. I must warn you though: If this is your first AR, you may want to consider a 16" so you can try different muzzle devices.

[Chaos47]

Standard will work but if you want to minimize carrier bounce heavier is better

[maxmonster]

I guess my question is if I get too heavy of a buffer won't it have issues cycling?

[Half-Bear]

Depends if you plan on shooting steel cased ammunition, and even so, an H1 buffer might handle steel well (save me the BCM disclaimer).

14.5" midlength system operates on a lower spectrum than a 14.5" carbine system as is. My advice is to get standard buffer, and decide later if you want to go heavier.

[maxmonster]

I see. I'm going to be running a full auto carrier as well...if that helps.

[C4iGrant]

Finally going to bite the bullet and build myself an AR. Since I'm still going to school I'm going to be taking my time with this build, and since I have time I'm going to build it right. I've been reading up about alot of different things such as gas tube length for barrel length and different kinds of buffer weights, and to think quite honestly I've lost track of what is best with what... I THINK I'm set on a 14.5 barrel with a mid length gas system. What kind of buffer would run best? H1 or just standard? Thanks guys I really appreciate it.

Buffer weight depends on the GP size and since there is no standardized spec for middy GP size, they can be all over the place.

So pick the manufacturer first and then choose a buffer.



C4

[h0use]

Check out the spikes tactical buffers

[TwoAsoapbox]

If you want to go with a 14.5 I recommend going with a carbine length gas system. The dwell time in a carbine system is more ideal than that of a middy when talking about a 14.5" barrel. Also the middy in a 14.5 can be a little finicky with ammo. If you want a middy, I would go with a 16" barrel. If you're set on a 14.5 then go carbine. I have a lightweight 14.5 that I absolutely love.

Like a few people have said, playing around with the buffer can help quite a bit but there really is no reason to go with a middy over a carbine for a 14.5 build.

Just my $0.02. Have fun with your build!

[Kingpin.SC]

If you want to go with a 14.5 I recommend going with a carbine length gas system. The dwell time in a carbine system is more ideal than that of a middy when talking about a 14.5" barrel. Also the middy in a 14.5 can be a little finicky with ammo. If you want a middy, I would go with a 16" barrel. If you're set on a 14.5 then go carbine. I have a lightweight 14.5 that I absolutely love.

I have to disagree with you there. My middy is flawless, and has had zero failures for hundreds of rounds. I've also heard the same from a bunch of people that have gone the same route. If you buy quality, you are probably going to do just fine.

Like a few people have said, playing around with the buffer can help quite a bit but there really is no reason to go with a middy over a carbine for a 14.5 build.

Just my $0.02. Have fun with your build!

The recoil impulse on my middy seems pretty sharp, and it seems to cycle like a carbine. I had considered swapping the buffer to a slightly heavier one to see if it makes any difference. I think the gas port on my Daniel Defense barrel may be a bit larger than needed. I'm looking into it now. In all honesty, it may just be me feeling the difference in weight between my Hbar 16" AR and the light-weight 14.5". Who knows... lol

Also, another good reason to go with a mid-length setup vs carbine would be sight radius.

Either way you go, you should be just fine. IMHO, it all boils down to personal preference.

[jasonnorcal]

I have standard carbine buffers in both my mid length gas system rifles and have had nary a problem. I think you may be slightly over thinking this specific issue. Another vote for a 16" barrel here, it gives you more flexibility in changing your muzzle device and handguard\gas block combos. I had always heard that a heavier buffer was a fix to an overgassed rifle which has extraction problems. So if it aint broke dont fix it. My .02 cents

[TwoAsoapbox]

I have standard carbine buffers in both my mid length gas system rifles and have had nary a problem. I think you may be slightly over thinking this specific issue. Another vote for a 16" barrel here, it gives you more flexibility in changing your muzzle device and handguard\gas block combos. I had always heard that a heavier buffer was a fix to an overgassed rifle which has extraction problems. So if it aint broke dont fix it. My .02 cents

Good points. Little better ballistics performance from a 16" too.

[maxmonster]

Mmaybe I am overthinking... I tend to do that... I'm already set on a 14.5 with a pinned Battlecomp. Thanks for all the input guys! I'll experiment around with a standard and H buffer.

[TwoAsoapbox]

Mmaybe I am overthinking... I tend to do that... I'm already set on a 14.5 with a pinned Battlecomp. Thanks for all the input guys! I'll experiment around with a standard and H buffer.

Thats great you want a 14.5 (I have one and love it). But why a mid length gas system? The carbine length system on a 14.5 is ideal. I would recommend a little more research before you make a decision.

[TwoAsoapbox]

Check out this link from a different thread. It talks a lot about 16" barrels but also talks about 14.5s and does some good comparisons.

http://www.03designgroup.com/technotes/carbine-vs-mid-length-gas-system