Buffer Tube Question

[Colt562]

What's the diffenence between a carbine buffer and a rifle buffer? I'm getting a upper that the barrel is going to be around 18 inches or so am I ok with a carbine buffer?

[Bete Noire]

If you're putting a folding stock on it you'll need a carbine length. If you're putting a fixed rifle stock on it, you'll need a rifle length.

[joelogic]

The buffer has nothing to do with the upper. It depends on the stock you are going to use.

[Colt562]

So that's the only difference? If I want a fixed stock I need a rifle and a telescoping I need a carbine.

[joelogic]

Correct but more specifically it depends on the buffer tube. Only because the Vltor fixed stock can use either tube.

[Colt562]

Ok thank you for answering my questions.

[Chaos47]

Right. You can mix any buffer system with any length barrel / gas system.

But: Whatever buffer system you go with all the parts have to match.
Tube, Buffer and Spring.
All rifle or all carbine. IE don't put a carbine buffer in a rifle tube.