Broken Buffer Retainer...

[blazeaglory]

I feel like an idiot...Took off the upper today and the A2 buffer broke through the retainer. It just took the little top right off...Usually I try to hold back the buffer when taking off the upper but I did not do that this time...As a matter of fact, before this A2 stock, I never really thought about it too much.

I never had a problem like this when I had my Magpul collapsible stock. It also had a smaller buffer if I remember right. Im not complaining, I just should have realized that the A2 buffer in my new A2 butt stock was BIGGER and I think made out of a heavier metal?

Anyways, are there any recommendations for a better/heavy duty buffer retainer? And what I can do to avoid letting this happen in the future? Thanks

[peacedivision]

Kinda expensive for just a retainer but all the bits and pieces in the KNS turned LPK are sturdy and the machining and finish is very nice.

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/KNS_Precision_s_Turned_Lower_Parts_Kit_p/kns-tlpkit.htm

[Heretodaygonetomorrow]

The only reason I can think of that the tip of the buffer retainer pin would break off is the hole for the buffer retainer pin is drilled too far back (towards the buffer tube) which allows the buffer to slam to a stop on the buffer retainer pin, instead of being halted by the bolt carrier.

Look at the face of your buffer. Does it show a lot of contact damage in a circle around the outside of the buffer? That would be from hitting the retaining pin.

If you open/pivot the upper open, and then close it slowly, you should be able to see the end of the bolt carrier contact the buffer (about in the center where there should be some scratches on the face of the buffer, from making contact with the bolt carrier, and pushing the buffer back.

I suppose that an extra strong buffer spring could make the problem worse.

[blazeaglory]

The only reason I can think of that the tip of the buffer retainer pin would break off is the hole for the buffer retainer pin is drilled too far back (towards the buffer tube) which allows the buffer to slam to a stop on the buffer retainer pin, instead of being halted by the bolt carrier.

Look at the face of your buffer. Does it show a lot of contact damage in a circle around the outside of the buffer? That would be from hitting the retaining pin.

If you open/pivot the upper open, and then close it slowly, you should be able to see the end of the bolt carrier contact the buffer (about in the center where there should be some scratches on the face of the buffer, from making contact with the bolt carrier, and pushing the buffer back.

I suppose that an extra strong buffer spring could make the problem worse.

Im pretty sure the hole is in the right spot because everything lines up and it is a CMMG lower, so I figured everything was good to go...I never really got to detailed on it. Ive eyeballed it a couple times and followed the advice of several threads on calguns when I installed the A2 stock and buffer tube. Up until now there has never been any problems.

Yes, when the upper pivots closed it would just slightly depress the buffer and that would take the pressure off of the retainer. Its just that after installing the A2 and comparing it to the Magpul MOE carbine stock buffer/spring, the A2 is alot stronger and a bit heavier. It would function fine when everything was left alone.

I always thought the retainer looked a little small/weak for what it does...But then, until today, I never realized that the only time the buffer actually comes in contact with it is when the upper is pivoted up off of the lower. For some dumb reason I thought the buffer would always hit the retainer while shooting and cycling rounds, but after you mentioned the pivoting down tho close the upper and how the BCG should depress/contact the buffer, it dawned on me that the two should never really come into contact...

Luckily it broke while I was home and from my own negligence...As soon as my upper pivoted up, I heard a CHINK and then the buffer/spring was jammed under the hammer. I found the little piece about 4 feet away...It looks like it is some kind of composite?

[blazeaglory]

Kinda expensive for just a retainer but all the bits and pieces in the KNS turned LPK are sturdy and the machining and finish is very nice.

http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/KNS_...kns-tlpkit.htm

Cool..And its IN STOCK..lol

[gregorio]

The retainer should never be engaged by the buffer in operation. If the buffer is not hitting the retainer with the rifle closed and it still broke, it must have been defective. Even the heaviest spring isn't going to break it.

[h0use]

I have been using JP captured buffers. Don't need the buffer detent anymore. I am sure it's cheaper just to get the buffer detent.

[blazeaglory]

The retainer should never be engaged by the buffer in operation. If the buffer is not hitting the retainer with the rifle closed and it still broke, it must have been defective. Even the heaviest spring isn't going to break it.

Yeah it was weird. Its not like the buffer/spring hit the retainer with any real force. When I lifted the upper and the BCG released pressure off of the buffer, instead of resting against the retainer, it kind of just *snapped* it off with little force...It was somewhat of a shock really, I thought something serious had happened...lol

[blazeaglory]

I have been using JP captured buffers. Don't need the buffer detent anymore. I am sure it's cheaper just to get the buffer detent.

Now those look interesting...Have you had much experience with those buffers or whatever they are? Do they cut down on friction and noise as much as they say they do?

Looks like you can buy an additional spring kit to swap out springs for different styles of tuning...Cool

[h0use]

Now those look interesting...Have you had much experience with those buffers or whatever they are? Do they cut down on friction and noise as much as they say they do?

Looks like you can buy an additional spring kit to swap out springs for different styles of tuning...Cool

I have been using one for about 3 months now. No more cheese grater noise and less recoil. I bought it because one of the lowers I built the detent got stuck in the whole and I could not get it out. They work great a little pricy buy in my book it got my rifle working.

[blazeaglory]

I have been using one for about 3 months now. No more cheese grater noise and less recoil. I bought it because one of the lowers I built the detent got stuck in the whole and I could not get it out. They work great a little pricy buy in my book it got my rifle working.

I think I like the idea of eliminating that little crappy piece of metal retainer...One less part to worry about breaking. Plus this little invention just looks cool. Im surprised I just now heard of this...