AR-15 Buffer Type

[ChopperX]

So I am gathering the last part to my AR lower and that is a Stock Kit. Going with the Magpul MOE to due costs. I hear so much about buffers and heavy buffers and I don't know what to do about this? In the end result I will be running a PSA 16" mid-length upper on my PSA lower. Is the standard buffer fine or do I need to get a heavy buffer? Is it worth the extra $20 for a heavier buffer?

This is the stock kit I am getting
Magpul MOE Stock Kit

Here is an H Buffer
H Buffer
Here is an H2 Buffer
H2 Buffer

What is the major difference?

[Heretodaygonetomorrow]

You should always start with a standard carbine buffer when using a collapsible stock, and move to a heavier buffer after seeing the ejection pattern.

A heavier buffer is used to slow cycling of the gun to aid functioning, and reduce recoil (if possible).

A standard carbine buffer has three steel weights, a "H" buffer two steel weights, and one heavier tungsten weight. A "H2" buffer has one steel weight, and two tungsten weights, and a "H3" buffer has three tungsten weights. I recommend buying standard design buffers, not ones that are filled with lead shot or other materials.

After assemblying and breaking in the gun with at least 500 full power rounds (LC M855 or M193) NOT SURPLUS OR COMMERCIAL. Look at the ejection pattern. If the brass is ejecting at 1 or 2 o'clock (overgassed) and you are getting dented brass, a heavier buffer will help. If the brass is dropping at 3-4 o'clock, I would leave the gun alone, the existing buffer is fine. If the brass is coming out at 5-6 o'clock then the gun seriously under gassed and you should figure out why (maybe a gas leak).

I usually suggest buying a "H2" buffer, and trying it. If it is too heavy for the gun to cycle properly, you can swap the weights between the carbine buffer you already have and the H2 buffer to make an H buffer that you can try.

[ChopperX]

Okay great. This is very helpful. I really appreciate it.

[high_revs]

be on a watchout for some manufacturers that have "similar" designation. for example, i have a daniel defense T2. i thought it'd be the same as a H2. but it's in between H2 and H1.

from some of my bookmarks...

http://ingunowners.com/forums/accessories-gear/80124-daniel-defense-heavy-buffer-t2.html

have i weighed it? no (don't have anything in that range).

does it work? yes

just sharing the info in case you can't find a "H" type buffer and you see other designations that might make you think it's the same.

i think i have a mixture of H and H2 buffers in mines (and one DD T2). all eject usually around that 3-4 oclock as here-today says thru 55gr and 77gr of various manufacturers.

[ChopperX]

Yea I saw quite a few but I'll stick with the carbine buffer and break it in. Then I can see if it needs a heavier one or not.