The AR-15 is a great rifle, and there are a lot of ways to make it even better. One way is to change the buffer weight.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about buffer weights for the AR-15. We’ll cover what they do, how to choose the right one for your rifle, and where to buy them.
So whether you’re just starting out with an AR-15 or you’re looking to upgrade yours, read on for all the info you need!
The AR-15 Buffer System
The AR-15 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle that is chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. It has a magazine-fed, detachable box magazine with a capacity of 30 rounds. The AR-15 was first designed in 1958 by ArmaLite, and it is now manufactured by numerous companies. The AR-15 is a popular rifle for both recreational and competition shooting. It is also commonly used by law enforcement and military units.
The AR-15 has a variety of different components, including the buffer. The buffer is the part of the rifle that absorbs the recoil from the fired round.
What Is The “Buffer” In An AR-15?
The “buffer” in an AR-15 is a small cylindrical piece of metal that sits between the back of the bolt carrier group and the spring-loaded buffer assembly.
Its main purpose is to absorb the impact of the bolt carrier group as it travels rearward, allowing for a smoother operation and reduced wear on the gun.
The buffer also serves as a spacer to keep the bolt carrier group aligned with the rest of the gun during firing. In addition, the buffer helps to reduce felt recoil by absorbing some of the energy from the firing process.
Overall, the buffer is a small but essential part of the AR-15 that helps to ensure reliable operation and long-term durability.
Why Is The Weight Of The Buffer Important?
In order to function properly, the buffer weight must be properly balanced with the recoil spring. The buffer weight dampens the rearward movement of the bolt carrier group, which reduces the felt recoil. The AR-15 buffer weight also acts as a counterweight, helping to keep the muzzle of the rifle pointed downrange during rapid fire.
Which Weight To Choose
AR-15 buffers come in a few different weights and lengths.
A standard carbine buffer should weigh 2.9 ounces. Moving up in weight, an H buffer, or Heavy Buffer is nearly a full ounce heavier at 3.8 ounces. The H2 buffer has a slight variance depending on the manufacturer but should be 4.6 to 4.7 ounces. An H3 buffer similarly should be between 5.4 and 5.5 ounces depending on the manufacturer. Finally, a Rifle buffer should weigh 5.1 to 5.3 ounces and is noticeably longer than the carbine varieties.
All these options give the shooter a bit of leeway in how their firearm handles based on the weight of the buffer being used. Heavier buffers tend to slow down the cycling speed of the bolt carrier group which can be beneficial for those looking for a smoother shooting experience or for those using a suppressor where cycling speed is less important than sound signature reduction.
Conversely, using a lighter buffer can result in a faster bolt carrier group velocity which some believe aids in reliability by giving the round more time to chamber before the extractor catches it.
Many factors go into play when choosing the right buffer weight for your AR-15, so make sure to do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs.
How To Choose The Right Buffer Weight For Your AR-15
When choosing the right buffer weight for your AR-15, there are a few things you need to take into account. First, consider what kind of shooting you’ll be doing with your rifle. If you’re going to be using it for competition shooting or plinking, then you’ll want a lighter buffer so that you can get faster follow-up shots.
On the other hand, if you’re using your AR-15 for home defense or tactical applications, then you’ll want a heavier buffer so that you can slow down the bolt carrier group and reduce felt recoil.
You also need to consider the type of spring you’re using in your rifle. A heavier spring will require a heavier buffer, and vice versa.
Finally, you need to take into account the accessories you’re using on your AR-15. If you have a suppressor mounted, then you’ll want to use a heavier buffer so that the bolt carrier group doesn’t cycle too fast and create more muzzle rise.
With all that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best AR-15 buffers on the market today.
AR-15 Buffer Options For Carbines
There are a ton of different AR-15 buffers on the market, so it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the options available so that you can make an informed decision.
1. Luth-AR MBA-3 Carbine Stock Buffer Assembly
The Luth-AR MBA-3 Carbine Stock Buffer Assembly is a great all-around buffer for those looking for a quality option that won’t break the bank. This buffer weighs in at 3 ounces, making it a good choice for those who want a bit more weight than the standard carbine buffer but don’t want to go too heavy.
2. Aero Precision AR-15 Enhanced Carbine Buffer Kit
The Aero Precision AR-15 Enhanced Carbine Buffer Kit is a great option for those looking for a quality buffer kit that won’t break the bank. This buffer kit includes a 3.8-ounce buffer, an H2 buffer, and a spring, making it a great all-in-one option for those looking to upgrade their AR-15.
3. JP Enterprises Silent Captured Spring
The JP Enterprises Silent Captured Spring is a great option for those looking to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise. This spring comes in at 5.5 ounces, making it one of the heavier options on this list. However, its extra weight does a great job of reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise, making it a great choice for those who want a smoother shooting experience.
4. Bravo Company Manufacturing BCM Gunfighter Carbine Buffer Kit
The Bravo Company Manufacturing BCM Gunfighter Carbine Buffer Kit is a great option for those looking for a high-quality buffer kit. This buffer kit includes a 4.5-ounce buffer, an H3 buffer, and a spring, making it a great choice for those who want a bit more weight than the standard carbine buffer.
5. American Defense Manufacturing Recon Enhanced Carbine Buffer Kit
The American Defense Manufacturing Recon Enhanced Carbine Buffer Kit is a great option for those looking for a quality buffer kit that won’t break the bank. This buffer kit includes a 4-ounce buffer, an H2 buffer, and a spring, making it a great all-in-one option for those looking to upgrade their AR-15.