im looking to opinions about different buffers used.

i currently have an a2 with a hydro buffer.
i have noticed that the hydro buffer makes the recoil much smoother.
it removes the crispness from it.
my followup shots are much quicker and more accurate.

im changing to an emod in the near future and im wondering if itll be worth spending $100 for a hydro buffer.
i really like mine but i know there ar other options out there too.


hydro $90
i really like my full length hydro buffer.
but this makes the stock change about $350!

tungsten $40
tungsten is a incredible dense material therefore it should reduce recoil right? inertia and all.
i have no experience with this buffer. anyone used it?

heavy $28
seems like this would be about the same as the tungsten buffer.
anyone used it?

any other ideas?
id like to reduce the recoil as much as possible. i will also be doing a pws fsc556 compensator too.
i know some people say the rifle wont cycle with a hydro. i have had no problems with mine at all.
will the recoil on a collapsible stock be worse than a fixed stock?

im trying to build a low recoil tactical/ long range rifle(2 different uppers).
any other suggestions?
-flag

I have a hydro (from an original Colt LMG) in a full length stock. It is smoother than the standard buffer. Only risk is that they can leak. Mine never has but if they do they're not cheap.

From what I've seen all of the standard shaped carbine buffers are in the same ball park. Yes, you can tell the difference but it is not dramatic. The real exception is the Advanced Armament rate reducing buffer. That thing really does smooth things out and slows things down in FA. Ain't cheap but I sure do like it!

This post has been edited by eastern_hunter: November 5th 2009 1:13 AM

Perceive more planar cycling and reduced recoil with the Spike's Tactical ST-T2 Heavy Buffer. Buffer is filled with High Density Tungsten Powder and feels 'softer' with the shake test in my hand. At $29.95 it was a no brainer for me and I would not send it back.

Doc

The Enidine Hydraulic is finicky in carbines. I would go with an H2, 9mm or H3 buffer.



TS

have you shot a hydro to compare it to?
-flag

how is the enidine hydro finicky?
whats the advantage of a h3 vs a h2?
why would you use a 9mm buffer?

In some carbines it works fine. In others it won't allow the bolt catch to engage after the last round and in others it won't let the bolt catch engage even if you try to manually. It's the hydraulic part that affects the bolt catch function.



An H3 is heavier than an H2 and reduces the recoil a little bit more.



The 9mm is cheaper than an H3 and weighs almost the same. I run 9mm buffers and have no problems with them.



TS

have you tried a h3 vs a 9mm?
h3 vs hydro?
9mm vs hydro?

so does a 9mm buffer have moving weights inside it too?
do moving weights really add that much noise?

sounds like the finickyness of the enidine in the carbine has to do with the buffer being too long for the tube, right?
thanks for the quick replies.
-flag

I haven't tried the H3 vs. the 9mm. They are almost identical except for the color. They both have internal weights. An H3 weighs 5.4 ounces. A Colt 9mm buffer weighs 5.5 ounces and a Rock River 9mm buffer weighs either 5.4 or 5.6 depending on whose info you trust.

I've compared the 9mm vs the Enidine in all my carbines and they have an almost equal effect. I couldn't tell the difference when it comes to recoil. The only difference is I found was the problem with the bolt catch. No difference in noise that I can detect either.

I don't think length was a factor for the Enidine but they are making a smaller version now. I would personally try a 9mm buffer first. If you don't like it, I'll buy it.


TS

This post has been edited by TigerStripe: November 5th 2009 2:13 AM

so whats your preferred brand of buffer?

what about the Spike's Tactical ST-T2 Heavy Buffer that critterdoc posted?
anyone have experience with this vs an enidine or a 9mm or h3?

I use Rock River, they're only $25. The ST-T2 is an H2 weight buffer, that's all I know about it other than critterdoc loves it.


TS

List of Buffer Weights.



TS

any idea what a enidine standard length weight is?

I can only find the .223 carbine length weight. The shorter version that I had seen is actually for .308 carbines so it would really screw things up.




TS

YeeeeHaaaa! Critterdoc is in love with a tit'powder buffer and his you-know-what is gonna be in a paper bag if Blondie finds out!

The ST-T2 replaced the standard H buffer in the DD M4. While recognizing that I had an ulterior motive for softening the M4's recoil, I really do think that I perceive a difference with it in the gun when the M4 is fired. But more objectively, the sensation that I feel when I shake the two buffers fore-aft in different hands at the same time is dramatically different. The H buffer was thunking a mass of solid metal from end to end while the ST-T2 approximated the sensation of an energy absorbent sand bag moving back and forth. There was no crash/bang impact inside of the ST-T2 at all compared to the H.

I considered running a JP low mass operating system in the DD but opted out on that investment because I already have one of those suckers coming in a CTR-02 if the JP guys get it built sometime in the remainder of my lifetime. That should make for an interesting comparison of operating system components and performance.

Doc

The H Buffer has one tungsten weight and two steel weights, the H2 has 2 tungsten and 1 steel weight. Each tungsten weights weighs as much as 2.25 steel weights. The H3 buffer weights almost identical to the SMG(9mm) buffer, but the SMG buffer does not have sliding weights, which equals less reciprocating force...just about half the force.

You need the sliding weights in the Carbines and Rifles to dampen the force of the bolt slamming into the receiver. Since the 9mm ARs are blowback systems you do not need the sliding weights, however you do need the mass to slow down the Bolt when it is fired.

The buffer weight does help in felt recoil, but because the AR is a perfectly inline system...I do not think it is necessary to change out a buffer unless you are having problems. The problems really start to occur in F/A and suppressed ARs.

Unless you are going suppressed or F/A, I would recommend the H or H2 buffer.