When to replace buffer tube spring?

Any sort of test to know when you should replace buffer tube spring? Rifle has ~ 2500 rounds through it and I'm not experiencing any reliability issues.

Just curious so it doesn't crap out on me during a bad time ...

There is minimum and maximum lengths listed for both the rifle and carbine buffer springs.

I don't have them right in front of me but the 23&P lists them.

As long as it continues to function I wouldn't worry about immediately replacing it.

If it's a carbine, replace it when it's shorter than 10 1/8th inches. If a rifle replace at 11 3/4th inches.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

The rifle spring must be between 11-3/4" and 13-3/4".

The carbine spring must be between 10-1/16" and 11-1/4".

If they are not between those lengths replace the springs.

Nice illustration.

I copied that a few years ago from a very resourceful member.
Welcome back.

Thanks guys. Mine measured 10 inches even ... BravoCo order already on the way.

Thanks!

Brand and round count?

LMT gun I got new from factory about 5 years ago. Probably had 2500-3000 rounds through it, no malfunctions yet.

Replacing as preventative maintenance.

Good choice replacing it instead of just stretching it out.

I can't believe no one has posted, "That's what she said"

I have to go measure the springs in my AR15s, I have about 5000 rd per rifle

I wouldnt of belived it.

I bought my Defender2000 in 2005 and have a spare Bushy/VLTOR lower and LMT M4 upper
I will have to check them. my round count is a little over 3000


update
Defender 2000 10inches dead on zero problems?
Bushy/VLTOR 11 1/2


OP question what buffer are you running carbine?

FMJ, am I reading your post right - your LMT was 10 inches as well w/ no issues?

I used a carbine buffer for about half the rounds, now using an H2 - no fuss with either buffer.

The only reason I even asked is because my second rifle I recently purchased (new) offers up much more resistance to charging compared to the LMT (which charges *very* easily)

ETA: measured my 2nd rifle, 11 5/8 inches

WOW

When building the Bushmaster/VLTOR lower
I notice that the coil spring was like twice as strong as my Defender 2000.
So I order a coil from BCM to replace the VLTOR coil

Now the BCM coil feels the same as my Defender 2000 wich is 10inches!


Boy I wish I could order the VLTOR coil springs from there website


I run a H buffer in the Bushy/Vltor lower/LMT M4 upper


And I run a 9mm buffer in the Defender 2000

I plan on replacing the 9mm buffer and spring later on>


I did Email LMT to see If I can get a coil from them? You might tell them about yours.



Check this out I had a spare coil and buffer. But I gave it away to a member here who needed it funny

If the springs are a bit worn and weak you won't notice any functional problems for a while. What will happen is that you're rifle will take a beating it shouldn't. Your bolt carrier flying back harder, slamming the hammer too hard into the disconnector, and eventually damaging your pin holes. You might notice a change in recoil as well.

I wouldnt of thought 2500 to 3000rds would do it?

I just got my replacement carbine buffer spring from Bravo Company –– 10 5/8 inches

I check the action spring every 1K during detail strip and inspection(also verify headspace at that time as well),and replace it annually or every 3K which ever comes first.....especially with standard USGI SS springs.Everything is logged in records.

To me the action spring is a high wear item much the same as a slide return spring in pistol.The way I look at it its cheap enough to guarantee return performance.

Not only do the springs get compressed and released when weapon is fired (which is what causes spring fatigue) but they also see action when manually manipulated during inspection,PM and training.So actual round count in that regard is typically higher than just rounds through the tube.

Ive been using Brownells CS springs for the last couple years and the quality/performance has been very consistent.

you didnt get me one?

As Blankenwaffe stated the number of cycles is higher so there's s little more wear. An it could even have been a spring that received a bad heat treat. It's an easy check and a cheap and easy fix when it does wear.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Gene Swanson Sent me email saying LMT Action Spring starts out new 10.5 in length.
He also said it isnt normal for a spring to wear out at 2500rds/3000rds.
He said not to change it unless it causing problems.

Since Action Spring cost under 5 bucks I will just by acouple more and stop giving away my parts.

How about excessive spring noise on discharge?

remove ear plugs, a few magazines the issue goes away.

the sprung sound is normal, a fix is add a little grease to the spring to dampen the noise, but the noise is not something to be concerned about.

Copyright © 1996 - 2013 :: AR15.Com LLC :: All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.