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8/10/2010 9:43:24 PM EDT
I have a Spikes Tactical ST-T2 buffer in my 16 inch carbine. I believe the weight is 4.3 oz. I was wondering what effect I would have if I got a heavier buffer? I know that the H3 buffer weight at 5.6 oz.. If I put an H3 buffer would the "felt recoil" be less? What if I used a 9mm heavy buffer (8.5 oz) what would happen? Can I run a 9mm Heavy buffer in my 16 inch carbine with no issues? If so I was going to replace the Spikes Tactical ST-T2 buffer with a Spikes ST-9X 9mm heavy buffer. Thoughts? Any negatives? I am trying to tune my AR to be as soft as possible.
8/11/2010 3:11:10 AM EDT
[#1]
More reciprocating mass= more felt recoil. People use heavy buffers as an easy way to get the proper 3 o'clock ejection pattern that they desire on over-gassed rifles.

If you want to decrease felt recoil, get a light BCG, a light buffer, and an adjustable gas system.You'll have tune all three of those to work with whatever ammo you use.

You could also get a muzzle brake to reduce recoil, but they're pretty loud.
8/11/2010 3:55:07 AM EDT
[#2]
If you are talking .223 the ST-9X buffer will not work as it is to long. If you are talking 9mm then the ST-9X buffer will work. Not sure if it will lessen the felt recoil though. I run the ST-9X in my 9mm upper but have never run it with a lighter buffer to compare the felt recoil.
8/11/2010 2:02:26 PM EDT
[#3]
I read somewhere ( can not remember where) that if you increase the weight of the buffer say you go from an "H" buffer to a heavy "H3" buffer that the felt recoil will be reduced. What about one of those Wolff Extra Power Buffer Springs. I understand that they can help with felt recoil. Not that an AR has much recoil but I am trying to do as much tweaking as I can to remove muzzle rise and allow me to get back on target faster. I already have a muzzle break and that has help out ALOT. Just trying to tweak and understand the effects of putting a heavier buffer in my AR and what it will do. Or if it is even worth it. Like I said I have a ST-T2 (4.3oz) just curious if a heavier buffer "H3" will assist a little more with felt recoil.
8/11/2010 3:37:20 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
I read somewhere ( can not remember where) that if you increase the weight of the buffer say you go from an "H" buffer to a heavy "H3" buffer that the felt recoil will be reduced. What about one of those Wolff Extra Power Buffer Springs. I understand that they can help with felt recoil. Not that an AR has much recoil but I am trying to do as much tweaking as I can to remove muzzle rise and allow me to get back on target faster. I already have a muzzle break and that has help out ALOT. Just trying to tweak and understand the effects of putting a heavier buffer in my AR and what it will do. Or if it is even worth it. Like I said I have a ST-T2 (4.3oz) just curious if a heavier buffer "H3" will assist a little more with felt recoil.


If you delve into the world of 3-gun and competition shooting, you'll see that most of those guys run lightweight reciprocating parts and adjustable gas systems. Physics tells us that more moving mass will equal a greater reactionary force.

Running a heavy buffer will make your gun run smoother, which means there will be less wear and tear on your gun. I'm not an expert, but I'd say that with a heavier buffer, there will actually be more recoil, but since it will be traveling slower, the recoil will feel more like a push, vice a quick jolt.

For the record, I use a 9mm buffer with my 12.5" carbine gas system. I don't feel like dealing with an adjustable gas system, so I'll go the easy route and use a heavier buffer for that longer, slower push.
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