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Posted: 2/24/2009 11:51:17 AM EDT
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Hey guys,
Just a conceptual question - is there a general consensus on the necessity of the buffer tube in the AR design? From what I know, the buffer tube is used to absorb some of the recoil. I'm asking because some of the newer assault rifle designs - FN SCAR, Magpul Masada and Robinson XCR - seem to have chosen not to include a buffer tube. These designs have a folding stock, so did their designers just figure that a folding stock was a better trade-off than a recoil-absorbing buffer tube? Thanks! Eric. |
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The buffer tube on the AR does a lot more than just absorb some recoil. It contains the entire recoil machanism. Without it you need some sort of op rod and recoil spring. You'd have to shorten the bolt as it has nowhere to go now.
The folding stock really only serves two purposes. It makes the rifle easier to transport and it looks cool. The trade off for having that folding stock is a weapon that is somewhat bulkier, though it does have the capability to be shorter. |
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