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3/14/2012 5:58:41 PM EDT
Hi there,

So I just picked up a 14.5 mid-length barrel and I'm wondering what type of buffer I should be using. I believe I saw something about using an h buffer instead of a carbine. Can someone clarify what should be run. St-t2 maybe?

Thanks
3/14/2012 6:16:25 PM EDT
[#1]
Run an H Buffer.  I have a carbine buffer and just ordered an H Buffer from BravoCo.

It will run nice on a 14.5 Middy.
3/14/2012 6:19:45 PM EDT
[#2]
I run an h buffer in my 14.5" middy and carbine and they work fine. They are some of the smoothest shooting rifles i own.Try different weight buffers and see which ones run the best with your setup.
3/14/2012 6:40:36 PM EDT
[#3]
As stated above you will need to try a couple out if you can. I had a BCM 14.5" mid length upper with a BCM BCG and tried to run an H buffer. The gun would not cycle well even with good hot ammo. I then went to a carbine buffer and the gun cycled perfect. YMMV
3/14/2012 6:45:40 PM EDT
[#4]
I put an H buffer in my PSA 14.7".  I've only shot reloads but none were loaded very hot, they were probably "average".  Gun cycles them all fine.
3/14/2012 6:57:37 PM EDT
[#5]
I don't own a middy so this is only an opinion/question.

Isn't the whole purpose of a midlength system to get away from the band-aids like really heavy buffers?  Isn't it supposed to be a system that addresses the problems the carbine has?

Heavy buffers were meant to "cover up" over-gassing in carbines.  Looks like to me you wouldn't need anything but a standard carbine buffer.  I can just about guarantee your middy will run with a standard carbine buffer no matter what.  I don't think the same could be said for the heavier buffers.  I am thinking you should start by buying a regular carbine buffer, knowing it will run.  And if you decide to try a heavier buffer later, then so be it.  Just thinking out loud here.
3/14/2012 8:01:46 PM EDT
[#6]
Interesting point. Know I'm really curious about the difference. I read some people talking alot about running the st-t2. Just out of curiosity I checked the availability of these and they are out of stock everywhere. So I don't know if there is any difference between a st-t2 and a h buffer. They st-t2 is nice looking so I don't know if that is why it's out of stock and the h buffers are available. Honesty most of what I've been hearing is that the h buffer is what people are using but I do keep see a post or two about someone having to use a carbine to get it to cycle.

Quoted:
I don't own a middy so this is only an opinion/question.

Isn't the whole purpose of a midlength system to get away from the band-aids like really heavy buffers?  Isn't it supposed to be a system that addresses the problems the carbine has?

Heavy buffers were meant to "cover up" over-gassing in carbines.  Looks like to me you wouldn't need anything but a standard carbine buffer.  I can just about guarantee your middy will run with a standard carbine buffer no matter what.  I don't think the same could be said for the heavier buffers.  I am thinking you should start by buying a regular carbine buffer, knowing it will run.  And if you decide to try a heavier buffer later, then so be it.  Just thinking out loud here.


3/14/2012 8:06:05 PM EDT
[#7]
Oh just to add, I usually shot federal or AE 556 that I pick up from the gun shows.
3/14/2012 8:56:35 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Interesting point. Know I'm really curious about the difference. I read some people talking alot about running the st-t2. Just out of curiosity I checked the availability of these and they are out of stock everywhere. So I don't know if there is any difference between a st-t2 and a h buffer. They st-t2 is nice looking so I don't know if that is why it's out of stock and the h buffers are available. Honesty most of what I've been hearing is that the h buffer is what people are using but I do keep see a post or two about someone having to use a carbine to get it to cycle.

Quoted:
I don't own a middy so this is only an opinion/question.

Isn't the whole purpose of a midlength system to get away from the band-aids like really heavy buffers?  Isn't it supposed to be a system that addresses the problems the carbine has?

Heavy buffers were meant to "cover up" over-gassing in carbines.  Looks like to me you wouldn't need anything but a standard carbine buffer.  I can just about guarantee your middy will run with a standard carbine buffer no matter what.  I don't think the same could be said for the heavier buffers.  I am thinking you should start by buying a regular carbine buffer, knowing it will run.  And if you decide to try a heavier buffer later, then so be it.  Just thinking out loud here.





The st-t2's pop up in the EE pretty frequently from spikes offering one with most uppers they sell.

Back on topic, my latest was a Rainier Select 14.5 midlength build. Put the st-t2 in there from the spikes buffer tube kit and the gun shoots flawlessly, will be leaving the buffer in there.. (LC 62g only btw)
3/14/2012 9:26:39 PM EDT
[#9]
Depends on the gas port size. BCM's have smaller gas ports so you'd probably be best served shooting with a carbine buffer if you're going to be using any underpowered ammunition.

Otherwise H, or H2 if if you're only shooting high pressure ammo.
3/15/2012 3:49:52 PM EDT
[#10]
Its a Daniel Defense 14.5 middy. Almost always shot basic 55g. How about the buffers from company to company. I could pick up a stag carbine or H buffer locally or order something like the bcm H buffer. Any difference? Or has anyone had issue with the Stag buffers>


Quoted:
Depends on the gas port size. BCM's have smaller gas ports so you'd probably be best served shooting with a carbine buffer if you're going to be using any underpowered ammunition.

Otherwise H, or H2 if if you're only shooting high pressure ammo.


3/15/2012 4:17:20 PM EDT
[#11]
I've owned 3 14.5" middies, buffer selection will depend on gas port size. All three of mine need three different buffer weights. Once I figured what worked for what, the guns run slick.
3/15/2012 4:57:25 PM EDT
[#12]
I've run a carbine, st-t2, and st-t3 in my spikes 14.5 middy. All worked fine. Still running the st-t3 buffer in it.
3/15/2012 5:36:06 PM EDT
[#13]
Depends on how much gas they have.

But likely a H buffer will be good, wouldn't go heavier than that.  Maybe a carbine buffer if you're running lower powered ammo.

Stag buffers are fine.
3/15/2012 5:39:51 PM EDT
[#14]
I've standardized to all H2 buffers in my ARs

In my 14.5" middies with H2s, XM193 extracts between 3-4 o'clock

3/15/2012 5:42:38 PM EDT
[#15]
I use a carbine buffer, but I took out the weight pucks and filled it to the top with tungsten powder, that I bought at Golfsmith, instead.
3/15/2012 6:30:05 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Hi there,

So I just picked up a 14.5 mid-length barrel and I'm wondering what type of buffer I should be using. I believe I saw something about using an h buffer instead of a carbine. Can someone clarify what should be run. St-t2 maybe?

Thanks


Standard buffer.
3/15/2012 6:52:48 PM EDT
[#17]
I don't know what gasport size DD uses but I have a Spikes 14.5" middy upper that came with a T2 buffer and it functions flawlessly with all ammo I've used. .223, 5.56, Wolf, etc. H or H2 (T2) would be my pick in yours. Maybe H to be safe.
3/15/2012 6:57:11 PM EDT
[#18]
I use an t2 in my cmmg 14.5 mid.  Runs fine.
3/15/2012 7:09:47 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
I use a carbine buffer, but I took out the weight pucks and filled it to the top with tungsten powder, that I bought at Golfsmith, instead.

Then it's no longer a buffer, just a spring guide.
3/15/2012 7:17:58 PM EDT
[#20]
Whose bbl? I was told the BCM mid length was designed to use a carbine buffer.
3/15/2012 7:24:57 PM EDT
[#21]
I run my DD 14.5" middy with both standard and H buffers no problems, currently it is setup on a lower with standard buffer but for no specific reason.
3/16/2012 5:03:22 PM EDT
[#22]
I'm going to try the H buffer first. I hear Daniel Defense sets there rifles up with H buffers stock. Don't know if thats true but I'll give it a try. I'm definitely curious to try to try out some others when I get a chances. I can only afford to buy one right now.
3/16/2012 5:41:49 PM EDT
[#23]
I use a standard buffer with an extra power wolff recoil spring on my DD 14.5 middy.

Doing just fine, and is VERY smooth.
3/16/2012 6:42:23 PM EDT
[#24]
I have two 14.5" middys. I have run regular buffers with no problems. But now they run H buffers. Still no problems.
 
3/16/2012 7:19:27 PM EDT
[#25]
H in BCM (smaller "milspec" gas port dictates the buffer shouldn't be too heavy)
ST-T2 in a CMMG (larger "commercial" gas port can handle heavier buffer)
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