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10/10/2011 10:59:31 AM EDT
Has anyone tried using an H3 buffer in lieu of the standard 9MM mechanical?

They weigh within 0.1 ounces.

10/10/2011 3:38:13 PM EDT
[#1]
There is a spacer you will need IIRC. The 9mm buffer is actually longer than a standard Carbine buffer.
10/10/2011 4:54:25 PM EDT
[#2]
I didn't know that. I used to run 9mm buffers with my SBR's. Never had any cycling problems.
Dave N
10/10/2011 4:59:56 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
I didn't know that. I used to run 9mm buffers with my SBR's. Never had any cycling problems.
Dave N


The spacer is for making up the length difference because the H3 is shorter and if you run it by it's self in a 9mm the carrier can and probably will come back and hit your upper causing damage. The H3 is heavier but same length as a standard carbine buffer allowing the carrier to come back to far.

10/10/2011 5:06:01 PM EDT
[#4]
I measure my standard carbine buffers at 3.25.
My 9mm Colt buffer is 3.3.
Not a lot of difference unless the h3 is shorter yet.
Dave N
10/10/2011 5:57:16 PM EDT
[#5]
I have some of those aluminum spacers from Spikes that limit bolt travel as described in prior posts.

The Colt 2 piece mechanical 9mm buffer I have measures nearly identical length as an H2 buffer.

The real test (and question I quess) is, since weight is equal,  does the tungsten slugs inside
the H3 provide any reliability/performace benefit above the standard 9mm buffer.

The H3's internal sliding weights are intended to counter bolt bounce in the M4.  
If the 9mm bolt is not suseptible to the same tendency as it's M4 cousin, guess it's a moot point.

Thank you for all who provided input.  I appreciate your time and experience.
10/11/2011 11:54:32 AM EDT
[#6]


A carbine length 9mm buffer is the same length as a std. or H/H2/H3 weight carbine buffer.  The 9mm and H3 buffers are essentially the same weight and would be interchangeable - the only difference is that the 9mm buffer is a 2-piece style to combat bolt bounce whereas the H3 uses internal weights to combat bolt bounce. (see picture above - 9mm on left, H in the middle, std. on the right)   I haven't personally compared an H3 with a 9mm buffer in the same gun with the same ammo, so you'd have to do that to see if you can tell any difference.

Where it gets confusing for some is when you throw all the specialty 9mm buffers into the mix.  Some are carbine length but weigh more than 5.5 oz.  Some are longer than carbine length and shorter than rifle length - for 9mm use only - and come in varying weights.  Some are solid, 1-piece designs and others use powdered or solid weights to help reduce bolt bounce.

10/11/2011 2:11:26 PM EDT
[#7]
My H3's are 3.25  dont have any standard carbine buffers here to compair. I'm pretty sure the spacer is only for using a 9mm buffer in a rifle length stock tube.
10/11/2011 6:20:26 PM EDT
[#8]
I can't recommend the heavy 8+ oz buffers enough for 9mm as they really smooth out the recoil.
10/11/2011 6:28:26 PM EDT
[#9]
The H buffers and Standard 9mm buffers are the same length. There are specialty 9mm buffers out there that are longer and only for the 9mm.

Spikes also sells a kit with the "T3" buffer and spacer for the 9mm.

The OAL of the 9mm bolt assembly is shorter than a 5.56 bolt & carrier. Without a spacer behind a standard 9mm buffer in a 9mm AR the bolt recoils back so far it will slam the hell out of (break) the bolt hold open when it kicks in after the last round.

$2.75 in quarters dropped in the receiver extension before inserting spring and buffer is just the right length. (And cost only.... you guessed it....$2.75)

Plus it adds some tension to the recoil spring as well.



On a separate note I ran a standard 9mm buffer in my 10.5" 5.56 SBR last weeken,d and along with the PWS FSC556 brake almost completely eliminated recoil.

And it ran 100% with Federal XM193C.  
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