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Posted: 6/14/2007 5:30:50 AM EDT
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I'm trying my hand at building an AR and I wanted to ask the experts: What impact (if any) is there from selecting the right buffer and spring set? What set would you recommend? I want to have a very smooth firing weapon. I don't mind recoil, but want better target aquisition when firing multiple shots (don't want a lot of wonder when firing quickly). Here's a list of my components thus far: -Wilson Combat lower -RRA 2-stage Match Trigger -MagPul Aluminum Trigger Guard -Y-Comp Muzzle Brake -14.5 Inch P.O.F. Gas Piston Upper (I'm asking them if they will help me out and put a different rail system on as I'm not fond of the looks of the P-9SX) -S.O.G. Graphite Vertical Grip With Quick Detach Lockdown Post -Single Point Sling-Bungie Type With Sling Adapter -Ergo Right Hand Sure Grip -Choate Machine and Tool Telescoping stock kit -Aimpoint CompM4, 2 MOA Acet Sight/Scope I think I'm on my way to a very nice AR, but I'm wondering if I can improve it further with a good recoil buffer and spring. |
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Springs are pretty much all the same (unless you buy total crap, or get a lemon). Normally, for a 14" w/ carbine gas system, I would recommend an H buffer due to the higher gas pressure, but in your case I suggest you ask POF what they recommend for buffer weight (standard CAR, H, H2, 9mm etc.) in their particular upper. Oh, and a suggestion: if you truly want a smooth shooting gun, look instead at a rifle-length gas system with a JP light weight Tac carrier/buffer combination and a JP adjustable gas block. Add a better muzzle brake too, like the JP Cooley or Recoil Eliminator. This is the hot ticket rig for 3-gun, where shot-to-shot time is critical. |
THANKS! I appreciate your reply. My muzzle break selection was due to this review http://www.coloradoshooting.org/muzzle.htm I don't know why I found this guy to be credible, but I did. I could cancel my order for the Y-Comp because it is on back order anyway. I'm pretty much gonna do the P.O.F. because this is piston project. I can't afford the LWRC. My hope was to create a smooth shooting piston setup hence my interest in the buffer impact and muzzle break.. I want to see if it is possible :) Thanks again! |
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No problem. Another muzzle brake which works well, and is very reasonably priced, is the Miculek brake (avaiable from Midway). Another comment. One of the best ways to minimize felt recoil is to adjust the gas system to get just enough gas to reliably cycle the gun - this is what the top 3-gunners do, and this combined with a good muzzle brake can make a lightweight AR shoot like a .22. However, if you are sticking with the more tactical gun and if you think your life might depend on it, don't tune out too much of the gas as you risk unreliability if the gun gets fouled or if the conditions change significantly from when you adjusted the gas system. The highly tuned 3-gun rifles are very high performance thoroughbreds, which may or may not suit your needs. A good muzzle brake will work fine with no impact on reliability. |
| One last question... When I'm ordering the muzzle flash, how much attention do I need to pay to the thread per inch number. Seems that it would be pretty damn important. Is that something that is standardized on most AR barrels? I was able to find a JP muzzle break, but have NO idea if it would fit that P.O.F. upper. I tried to call them but they are prolly at lunch. |
Maybe the heaviest, certainly NOT the best, especially when recoil control is an important objective. Weight is GOOD for increasing the unlocking time, but BAD for reducing recoil and muzzle jump. Reducing the gas into the system so you can run the lightest buffer possible is a BETTER way to reduce muzzle jump and make multiple hits on-target faster. |
The standard thread spec on AR-15 barrels is 1/2-28 Most muzzle devices will install with a crush washer or peel washer. The cleanest install is done by machining the shoulder on the barrel or the rear of the muzzle brake. That's how I do them. |
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If you want to reduce felt recoil, the Extra Power Action Spring from Wolff is good. www.gunsprings.com Make sure you get the one for carbines. I have not seen shortstoking with one of these springs, but that does not mean it can't happen. For a standard rate spring, I like the springs from Armalite. They are in line, price wise, with other companies, and they are very consistent. |
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