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Posted: 3/21/2014 9:40:20 AM EDT
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I recently took a trip to my hometown and took along my first AR build to show it off to one of my friends back home. I put 2 mags through it and let it cool before putting it back in the case. I noticed an odd rattling noise coming from the buffer tube so I took it down and found the buffer had broke. I don't have a picture, but it's pretty easy to describe. The body of the buffer mushroomed at the threaded area of the head, the head came off the body and the 2 weights came out.
I had shortly before that swapped stocks and buffer tubes from a super cheap model to an EMOD clone, both in commercial spec. I retained the buffer spring and buffer for use in the clone model. I ran 120rds through the rifle previously with the old tube without issue. I immediately suspected the new buffer tube, but also the buffer. The buffer tube has an inside length of 7.5" and the buffer spring comes in around 10.5", both of which are within proper lengths, correct? I also had an issue where the bolt hold open catch didn't get a lot of purchase on the BCG and nearly breathing on it would release the BCG (though I hadn't thought about checking it with an empty mag in the well until now). I had done some research and learned that incorrect buffer tubes or springs can cause this issue, but it seems those can be ruled out. So, since the tube and spring are within reasonable length to not cause such a problem as breaking the buffer, I'm assuming that the cheap-ass buffer I was planning on replacing is at fault. As for the bolt hold open, I'm kinda ponderous. Maybe this laundry list pops out at someone and I'm missing something? Any help would be appreciated. |
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Got a similar story... This may help you...
I sold a friend my first AR build.. It was a kit gun with super generic parts... Got the "Complete stock kit" was under $30 with buffer tube, spring, nut, stock, and buffer...Came in same box and was obviously made in China. Friend runs the thing for about 2 years.. Doesn't maintain it much.. Easily a couple cases of cheap ammo through it. Shoots it like he is trying to destroy sh!t. I opened it up one day to help him with a problem he was having. I noticed the head of his buffer was tilted (not 90 degree with the top of lower). Basically the head had broken off and the pieces of the cheap buffer were rattling around inside (just like your situation). I asked him how long it's been that way.. "Been a while... I just push the buffer head in when I close it" Very strange the thing worked as well as it did. I was impressed that the tube held up to that for so long. Anyway, I don't sell guns to stupid people anymore. You need to maintain and know your guns. So, to answer your question, no.. it's not a certain buffer size in a certain tube size.. It's cheap = junk... Buy quality parts from manufacturers who are known and trusted. Don't buy junk. Glad you are safe too! |
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First off stop going the complete shit route, such as Emod Chinese Clone. Remeasure the inside length of your receiver extension (buffer tube) as it should be almost 7" exactly, if yours is 7.5" as you described you have an issue which could damage the back end of your lower such as splitting the ring where the extension screws into when the bolt carrier slams into the rear, so you may have to spend more of your hard earned money to fix that issue. And that should be addressed immediately, with not one more shot put through your rifle.
If you did measure correctly then do yourself a favor and buy mil-spec receiver extension, buffer and stock that isn't produced by the Chi-Com. My two Emod's combo sets are really nice with a nice snug fit, zero wobble about the only negative of the set is that they come with standard carbine weight buffer, but with a box of parts that I've accumulated that really didn't matter much to me. Good luck, buy right and pay once. |
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First off stop going the complete shit route, such as Emod Chinese Clone. Remeasure the inside length of your receiver extension (buffer tube) as it should be almost 7" exactly, if yours is 7.5" as you described you have an issue which could damage the back end of your lower such as splitting the ring where the extension screws into when the bolt carrier slams into the rear, so you may have to spend more of your hard earned money to fix that issue. And that should be addressed immediately, with not one more shot put through your rifle. If you did measure correctly then do yourself a favor and buy mil-spec receiver extension, buffer and stock that isn't produced by the Chi-Com. My two Emod's combo sets are really nice with a nice snug fit, zero wobble about the only negative of the set is that they come with standard carbine weight buffer, but with a box of parts that I've accumulated that really didn't matter much to me. Good luck, buy right and pay once. The first stock was complete shit. This EMOD clone is not. Everything about it is identical to the VLTOR model with the exception that the clone doesn't have logos, though all the inlays are there for the logos, they're just not in the mold. Every other aspect is the same. I have compared the two side by side. I'd venture to take a guess that the company got their injection molds from VLTOR. The thing is fucking stout and not at all loose. I have no doubts that the buffer itself is shit considering it was one of those $30 stock kits like mentioned above. Especially considering that it broke after 180 rounds. I will double check the depth of my buffer tube, but I wouldn't imagine I'm that far off. It was a very thin (1/4") tape so there was no undoubtedly some flex to the tape and I may have been measuring from opposite edges. Taking a stab at it, I'd guess it is likely more like 7.25" deep. But like I said, I will double check. I may just use a dowel rod to find exact depth and measure that. I do have a spare commercial spec buffer tube laying around that came with the first junk stock. Before you get up on that high horse about quality parts again, I can at least use it to compare measurements for depth. Afterall, the problem came up after switching buffer tubes, stock on the tube being irrelevant. And the buffer could still be the culprit. I'll get pictures up tomorrow. |
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I recently took a trip to my hometown and took along my first AR build to show it off to one of my friends back home. I put 2 mags through it and let it cool before putting it back in the case. I noticed an odd rattling noise coming from the buffer tube so I took it down and found the buffer had broke. I don't have a picture, but it's pretty easy to describe. The body of the buffer mushroomed at the threaded area of the head, the head came off the body and the 2 weights came out. I had shortly before that swapped stocks and buffer tubes from a super cheap model to an EMOD clone, both in commercial spec. I retained the buffer spring and buffer for use in the clone model. I ran 120rds through the rifle previously with the old tube without issue. I immediately suspected the new buffer tube, but also the buffer. The buffer tube has an inside length of 7.5" and the buffer spring comes in around 10.5", both of which are within proper lengths, correct? I also had an issue where the bolt hold open catch didn't get a lot of purchase on the BCG and nearly breathing on it would release the BCG (though I hadn't thought about checking it with an empty mag in the well until now). I had done some research and learned that incorrect buffer tubes or springs can cause this issue, but it seems those can be ruled out. So, since the tube and spring are within reasonable length to not cause such a problem as breaking the buffer, I'm assuming that the cheap-ass buffer I was planning on replacing is at fault. As for the bolt hold open, I'm kinda ponderous. Maybe this laundry list pops out at someone and I'm missing something? Any help would be appreciated. http://www.vltor.com/product/aebk-a5-vltor-a5-stock-combo-kit/ |
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Josh: Be careful with the Emod components. The buttstock itself is no problem, it will fit just about any commercial or milspec carbine-length receiver extension. It is also sold as a kit with the A5 buffer and tube combination, with a proprietary receiver extension, a proprietary buffer and a rifle length spring. If you have an A5-size receiver extension and you try to run it with a standard carbine buffer and/or spring, problems such as you experienced will result. I suggest you double check this possibility and perhaps go back to the drawing board. BTW, heavybuffers.com sells hard-to-find A5 buffers. - CW http://www.vltor.com/product/aebk-a5-vltor-a5-stock-combo-kit/ Quoted:
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I recently took a trip to my hometown and took along my first AR build to show it off to one of my friends back home. I put 2 mags through it and let it cool before putting it back in the case. I noticed an odd rattling noise coming from the buffer tube so I took it down and found the buffer had broke. I don't have a picture, but it's pretty easy to describe. The body of the buffer mushroomed at the threaded area of the head, the head came off the body and the 2 weights came out. I had shortly before that swapped stocks and buffer tubes from a super cheap model to an EMOD clone, both in commercial spec. I retained the buffer spring and buffer for use in the clone model. I ran 120rds through the rifle previously with the old tube without issue. I immediately suspected the new buffer tube, but also the buffer. The buffer tube has an inside length of 7.5" and the buffer spring comes in around 10.5", both of which are within proper lengths, correct? I also had an issue where the bolt hold open catch didn't get a lot of purchase on the BCG and nearly breathing on it would release the BCG (though I hadn't thought about checking it with an empty mag in the well until now). I had done some research and learned that incorrect buffer tubes or springs can cause this issue, but it seems those can be ruled out. So, since the tube and spring are within reasonable length to not cause such a problem as breaking the buffer, I'm assuming that the cheap-ass buffer I was planning on replacing is at fault. As for the bolt hold open, I'm kinda ponderous. Maybe this laundry list pops out at someone and I'm missing something? Any help would be appreciated. http://www.vltor.com/product/aebk-a5-vltor-a5-stock-combo-kit/ No, if he ran an A5 tube with a standard buffer, the carrier key would slam into the lower receiver. The buffer would have zero stress. There are no threads on a carbine buffer, anywhere, the buffer is machined as a single piece, weights and spacers added, and then the shock absorbing buffer tip is hammered in place and pinned with a split roll pin. 
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No, if he ran an A5 tube with a standard buffer, the carrier key would slam into the lower receiver. The buffer would have zero stress. There are no threads on a carbine buffer, anywhere, the buffer is machined as a single piece, weights and spacers added, and then the shock absorbing buffer tip is hammered in place and pinned with a split roll pin. http://kevinholman.com/host/buffers.jpg Quoted:
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I recently took a trip to my hometown and took along my first AR build to show it off to one of my friends back home. I put 2 mags through it and let it cool before putting it back in the case. I noticed an odd rattling noise coming from the buffer tube so I took it down and found the buffer had broke. I don't have a picture, but it's pretty easy to describe. The body of the buffer mushroomed at the threaded area of the head, the head came off the body and the 2 weights came out. I had shortly before that swapped stocks and buffer tubes from a super cheap model to an EMOD clone, both in commercial spec. I retained the buffer spring and buffer for use in the clone model. I ran 120rds through the rifle previously with the old tube without issue. I immediately suspected the new buffer tube, but also the buffer. The buffer tube has an inside length of 7.5" and the buffer spring comes in around 10.5", both of which are within proper lengths, correct? I also had an issue where the bolt hold open catch didn't get a lot of purchase on the BCG and nearly breathing on it would release the BCG (though I hadn't thought about checking it with an empty mag in the well until now). I had done some research and learned that incorrect buffer tubes or springs can cause this issue, but it seems those can be ruled out. So, since the tube and spring are within reasonable length to not cause such a problem as breaking the buffer, I'm assuming that the cheap-ass buffer I was planning on replacing is at fault. As for the bolt hold open, I'm kinda ponderous. Maybe this laundry list pops out at someone and I'm missing something? Any help would be appreciated. http://www.vltor.com/product/aebk-a5-vltor-a5-stock-combo-kit/ No, if he ran an A5 tube with a standard buffer, the carrier key would slam into the lower receiver. The buffer would have zero stress. There are no threads on a carbine buffer, anywhere, the buffer is machined as a single piece, weights and spacers added, and then the shock absorbing buffer tip is hammered in place and pinned with a split roll pin. http://kevinholman.com/host/buffers.jpg Reiterate...it's a Chinese clone. |
This is what I'm dealing with. Obviously, this wasn't a 1-piece buffer which I'm sure is my main issue. I still haven't gotten out the tape measure again to double check the lengths. Both my girlfriend and I recently started new jobs and the work along with our toddler is keeping us super busy. I'm lucky I even found the time to get the picture and post it. ETA: Since it's a commercial spec buffer tube, should I be measuring from the long side or short side of the 5* angle? |
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<a href="http://s217.photobucket.com/user/92whitegp/media/brokenbuffer_zpsf1ec3902.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc18/92whitegp/brokenbuffer_zpsf1ec3902.jpg</a> This is what I'm dealing with. Obviously, this wasn't a 1-piece buffer which I'm sure is my main issue. I still haven't gotten out the tape measure again to double check the lengths. Both my girlfriend and I recently started new jobs and the work along with our toddler is keeping us super busy. I'm lucky I even found the time to get the picture and post it. ETA: Since it's a commercial spec buffer tube, should I be measuring from the long side or short side of the 5* angle? Chinese crap at it's finest. As for the tube, measure the inside, the outside is irrelevant. The buffer should be 3.25" long, and the tube should be 7.0" inside, for a total stroke of ~3.75" If your math adds up to much more than 3.75", you are in danger of damaging your lower receiver. |
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Ok, have you learned to stop buying parts made for airsoft???? I learned it quite a while ago. When I joined arf,com I had already bought the first stock. The buffer was one of the first things on my list of things to replace after I started figuring out what was good and what was bad. I don't shoot as often as I'd like to so medication for my BRD has kinda gotten put on the back burner. I'm reloading my own bullets now and components are easier to come by than factory rounds so shooting will increase soon. I'll just have to grab myself another buffer and make sure my measurements are within spec. If not, I'll address them and move on. At the end of the day, it's like any other thing you spend your money on. If you're looking for a bargain, you'll find something at the price you want. It may work for a while, it may last forever, it may be just enough and it may be complete shit. I chalk it up to cheap parts on the buffer's end, but I can't fault the cheap stock and I won't. It's an excellent knock-off. I really just wanted to make sure what exactly I would look for on my measurements and make certain that the buffer was the weakest link in this instance. Now I'll just have to double check what I've got and go from there. It may be a couple weeks before I get this thing back in working order once finances settle from the new job, but I'll post back up in here with results of things. ETA: Yes, I'd love to run a JP captured spring. Maybe someday. I'm actually hoping to run one in my 6.8 hunting build. It's just hard to justify the cost on a plinker at this time. Give it time. ;) |
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Tonight after work I stopped off at my shop to tumble some brass and fill my tires and decided it would be an excellent time to re-check everything.
The buffer tube was 7..25" deep. My old tube was 7" on the money, so they got swapped and the stock fits on this one as well. It's a bit snug, but I can work with it. A Spike's buffer should be here soon. |
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You will be very happy with Spike's. I have a few. No issues. Your pic of your buffer was exaxtly like the one I pulled out of my friends rifle. Cheap chinese junk. Be safe!
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Tonight after work I stopped off at my shop to tumble some brass and fill my tires and decided it would be an excellent time to re-check everything. The buffer tube was 7..25" deep. My old tube was 7" on the money, so they got swapped and the stock fits on this one as well. It's a bit snug, but I can work with it. A Spike's buffer should be here soon. |
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