Best AK-47 buffer?

[clubsoda22]

who makes the best buffer for the AK? My Arsenal SLR-101 should be in this week and i was wondering what company makes the best recoil buffer. Since i'm buying the mercedes-benz of AK-47's, i'd like a well made buffer to protect my investment.

 

[Badger Arms]

Blackjack Buffers. http://www.blackjackbuffers.com/bjbcatalog.html

 

[Murphster]

FWIW. One of my AK's (one from Global Trades/Arsenal) came with a buffer on it. Don't know if the buffer went into the USA-made parts count or not. Gun had a Hungarian receiver if memory serves me correctly. Anyway, the weapon wouldn't feed reliably. And it was a beautiful, high-quality AK. After a lot of eyeballing and head scratching, I came to the conclusion that the buffer was retarding the distance/speed/force of the bolt as it traveled backwards and consequently the bolt moved forward with correspondingly less speed and force. Result was an unreliable weapon. Removed the buffer and the gun instantly returned to 100% AK reliability. The AK wasn't designed for a buffer. I presume most AK's work fine with one installed. Just be aware that it might have effect reliability.

 

[benEzra]

I thought one of the points of the long-stroke of the Kalashnikov design was to allow a high initial bolt speed for positive operation, but the long travel allows the bolt to slow down before it reaches the limit of its travel. Does the buffer make much difference in terms of rifle longevity?

 

[DMK]

Randy of Blackjack Buffers will stand behind his buffers. Here's what he had to say about that on AK47.net:

I offer an unconditional guarantee on all my products including my buffers. If you can wear out my buffer I will replace it....period.
Out of the thousands of AK buffers that I have sold over the past few years I can think of maybe 4 or 5 that have actually been "worn out".
You can spend $15 for the other guy's or $10 for mine...the difference is I'll replace my buffer should it cease to function for ANY reason for as long as you own you AK.

That's the best I can offer.

http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=173828

BTW: That thread was an interesting discussion about whether a buffer is needed or even useful in an AK. Obviously, it's a debatable subject.

 

[shoobe01]

I will stand behind Larry Bullock all day long. Buffertech is a wonderful place, and he's a cool guy. Call him if you are wondering what the difference is.

I've had one in my FAL for, oh, ever. And I have one of his experimental ones in my S&W pistol. It looks like hell because its pre-production, and has never even sorta begun to break up in any way.

Similarly, his mag cinches are the /only/ way to clamp two mags together, if that's your speed. Disregard all other types.

 

[Gewehr98]

Another vote for the Buffertech AK version.

I've had one in my Bulgarian SLR-95 for several thousands of rounds now, no problems. You can feel the difference during firing when the bolt carrier isn't slamming into the back of the receiver, too. Although mine looks more of a solid gray color than the one pictured above.

 

[plevniak]

Older "red" blackjack

I have one of the older red colored black jack buffers. Operational reliability in my WASR-10 has been 100%. There is a noticeble reduction in noise and felt recoil. It does tend to leave a little red dust in the receiver, but I can't tell that the buffer has worn down any. It cleans up and looks almost as good as the day I got it. I probably have about 700 rounds on it.

 

[Badger Arms]

Buffertech buffers are twice as thick, however the ONE AK-47 malfunction I've ever wittnessed was caused by the Buffertech Buffer. Another negative of the Buffertech is the fact that you have to disassemble the guide-rod/spring assembly to install it.

I'm not saying it's the worst thing ever, only that Blackjack buffers are far better. I have one of the red buffers too, I don't get the red dust, though. Hmmm. Maybe I WANT the red dust!

 

[shoobe01]

Yeah, my FAL buffer is gray also, though most of them are translucent white. Don't know why.

Never seen a buffer induced failure. Well, lately, and on a rifle; back in the day lots of people used several crappy buffers on their 1911 raceuns, and they caused all sorts of mischief. Anyway, how did it fail?

Badger. its a commie gun; of course you are jealous of any lack of red in it!