I can't believe it.

[Cullen]

For a week I've been trying to figure out why my bolt gets stuck to the rear. I've been going over every AR-15 guide on the web, scouring for that one bit of information I missed. For some reason the bolt was getting stuck in the tube (collapsible stock).

Today, after maybe my third or four dissembly, I realized something. There isn't a stinking recoil buffer in the stock! You know the bolt that goes into the stock with the buffer spring? Yep, it's not there! I've gone over ever bit of the kit I bought and I don't think it ever came with one! I can't find it.

Does anyone know where I can get one on the web? Is there a hardware store replacement?

 

[Z-Michigan]

Do you mean the buffer, which is about 3/4" by 3" and weighs 3oz or so? Or do you really mean some sort of fastener?

 

[Cullen]

The buffer, no idea why I called it a retainer. Probably because I was also trying to get a hold of of the guy sold me the stock to see if he still had it somewhere.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Well that's kind of important, as you've discovered. I do not know of any hardware-store replacement. Maybe a local gunshop would have it, otherwise mail order. The standard carbine buffer is only about $10 usually. Depending what style upper you have, read up and see if you might want a heavier buffer instead.

 

[Maverick223]

If it really was missing from the start, i'd contact the manufacturer and see if they will send you one. Any company worth its salt should send you one for free, and be happy to do so (so you don't return the entire rifle).

BTW, it isn't a bolt, it is just a hunk 'o plastic (typically) that goes behind the bolt.

 

[MCMXI]

BTW, it isn't a bolt, it is just a hunk 'o plastic (typically) that goes behind the bolt.

Mav, not sure where you buy your buffers from ... Toys R Us perhaps!

Cullen, how did it feel when the bolt slammed into the buffer tube? Not good I imagine.

 

[rcmodel]

H-Buffer for 16" carbine collapsible stock.

http://www.operationparts.com/Lmt_Lewis_Machine_Tool_Heavy_Carbine_Buffer_p/l7cb2f.htm

rc

 

[MCMXI]

Does anyone know where I can get one on the web? Is there a hardware store replacement?

Just type AR15 buffer in Google and you'll find a bunch. Midway has lots of them.

http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/Bro...&categoryString=649***20766***8807***11619***

My LGS usually has them in stock so if you need one ASAP just call your LGS.

 

[ny32182]

Just so we are all clear, you are talking about this part, right:



How did the buffer spring not just pop (at least) part of the way out of the tube the second you hinge it open?

 

[Cullen]

Yes, it was the buffer, no idea what gave me the thought that it's a "retainer". I've never actually fired the rifle yet, as you can guess it's because the bolt never went forward.

When it first happened, I just scratched my head, dissembled the rifle, looked it over, reassembled it, and tried again. I overlooked the buffer each time I did this until I finally just started laying out the parts on my floor. It was then I realized the buffer was missing, and after running around the room a few times (I thought I launched it somewhere), I realized I never actually installed one. I just put in the recoil spring and moseyed along.

So yeah, I feel dumb. Good news is Snapshots in KCMO said they have a few. Going there now.

EDIT:

"How did the buffer spring not just pop (at least) part of the way out of the tube the second you hinge it open? " -ny32182

When I closed it up the bolt pushed the spring back in. When I cock the gun the bolt gets stuck in stock w/ the spring kind of coiling around it. I never even thought that the buffer was missing. I just kept overlooking it.

 

[Maverick223]

Mav, not sure where you buy your buffers from ... Toys R Us perhaps!

I stand corrected...it seems that only the end of it is plastic...and FWIW most of my rifles don't need no stinkin' buffer.

 

[MCMXI]

I stand corrected...it seems that only the end of it is plastic...and FWIW most of my rifles don't need no stinkin' buffer.

Silicon rubber would be my guess ... and I have four rifles that need them, but a whole lot more that don't.