need help choosing heavy buffer & adjustable gas block AR-15

[socalbeachbum]

I've shot my AR-15 carbine side by side with guys who swear by their choice of compensator, adjustable gas block, and heavy buffer. This is really 3 questions but can anyone help me out here as to best choices for:

a-muzzle device to limit muzzle rise

b-heavy buffer choice for 16" carbine (H, H1, H2, H3)

c-adjustable gas block, Seekins, Black Rain, Syrac, etc.

Lastly, is there noticeable benefit to go to rifle length gas tube, or mid-length?

 

[cougar1717]

B and C are mutually exclusive. With an adjustable gas block, the user adjusts the amount of gas used to cycle the action. A regular carbine buffer is all that would be required.
Heavy buffers are an inexpensive way to tune rifles that do not have an adjustable gas block.

 

[jakk280rem]

A. Google search this one. There are so many at various price points. Pick one that has a decent rep, matches your budget and flash killing needs.

B. A somewhat expensive solution to variable gas needs due to wide ranging ammo diet or suppressor use. Great for dialing in reliable function with your chosen load.

C. Inexpensive way to lower bolt speed and reduce battering on over gassed guns. May require some futzing with depending on ammo choice.


D. Gas tube length is dictated by gas system length, which is the position of your gas port on your barrel. Changing gas systems would dictate a barrel change. Generally speaking, longer gas systems reduce pressure and temperature in the bolt the longer they are. This reduces recoil and increases bolt longevity. The mid length gas system was created for 16" barrels as it matches the dwell time (the amount of barrel in front of your gas port) of the M4 (14.5") and M16 (20"). There is even an intermediate length that was created expressly for 18" barrels. One of my AR's has an 18" barrel but uses a rifle length system and works fine.

 

[socalbeachbum]

thanks, this helps.

one thing I do not understand is the use of a lighter bolt, the reduced mass bolt. just seems strange that they make heavier buffers and lighter bolts.

I do see OEMs like Daniel Defense using the 'H' buffer in their carbines.

Now I'm wondering if I should simply do nothing.

 

[jakk280rem]

I belive light bolts are a race gun part and should be avoided for use in a general use/defensive carbine.

Only you can decide if something needs to be changed. My advise is to get a heavier buffer. Cheapest choice and also the one that requires no tools or smithing. Worse thing that happens is you buy one too heave for the ammo you plan on using and have to switch to the next lightest buffer to ensure reliable function.

 

[readyeddy]

I'm in the same situation with a 16" carbine gas system. Nothing broke, but wondering if I can make it shoot smoother.

My solution was to get an H3 buffer (still waiting on the buffer). Apparently, if the gun doesn't run reliably with the H3, then take it apart and take apart the carbine buffer. The carbine buffer has 3 steel weights, and the H3 has 3 tungsten weights. Swap the weights if needed to make an H buffer (2 steel, 1 tungsten) or H2 buffer (1 steel, 2 tungstgen). Start shooting with the H3 and if doesn't run reliably, then go to H2, then H if needed. You basically want the heaviest reliable buffer.

 

[socalbeachbum]

interesting, didn't know you can take a buffer apart

 

[readyeddy]

There's a roll pin that needs to be removed.

 

[JWH321]

I have the plain old carbine length gas system with an A2 block, and carbine spring and buffer. Boring, but it works.

Question is what would be improved, for the average dummy like me, to change buffer weights? Is recoil reduced, is reliability improved? I'm not kidding, I'm really curious. I have too many unused parts in the AR box right now, I hesitate to go spend a bunch more money to experiment when I don't know what it is that might be improved.

 

[crazysccrmd]

You're much better off using an adjustable gas block and tuning the rifle to run with the proper amount of gas than using a heavy buffer as a bandaid.

 

[Ibmikey]

There are many thousands of AR's sold that are overgassed and with a standard buffer that will run without issue year after year. For the average person "if it aint broke don't fix it" changing buffers and reducing gas flow are better used by those who shoot thousands of rounds through their AR in short timespans and intend the internals to last a very long time without failure. Save your money for replacing the smalll part that may eventually give up.

 

[wally]

Now I'm wondering if I should simply do nothing.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! has never proven to be bad advice.

I'll add in a fourth option to confuse you further, a "pigtail" gas tube to effectively increase the length of the gas tube.

I like a heavier buffer in guns I shoot mostly suppressed, but I've no real evidence its needed, other than my perception that they are easier to clean afterwards presumably because the bolt is a bit slower to open giving more time for the suppressor to vent out the front thereby reducing what vents out the back.

 

[LiveLife]

Have you considered 16" upper with mid-length gas tube?

Mid-length gas system functions less abruptly and less forcefully than carbine-length gas system.

I like the longer sight radius with softer recoil and smoother gas impulse.

 

[Tomac]

A- Lots of personal preference here. Brakes reduce muzzle rise by reducing perceived recoil at the cost of side blast which others near you may not appreciate. Compensators reduce muzzle rise by venting gas upwards. Hybrids combine qualities of both. What are your size/weight/budget limits? I've used a number of them but since I'm not a gamer I just use the BCM Mod 0 hybrid that came w/my BCM uppers.

B- General rule of thumb is to run the heaviest buffer & spring your rifle will reliably lock back on an empty mag with when shooting the weakest ammo you regularly use. Some experimentation may be needed (not all 16" carbines are gassed the same) but I found an H2 buffer w/a Sprinco Blue or Wolff XP spring worked well for me.

C- If you're going to go w/an adjustable gas block, you might as well build instead of modifying an existing upper.

I'm a fan of the 16" mid-length gas system, especially BCM's lightweight 16" mid-length uppers. Smoother operation, less battering of parts, longer handguard for more rail estate options.

Tomac