No question is Stupid right?

[MrDig]

I'm considering an AR platform and thinking about the DPMS Oracle or a Del-Ton. I'm also considering getting an adult lego set and building one.
So I'm at a Gun store the other day and one of the guys starts talking Hydrolic buffers over Standard buffers. I get confused again and come home and do some research. I'm finding that it is most often NOT recomended on 5.56/.223 and more recommended on Larger caliber AR style rifles. I'm also thinking the guy at the store was trying to up sell me because he thought I was born last night as opposed to just at night.
So building or buying a 5.56 AR platform would you install a Hydrolic Buffer?

 

[dprice3844444]

added weight not needed

 

[Art Eatman]

As long as it's not a "Here's your sign!" sort of question.

 

[desidog]

Don't run up your tab on parts (you don't need) just cause you read it on the internets. I'd only worry about that question after your AR doesn't run properly with regular parts. I run 7.62x25, 5.56, and 7.62x39 uppers off one lower with one buffer: no issues.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Skip the hydraulic buffer.

Also skip those brands. At the lower cost end get a S&W M&P15 Sport (first choice), or a DS Arms, or a Spike's Tactical (better than either but likely $800 or so).

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I always suggest building/buying the most very basic platform which suits your needs and then after proof of reliability and use, commence to take advantage of one of the greatest aspects of the system - that of adaptability.

As such, I try to steer folk towards things like the following based upon past proven military application; barrel length, twist rate, recoil system, hand guards, sight components and magazines.

After owning and shooting the basic rifle/carbine a fella can intelligently drag it through an accessory catalog without wondering which aspect of the expert advice gee-whizzery is befuddling his accuracy or reliability.

As far as hydraulic buffers go - having dealt with them in a variety of applications I found them to be potentially very susceptible to changes in altitude and temperature almost regardless of the manufacturers quality.

 

[jem375]

Nothing wrong with a DPMS Oracle, have one myself with an EOTech 512 on it and it is a very accurate AR. Either of your choices would be fine for a first AR, you can upgrade later if you feel the need to do so...

 

[thezoltar]

The DPMS is a fine gun for the average person. Most of us are average. When you do decide to start adding goodies to your AR, I can guarantee a new buffer will not be on your list of upgrades. That's a little like saying you need a better cranckshaft for your car. I'm guessing that guy just needed to sell some cranshafts.
You'll get all kinds of advice on what brand to buy but I think you need to decide on what TYPE to buy. Carbine, varmint, precision, tacticle monster etc.
Each has a more specific use though all are generally the same. You'll be happier if you buy what you really need for your style of shooting. Spend your money on what you really need so you don't have to spend money on parts later to get where you should have been in the first place. Nobody likes to have a pile of extra parts laying around that have been removed and replaced with what they needed/wanted up front.

 

[Z-Michigan]

The M&P15 Sport runs around $600, so it's not like I'm saying you need to spend a fortune to get an adequate rifle. What you get with the S&W over the DPMS is a much better barrel that will last 2-3x longer, a higher quality bolt carrier group, and generally more quality assurance. Basically the same pluses with the DSA and Spike's options as well, but for more money (but also adding the standard dust cover and forward assist, which aren't very important).

 

[mastiffhound]

I'm not sure but the DPMS doesn't have a chrome lined chamber or bore? I think the del-ton does. I like chrome lining because it makes those parts easier to clean. Same reason I got chromed BCG's for my AR"S. I learned the wonders of chrome lining when I started shooting my old Mosin-Nagants. I hated trying to keep those things clean or just to not start rusting! I have heard good things about melonite or nitride coating too?

 

[Z-Michigan]

Very few DPMS models (or none?) have chrome lined barrels or chambers.

Del-Ton makes rifles both with and without chrome lined barrels, know what you're buying.

The M&P15 Sport and most DSA AR barrels are nitride treated, a process at least as good as chrome for most purposes and probably better. It is equally or more durable from firing wear, and more corrosion resistant.

DSA also makes models with bare steel and chrome lined barrels, so know what you're buying.

Spike's only sells (AFAIK) chrome-lined barrels and stainless barrels.

 

[303tom]

I'm considering an AR platform and thinking about the DPMS Oracle or a Del-Ton. I'm also considering getting an adult lego set and building one.
So I'm at a Gun store the other day and one of the guys starts talking Hydrolic buffers over Standard buffers. I get confused again and come home and do some research. I'm finding that it is most often NOT recomended on 5.56/.223 and more recommended on Larger caliber AR style rifles. I'm also thinking the guy at the store was trying to up sell me because he thought I was born last night as opposed to just at night.
So building or buying a 5.56 AR platform would you install a Hydrolic Buffer?

Not on a 5.56, but on something like this it is a must..........

 

[taliv]

some questions are definitely stupid. however, that's question is a good one

the answer is don't get the hydraulic buffer.

i had one in my full-auto AR15 and also in a 3gun rifle with an adjustable gas block. it was appropriate in both those applications and was reliable. (though i heard a lot of reliability issues with other brands of buffers) you use it on the full-auto to reduce the cycle rate. you use it on the game gun as part of an overall finely tuned system to reduce recoil.

however, i'd never run one on a defensive carbine because it serves no purpose and is just a waste of money and another theoretical point of failure

 

[wombat13]

Deleted. Afraid humor would not translate.