The Buffer - Theory and when to Use What Buffer

Sig Romeo5 Compact Red Dot Sight amzn.to/2KLPDy8
Sig Bravo3 Sight amzn.to/2LpZ46S
AXIL Earmuffs Tactical amzn.to/2PIrFJV
Foam Rifle and Pistol Rest amzn.to/2mIjHSr
Efect Military Tool amzn.to/3mgFxHm
Armorer's Manual amzn.to/2G5FRm2
SAS Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/smallarms...
Patreon Page: / smallarmssolutions
Donate To SAS: donorbox.org/donate-to-small-...
Centurion Discount Codes:
Other/Misc: Code SAS10 for 10% off
Rifles: Code SASRIFLE for 3% off
Uppers/Lowers: SASUPPLWR for 5% off
G96 - Code SAS10 - 10% off
bit.ly/2INZpgi
Manta Products - Code BAR20 - 20% off
bit.ly/2IIzLK9
Challenge Targets - Code SAS - 10% off steel targets
www.challengetargets.com/SFNT...
Facebook - bit.ly/2INZa4S
Website - smallarmssolutions.com
Instagram - SmallArmsSolutions
PO Box 298, Cypress, TX 77410

[@Asdf-wf6en]

You should make a video like this, but talking about springs. You could go over regular, flatwire, braided, captured and strengths of springs.

[@TonberryShuffle]

Most other KZbinr videos about buffers: 5-10 minutes. SAS video about buffers: 35 minutes. Keep up the good work.

[@royalwins2030]

This man knows his ARs

[@blueduck9409]

This man knows his AR buffers.

[@rustyshackleford17]

The buffer game was probably the most mind-numbingly confusing part to research on building an AR.

[@atl307]

i agree, and even with what i know im stuck trying out different combinations but the info has been a great help.

[@willrobinson9575]

Buy a gun with adjustable gas.

[@7seasons31]

@@willrobinson9575 adjustable gas blocks are just another failure point. Best to keep it simple.

[@willrobinson9575]

@ Why not?

[@willrobinson9575]

@@7seasons31 If you want simple, get an AK.

[@Pays2Win]

That’s a hell of a ballistic plate brother.

[@Truecrimecommunity]

I don’t think that’s a plate. I think he had back surgery or something. I could be wrong

[@chap23305]

@@Truecrimecommunity nerd

[@eatsleepplayrepeat]

@@Truecrimecommunity nerd

[@oljimeagle6779]

@@Truecrimecommunity nerd

[@zrandeb123]

@@Truecrimecommunity nerd

[@Scientist_Salarian]

This is really valuable info. Many people, including so-called AR experts, get this stuff wrong. Thank you for posting such an organized and well-presented video! People like me who are still learning the finer points of rifles need this kind of resource.

[@mrstihl16]

You have to consider though, that commercial parts have variable gas port sizes. This alteration makes the advice on this video apply only to parts that remain exactly as colt originally produced them back in the day.

[@johnqpublic2718]

If you yourself are still learning "the finer points of rifles" how do you know that most "AR experts, get this stuff wrong?"

[@Scientist_Salarian]

@@johnqpublic2718 Because when I apply what a lot of internet “experts” tell me, it ends up not working. Also, my original comment is 4 years old. I’ve been shooting an AR in competition for the last 3.5 of those 4 years, and building my own setups for the last 3 years. I’m an expert, by any reasonable definition of the word. And you know what? This video still holds up.

[@ROOSTER333]

@@Scientist_Salarian that's awesome

[@the_hwyman]

This is easily the most in-depth discussion on buffer on KZbin. I'm very curious to hear your thoughts on the other half of the buffer system: the buffer spring. Specifically, when should I consider moving to a stronger spring?

[@mikeroberts4242]

I'm 67 years old and just getting into the ar system. Thank you for the info.

[@ronin2167]

Great info, but it would have been awesome if you had also talked about what buffers are used with what barrel lengths and gas port lengths.....pistol, carbine, mid-length, intermediate, and rifle.

[@adamshumate9397]

The buffer spring is a 41 or 42 flat coil, I believe I'm using a standard mil spec buffer, barrel length is 16 inch with bird cage on the end, M4 feed ramps. The gas system is a mid length or carbine length, I have no clue as to the gas port size. But I'll bull the hand garden and gas tube and put the ol' calipers to work. When I get back to the house, I'll pull the buffer Out and I'll stick it on the Digitals and see what pops up. After I do all this, I will report back With the information I have collected. Oh yeah, I'll see what size of flat buffer spring I'm using and put that information on here to.

[@karlkarlson6156]

pretty simple with what he said. 32:35 Carbines (generally over gassed) H. 18" with rifle gas, either standard rifle or standard carbine (depending on stock). Rifle? Same. I'm running 18 on rifle gas with A2 stock. All mil spec. Lots of rounds with no failure. I"m going to shave some weight off of her. Adding carbine stock assy. My SPR is 11lbs with basics. Harris bipod, 4x12 scope, A2 barrel. A2 stock assy.

[@richardlahan7068]

@@karlkarlson6156 From what I understand, military weapons tend to be overgased in order to be reliable in all conditions.

[@jstud999]

@@richardlahan7068 the vast majority of ar style rifles come over gassed for this reason military and civilian

[@freshconnekt]

I learned more watching 3 of your videos than I did watching 30 of other U’Tubers, Lol.. Thank you sir.. Invaluable information!!

[@FandCCD]

My 1 month old daughter now knows everything there is to know about buffers!

[@michaelkennedy996]

In addition I live in Fairbanks, AK where temperatures throughout the year range from -40 to 100F. Keeping my rifles functional throughout the year is challenging, this finally makes sense to me. Switched back to a lighter buffer and adjustable gas system to mitigate pressure changes due to environment or firing suppressed. Really helpful thank you.

[@bobtorsen9830]

Why not switch to AK for winter

[@Rustebadge]

​@@bobtorsen9830 when he said AK he meant Alaska not a Kalishnikov. And any respectable combat fighter would select an AR system over an AK system.

[@Advisory_Vessel]

@@Rustebadge He understood that he's not using an AK. He's just saying to switch os in the winter

[@Pompomgrenade]

The physics taking place during semi-auto fire... And full auto fire. Require components to be within weight specs. I have one hydraulic buffer, specifically timed with a long barreled target, AR. It permits me to watch holes appear on paper at 200 yards without my reticle leaving the x-ray on 20 power.. I consider that a neat trick by having tweet with the physics of how my rifle moves its bolt. Timing for extraction has been slowed. Travel distance is maximized for functionality on every shot. But the softness of the bolt movement allows sight through the magnified optic throughout the shot enabling, accurate follow-ups.. 😂 I just love the rocket science behind shooting sports. ❤ You have a lot of information bundled in one video!!!

[@stephenshapiro8966]

Thank you for your thorough explanation. I was having premature wear in my upper. Added a tungsten weight to make the buffer an H2. Problem solved and ejection trajectory is perfect at 4:30.

[@adam3651]

Chris please do a series on comparing both AR10 and AR-308 buffers and springs

[@EarthAltar]

I was hoping for that myself.

[@Eccentric5B]

@@EarthAltar Same here. An AR10/LR308 version of this video (covering both carbine and rifle type buffers) would be extremely helpful.

[@EarthAltar]

@@Eccentric5B I went with the Armaspec SRS buffer for my MSR .308.

[@enzoaven8829]

@@EarthAltar fixed or adjustable?

[@EarthAltar]

@@enzoaven8829 As far as I know they only have the one version for .308. It's not adjustable. They have different "weights" for 5.56 though.

[@georgeoneal4828]

I thoroughly enjoyed this highly informative and well organized presentation. You touched on the mechanics and emphasized that the firearm is a system designed to serve a specific purpose. I would like to see more videos of this type so I can expand my knowledge base to improve my future builds. Great video!!

[@kyleriley6027]

fantastic video and thanks for sharing so much of your knowledge. I can sit back and watch your channel and old gunblue490 all night and always learn one (or ten) things new every time. Great work and hope this channel continues to grow by leaps and bounds!

[@tyler79durdan]

6 haters couldn’t understand your presentation... Thank you Chris! Extremely helpful info! *Hat tipped

[@MrS22222]

Great video, I hope you made a swift recovery!

[@darwinwilliams2852]

Excellent buffer information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It was very helpful in understanding how and why buffer selection is so important.

[@jdhargrave6716]

Straight forward and comprehensive, the presentation given in a way, to cause the viewer to feel at ease. Comparatively, a one on one delivery, in your own living room or private class.

[@michaelkennedy996]

Thank you for taking the time to go through the history and development of whatever you’re talking about. It gives one a deeper understanding of a topic. It’s interesting and really helpful. I really enjoy your videos. Plus I get to blame you when I spend money on better parts or anything HK when my wife asks.

[@h-towncc1588]

Watching this has saved me so much money from making poor choices on buffer weights that I really did not understand.

[@chipsterb4946]

I never would have thought about the weight of the barrel affecting the optimal buffer but it makes sense. Thanks!

[@wranglerstar]

What buffer would you recommend for the new MK18 DD

[@basemandog]

Wranglerstar Missed you. Only just occurred to me that I haven’t seen any of your videos in my feed. Went to your channel to find I had been un-subscribed??? I didn’t do it.

[@sackychin6267]

DD sells their complete MK18s with an H buffer. I’d always heard H2. Edit. I believe SOCOM runs their MK18s with H2. You can run them with an H or H2. Preferably an H2 if you’re running suppressed.

[@pillingthemsoftly4738]

I use an H2 in my DD MK18, Cody.

[@colchronic]

Its a small world

[@ambroisefournier2541]

This was absolutely fascinating! Thanks for the amazing knowledge

[@jasonfay2250]

Good analysis. I'd be interested in seeing an update which included things like the JP captured spring buffer systems.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

The JP spring is a novelty. Not for use with selective fire weapons. I only discuss buffers used in military grade weapons.

[@pitchforkpeasant6219]

@@SmallArmsSolutionsgood to know. Thanks!😊

[@jordanshatswell4347]

Can you please explain this further? What do you mean by "novelty?" from my experience with the jp captured buffer system, it's been far more reliable, and consistent than your standard buffer system.

[@jeepnicc]

Awesome video on a potentially confusing subject! You sir, are wealth of knowledge. Thanks for sharing!

[@Captainpaulbtyhtr]

The most comprehensive video on AR buffers , well done !

[@alexbelle3941]

Cleared up a lot of confusion for me thank you very much.

[@tripplewhipper]

Thank you for the history and other valuable information behind buffers

[@rskinnard]

Thanks for the information, was extremely helpful for my next m4 build. The history on Colts engineering of the buffer was interesting and informative. There are so many things that you can do with ar/m4 platform. There is always new things to learn, both right and the wrong was. Thx.

[@southernstacker7315]

Thanks, I understand the H, H2 and H3 when talking Buffers now.

[@squeezeracer]

Extremely technical, but very informative. You gave me the answer I came looking for and added to my knowledge base. Thank you very much.

[@abcdef501]

AR guys be like: what buffer should I use during winter months and which one during summer? AK guys be like: I just cleaned my AK with an garden hose, can I use a microwave to dry it?

[@7seasons31]

That’s actually pretty funny, but AK guys would have the same problems if AKs were as popular as ARs, and there was as many aftermarket options and variations that changes how the gun operates.

[@charlesharper7292]

🤣 you made coffee come out my nose!!!

[@Max_Da_G]

@@7seasons31 There are more and more accessories being made for AKs, and every time someone fucks around with mechanics, they screw shit up. In Russia there is a heap of things.

[@zoltancsikos5604]

@@7seasons31 Nonsense.

[@zoltancsikos5604]

@@Max_Da_G I don’t know why some people are so obsessed with buying something and then fiddling around with shit like the trigger and hammer...

[@philfalsetti6139]

Thank you for sharing your deep knowledge on the subject! I left enlightened!

[@Xtroll1738]

Good video with lots of information. For the most part, I agree with your assessment about the rifles being designed as a system that works together. That said sometimes the aftermarket does come out with a better product which improves the function. I know of people that depend on their carbines that have changed things for the better and still have the reliability needed. I think the main thing is you understand how the system works, what the system needs to do and make sure it functions under all conditions with those changes. If you don't understand the system and how it works, don't mess with it. Also, with some law enforcement departments, they don't run military ammo so changes may be the right thing to do with that ammo.

[@calebdoner]

Quite a few good things in there that I did not know. Super helpful! Thanks!

[@78cobra]

Thank you for making the video you put a lot into it. It's appreciated!

[@heatherrrenea]

Thank you for the history lesson! Very cool info. Maybe you can do your next vid on what buffers with what has length, barrel length etc. it would be really nice to see a video like this one going into the mechanics of it all together. 👍

[@wayartio]

Kudo's for pointing this out Chris! I have a 16"Mid Length PSA and it is stock except for a Chip McCormock Flat Wire Buffer Spring and went to an "H" buffer from the OEM "Carbine" model. I am going to have to wait till next winter here in Illinois for a true test of this mod. Always be prudent in testing non OEM components in any firearm!!! Great video as usual; sir!

[@walatsway7092]

As long as we all use common sense and listen to this man,we will be safe😊

[@davidschaadt3460]

Very interesting and thorough.Really enjoyed this .

[@maxzarmar8908]

Thanks! I plan on building my own AR15 with a 16" barrel now I know what type of buffer to look for....Thanks a lot!

[@thefrogking481]

I can personally attest that this information is factual. Through my own trial and error, I discovered that buffer weight along with barrel length and barrel weight greatly affects both cyclic rate and reliability. Not that I have a three position rifle, I don't..... But, during the FRT frenzy, I discovered that my cyclic rate and reliability increased or decreased with buffer weight. This was with my Daniel Mk18. I wish I'd known of this video before I dove into what quickly became an expensive process. The particular FRT system I had was capable of obtaining very near M4 cyclic rate ( and yes, Mr ATF agent, I destroyed the FRT as you dictated). Understanding the engineering behind these rifles should be studied before anyone decides to buy one. Abolish the ATF.

[@sgtjarhead99]

I had no idea there are/were so many variations of buffers. Was issued the A1 and later the A2 back in the day. Never gave buffers any real thought other than it just being another part of the rifle we needed to have in good condition.

[@cw5865]

Great detailed explanation to a subject many confuse in trying to explain to me in the past...

[@XmedusaX_15]

I appreciate your content, and grabbed one of your shirts to show it. Cheers.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

Rapid Butterfly greatly appreciate you!

[@ThePhantomElement]

Good info. Have always used STD or H1 on AR builds but didn’t know why. Agree with Mark D below, learning the finer points is the difference between a great build and one that just runs.

[@bobkeller8383]

Excellent video. Ton of knowledge and almost exactly what I was looking for. I'm trying to figure out what buffer I need for a 300 blk 7.5 inch pistol build

[@kdworak4754]

I forgot who makes them but you can get buffers now that let you play with the weights. So you don't need to buy different buffers. There's no way to know what you need. Gas ports vary. Tolerances in the BCG vary. You can have a big gas port and an inefficient BCG and you won't need any heavy buffers. Testing is the only way to know.

[@walatsway7092]

I’m glad we have men who know what is real for our knowledge great job thanks for your telling us the truth😊

[@williamwagnon2809]

Awesome presentation!! Very good info! Thank you!!

[@CowboybubPercussion]

“This is a problem for only fully automatic” Jerry Mitchelic “Hold my beer” binary trigger “hold my beer” gat crank “hold my beer”

[@MyLonewolf25]

>Binary trigger

[@Kyrazlan]

And now the Forced reset trigger.

[@SlavicCelery]

Random KZbin fan: "How deep into research did your Colt research get?" Me: "Back Brace episodes!" Random KZbin fan: damn...

[@jessarellanes6648]

This is exactly what I needed thanks for sharing

[@yankeefist9146]

Thank you, sage advise. Much appreciated

[@welderdude1]

I started running SpringCo buffer springs and H2 buffers for my carbines and mid-gas system. Seems to tame the recoil and improve exteactions.

[@robbabcock_]

Fantastic primer! Thanks.

[@billn911]

Man, great video! Excellent description, history and useful lesson.

[@xochj]

Thank you for sharing these data!

[@kknocks2378]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom

[@brentfoto]

Great content with excellent examples. Thanks!

[@ryanwalters9412]

Thanks for the very informative video! Always wondered where the buffer 'standards' came from.

[@danielhess39]

Great explanation! Thank you!

[@johnpeterson7264]

Great video . Thanks for posting !

[@jimsiggy]

Thanks. I'm swapping from 16" carbine barrel and gas tube to to an 18" barrel with rifle gas tube. I was thinking that my standard 3 weight carbine buffer would be too light, but I think you suggested it'll probably be what I need.

[@rube6729]

That definitely deserves a sub. Thanks for the info!

[@whiskeypapa8842]

Great video brother! I learned something today.

[@derekhuber3392]

What comes in a “mil spec” buffer tube assembly?

[@scottsmith4710]

Chris, great information and video.👍

[@jamielahugh8316]

Thanks for this very informative vid!

[@mikepks]

Thank you For Sharing your Knowledge.

[@chriscookemusic]

Incredibly informative.

[@markshane2686]

Great information thank you.

[@loquat44-40]

Good information of course within the parameters of 5.56 chambered rifles and carbines produced by colt and you also include the 9x19 guns. You go into full autoguns that us civilians can not freely buy or possess and so bolt bounce is not such an issue. Today us civilians typically buy an upper, that in my case are often pistol length and will be in other chamberings like 300 AAC, 7.62x39, 6.5G, etc. The gas port hole drilled in the barrel may also vary according to what the maker thinks is best. Typical example: The first 7.62x39 gun that I assembled using a 16 inch barrel upper and a rifle length buffer set up had functioning problems until I added 3 tungsten wt to the rifle length buffer. The first rifle buffer was a very old surplus part that I purchased in the 90's. First the elastic polymer thingy on it disintegrated with age having something to do with it. when I added the tungsten wts magazine feeding from the magazine become perfect, but the front of the buffer got punched out. I purchased a new one and all is good. Reason for 7.62x39 is that I have a lot of it and it is cheap. I also happen to like the round. Of course I had to get a longer firing pin also for it to work. With some mags it does not lock open, but being an AK person that does not brother me so much. Also I can not think of many problems where the load of a 20 or 30 magazine will not solve it. The point is when assembling a gun on your own, some experimentation is needed with that applying specifically to buffers. You do make a good point about low temperatures. I have never seen below 15 F in my part of Northwest Florida. If it is real cold, maybe I should use the AK or G3 since i know those will work. Below 0 F is brutal for sure.

[@fmh357]

Thank You. It's not likely I'll ever own, build or maintain anything other than a Semi-Auto AR-15 but the information was interesting.

[@TheRaven1809]

Great video, with some invaluable information in my opinion. What is your take on buffer springs, specifically flat wire versus standard round wire. To my understanding you can get a longer life span out of a flat wire spring and it eliminates the “twang” commonly associated with a round wire buffer spring. However I have no experience with a flat wire spring & I am curious if in your experience you have found any reliability issues with a flat wire buffer spring in either semi-auto and auto firing?

[@58harwood]

Excellent content! Thank you.

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

Very helpful, thanks

[@saxmusicmail]

One buffer I've seen, plastic filled with shot instead of regular weights. You can tell by the rattle. I think these came in some very cheap build kits. Toss in the nearest trash can. Great video! I learned a lot.

[@wharris7594]

Or use as a hammer 😂

[@toddwagner4808]

Explained very well

[@SenorGato237]

Fantastic video! Great info.

[@ABowlofPho]

Nice to see you back on here! I hope you can make good use with my rifle soon. :) Edit: Also, if you can answer this for me, I am planning on building a 20" barreled upper AR but it's going to be on a carbine length buffer tube, similar to like the Canadian C7s. What buffer weight would you recommend? The barrel profile is basically a pencil profile.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

A Bowl of Pho Vltor A5

[@matbrewer9799]

Great video!!! Thanks Chris!!!! 😃

[@WvMnts]

Great content thanks👍

[@monroefive-o40]

Love my LMT piston CQB MRP.

[@mrnickbig1]

My DB15 16", 1 in 8", seemed a little over gassed for the 5.56 M193 and M855 ammo I was using, so I just switched to a slightly heavier H1 buffer to slow the action a hair, and it seems to have worked perfectly. Most of my firearms mods are subtle. My .40 P226 has many mods, but looks stock, except for the G10 grips, but has many mods to customize reset, trigger pull, recoil, trigger weight, and balance, to my standards.

[@SitNSpinRecords]

Jerry makes the best buffer in my opinion. It works like hydraulic buffers but is uses opposing magnets instead.

[@blantant]

Awesome content. Thanks

[@charliedee9276]

Easily the best video on this subject, subbed. I picked up a 9mm carbine, Lone Wolf lower with a Yankee Hill upper. I got it in trade for some work done, the PO complained it never worked right. I ended up replacing the buffer tube wondering why the threads into the receiver on the tube seemed to be stressed. A loose lock nut seemed to be the problem. However when shooting it the ejection seemed very harsh. During watching this video I pulled the buffer out to find a standard 3 oz buffer installed. I am new to this world and video's like this are such a valuable source for people like me who want to know the proper way of doing things. I will be immediately replacing the 3 oz. with the proper one for a 9mm 16" barrel carbine, which buffer would you specifically suggest for that application? Thank you.

[@jpocketvnext]

Awesome sir, thank you. 🙏🏻❤️

[@visor2929]

Good info it gave me lots of info I needed to determine what I need to do. Oh and one more thing invest in a mic that you can attach to your clothing and speak louder. You sounded like you were in the back of the room and didn't want to speak to loud because you didn't want someone to hear you.

[@SK-pn1pe]

Great info, shockingly in-depth. Well done. I didn't hear you talk about gas port lengths at all and if that made a difference on what buffer weight to use. I'm referring to semi-auto only, and specifically on AR10s. From your recap I gathered that the standard H was likely the go to buffer, but just curious if the gas port location would change this. Thanks for info!

[@nuworldman9280]

Love the video, could you do one on AR10/308. In the past we just had rufle tube and stocks but in the last few years a lot more adjusable stocks with carbine tubes which seem to create a whole new monster regarding springs, buffers, adj gas blocks etc. Thanks

[@bigracer3867]

Great info! Would you do a buffer and spring explanation for the AR 10 family,?? spring/buffer lengths/weights. ??

[@thomasjefferson1457]

My understand of buffers is unless you're shooting full auto "bolt bounce" is irrelevant. The time between shots is sufficient to allow the bolt to settle into place for the next round.

[@kevinhullinger8743]

Well done 👍 thank you

[@hungarianhillbilly4144]

Excellent video. Your thoughts on silent capture Spring from JP enterprises.

[@petershaver5006]

great info great channel

[@DJT-2024]

Wherever you are, wish you'd come back!! I've learned alot from you. Thank you for that.

[@SmallArmsSolutions]

I am still here. I am still available. Working as best as I can at the moment.

[@DJT-2024]

@SmallArmsSolutions I just found your channel again. I'm glad to see you still producing videos! I always liked your attention to detail and facts! Keep them coming, and I'll keep giving the thumbs up and sharing!