The Importance of a Buffer System

In the AR15 platform, one of the least credited systems is the rifles Buffer Spring System. The buffer spring system works hand-in-hand with the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) to keep your rifle properly cycling while firing every last round. There are a number of variants that come in to play when choosing a buffer spring system, such as the length of spring (carbine or rifle length) and the weight of the buffer. These variants are crucial to the operation of your rifle.

Typically, when purchased from a retailer, an AR rifle will come a bit "over gassed". Although this does provide more reliability, it has its negative points as well. You will experience more felt recoil and all-in-all the rifle will not be operating as smoothly as it could. An easy solution to this would be to replace your stock buffer with a heavier buffer. That alone will give you noticeable improvements. There will be less felt recoil, less muzzle movement, allowing you to achieve tighter shot groupings, and it will also aid in feeding during the loading cycle.

Colts designed H-Series is the most commonly used buffers on the AR platform. The H1 buffer weighs 3.8oz, the H2 buffer is 4.6oz, and the H3 weighs 5.4oz. These buffers are composed of small Tungsten and Steel weights.

A fairly new innovation, sure to gain popularity, is the Silent Recoil Spring Systems, or Silent Captures. Companies such as Armaspec, JE Machine Tech, and JP Enterprises are a few of the only companies currently manufacturing these spring systems. Although a bit pricier than your standard buffer spring and buffer, you will definitely feel a difference in the operation of your rifle. It is a drop in ready system that replaces the conventional spring and buffer. You will notice the rifle operating much smoother and quieter, getting rid of that cheese grading, twang sound, you hear with the old spring, and less felt recoil and movement of the muzzle.

With all the options on the market, it is important to know your rifle and do your research before purchasing just any buffer weight. Too light or too heavy and your rifle may not properly cycle and function.