Posted by on 10/13/2021 to
The next time you fire your AR, take the time to appreciate the low recoil. This is due in part to the relatively low caliber but also to the buffer system. The buffer system is a relatively new innovation for firearms. One of the cool things about it is that it’s hidden in the stock, you might not even know it’s there. If you are shooting an AR for the first time it can be really surprising how little felt recoil there is, especially since you are not likely to be aware of the effect the buffer system is having. It takes the actual recoil and cushions it with a spring action. This really helps the felt recoil, which is the recoil you feel, after things like the buffer system and maybe a muzzle device has counteracted the force of the recoil.
The actual function of the buffer system is to load the next round into the chamber, reducing felt recoil is just a bonus benefit. The gas comes from the muzzle brake through the gas tube pushing the Bolt Carrier Group back and expelling the spent casing. The buffer system absorbs the momentum of the BCG and pushes it back, picking up the next round from the top of the magazine in the process. It is an elegant and efficient system. That’s the great thing about a buffer system, it helps perform a function while adding a benefit, and it does both of these things fairly well and with simple tools.
The Buffer weight is one of the variables in the buffer system. They come in different lengths, different weights, and of course different brands. Some of those brands have adjustable weights so you can really fine-tune your system. Generally the shorter the barrel length, the heavier you want your buffer to be. This is because there is more pressure coming through the gas tube on a short barrel. So the weight is kind of there to slow it down, then the spring will push it back forward. In a pistol build, which doesn’t have the gas tube, you will be using one of the heaviest weights of all.
Rifle buffers tend to be longer, especially if you are using the A2 stock, or traditional style stock. This is because the buffer tube isn’t shortened and needs to travel farther, or would need to travel farther if it wasn’t so long. Most AR’s these days seem to have the shorter buffer tube, as they often have the more modern stocks.
You can upgrade your buffer system with a buffer that has a hydraulic cushion. These are a better buffer that reduces the velocity and can cushion the impact of BCG even better. These can be identified by the part that would come into contact with the BCG sticking out on a rod. This would give you shocks and springs for your AR.
There is a new technology with buffer systems these days that works really well, and is also quieter. These are a spring system that is a bit different in that everything is already connected. There may be more than one piece to it, but they are all connected together. These systems are considered by some to be one of the best upgrades you can make to your AR. It’s not surprising when you consider that it can make your AR quieter and more smooth with less felt recoil.
There are a lot of options when it comes to upgrading your buffer system. That said, your average buffer system that comes with your AR can be pretty good as it is. If it’s time to change it out, you may want to upgrade it to get a better AR, since you’ve gotta spend money anyway. If you are just looking to upgrade, the buffer system is a great thing to upgrade, it just might be that you’re the only one that realizes you upgraded. Still, it can make your AR more fun to shoot, which is a great way to improve your aim.