Which AR-15 Carbine Buffer?

[Gideon]

I am spec'ing out my first AR-15 and would like to hear recommendations for which buffer to use for a 5.56 in an M4-type collapsible stock. From my research, here are the primary options:

OEM - 3.0 oz, $11 (RRA from Brownells)
H1,H2,H3 - about 4.0, 4.5, 5.5 oz, $45 (Colt H2 from Brownells)
Spikes Tactical T1,T2,T3 - 3.0, 4.1, 5.4 oz, $30 ($35 for T3) (Brownells)
Slash's Heavy Buffer - 6.5 oz, $75 (heavybuffers.com)
JP Enterprises Silent Captured Spring - ? oz, $120 (Brownells)
Enidine AR-Restor hydraulic - 4.3 oz, $93 (Brownells)

I am leaning toward the tungsten powder filled ST-T2 but I want opinions. Price is a factor but I'll pay more if I'm convinced of the benefit.

Other info - I'll be using a Tubb Chrome Silicon flat wire buffer spring, Krieger 16.5" carbine barrel with traditional "short" carbine length gas port location, Syrac Ordinace adjustable gas block, and an LMT enhanced semi-auto BCG. I will not have a muzzle brake initially but will be adding one (probably a PWS or Surefire) later. Ammo will range from factory to hand loads, 52gr to 77gr bullets. The rifle will be used for target, plinking, military practice, maybe competition.

 

[Beef82]

Re: Which AR-15 Carbine Buffer

I switched my 16" from a standard carbine to a Spikes T2 and it made a world of difference in felt recoil, from a quick snap to a light push, with considerably less muzzle rise, I wouldn't have believed that a simple buffer swap could make such a profound difference in the function of a rifle. May see if I can maintain reliability with a T3, will definitely use Spikes buffers in future builds.

I cannot say that results would not be similar with a standard H2 or H3.

 

[Krazny13]

Re: Which AR-15 Carbine Buffer

I'd run an H2. BCM's got them for $30. (My 16 inch and SBR both have H2's. Work great.)

 

[1Sg (ret)]

Re: Which AR-15 Carbine Buffer

I have ran the Spikes heavy buffers in a couple of my rifles.From my experience the heavier you can run reliably will also help with accuracy.I guess it slows the time the bolt unlocks.

 

[smschulz]

Re: Which AR-15 Carbine Buffer

Any new gun can take work and a Spikes T2 is a good place to start.
You may have to play with springs, gas settings or maybe not.
No clear cut answer.
I don't build anything less than mid-length and never had any issues with mid.
Rifle length with less pressure I have had to work with.
I can see carbine length issues with over gas needing some fine tuning.
YMMV

 

[gunslotreaper308]

Re: Which AR-15 Carbine Buffer

I have ST T2's in two rifles and they work great

 

[Exlonghorn]

Re: Which AR-15 Carbine Buffer

I just tried out my JP Silent Captured Spring this weekend. My reaction? Meh. Didn't impress. I was shooting a Rock River 16" with a JP adjustable gas block, JP compensator, and JP low mass bolt carrier. I have it tuned for 3-gun competitions (VERY low recoil) and I didn't notice any difference in sound or "sight wiggle" after firing unsupported. Maybe made sight movement a little worse. The action did feel very solid, but it was pretty good from the beginning...not a huge improvement. I obviously like JP products, but this one is not worth the cost.

 

[BCP]

Re: Which AR-15 Carbine Buffer

Any mil-spec carbine buffer will work fine.

 

[Ballista One]

Re: Which AR-15 Carbine Buffer

As you will be using an adjustable gas block, the lightest buffer available would be the best choice.

 

[mackdrvr]

Re: Which AR-15 Carbine Buffer

Semi auto carrier......what BCP said. A quality carbine buffer will be fine. Rock and Roll son.

 

[ole'soldier]

Re: Which AR-15 Carbine Buffer

No problems with my T2 in a 20" build. I bought the T2 as part of Spike's Carbine Buffer Assembly Kit for my build. Between the T2 and a Rainer Arms brake I can watch the holes appear on paper. The brake really made the difference though with regards to keeping the rifle still.