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jwc0506

what's the difference between a mil spec buffer tube and a commercial one? and does it matter which type to use for a sa build?

here's where i'm at: i got 2 buffer tubes, one i think is mil-spec as it has the flat end and i think it's for a carbine rifle set-up? the other i bought at a gun shop and it has the andgled end and 5 position holes on it...will either work for my sa build?

also i have 2 buffers, one appears cheap and possibly plastic? not sure what type of material? the other looks alluminum and good quality. what would you use? if the plastic one i bought is junk i am returning it to the gun shop. also, if the commericial buffer tube i bought iis junk i am returning that to. need techy help before i decide what to do.

also, how can i tell if the buffer is mil spec vs commercial? and is there any defference in performance and durability? what would you get and why for your sa AR15? TIA

allesennogwat

The term "mil spec" gets thrown around a lot. I think in the AR it has to do with the adjustable stock and how many positions it has.

jwc0506

The term "mil spec" gets thrown around a lot. I think in the AR it has to do with the adjustable stock and how many positions it has.ok, that may be true... but can you or anyone answer my question about this damned buffer! it looks cheesy as all hell(plastic and weighted)..... i paid $20.00 for it and i think it looks like somethin out of a cracker jack box!:( i think i am going to return it?!

i have another free one i got donated and it is alluminum but looks a ton better then this junkie plastic thing.... fyi -the piece of plastic looks like about $2.oo worth of dime store plastic!? is this right?

jwc0506

allesonogwat - the stock is fine! i am just a bit concerned that the guy at the gun shop took me or a ride..... the buffer tube i think is commercial, but it looks like it is ok quality. but the buffer - looks like dogshit! i paid $20 bucks but it looks like deim store junk! should i return it or trade for something better? or are these platic ones ok(buffers) i meant to say??

fry

the difference between mil-spec and commercial is the diameter of the tube.

Nitris

commercial is 1.17 and mil-spec is 1.14 in diameter

http://www.magpul.com/pdfs/technotes/ctr/buffertubeid.pdf

jwc0506

thanks guys! but can i use either or? tia.

Jaimenv

If the buffer you have is a standard one it will be for a full length AR rifle.

There is a difference in length and weight for the carbines. I am not an expert but figured that out by looking here

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Rifle-Buffer-M16-AR15-p/buffer%20rifle.htm

The different weight in the buffers is used to tune the rifles recoil absorption my best guess.

Here are a few different ones.

http://www.biggerhammer.net/ar15/buffers/

jwc0506

drjarhead

Tubes--as stated there is a difference in thickness of the tube. My understanding is that the mispec tube has deeper threads that mate with the rec threades better.
That is my understanding.

buffer--plastic? Ditch that POS ASAP
There are long buffers for the AR15/M16rifles and shorter one for the carbines.
These are designated H3, H2, H and none for the regualr carbine buffer.
The heavier buffers came about as a way of slowing cycling down just a little as well as wear and malfunctions on the carbine. The H3 is the heaviest. Heavier is more expensive. Damned if I can figure out how they justify the big price differential though.

Ditch the plastic POS though. Probably filled with lead shot also.
Colt sold these in some of the ban rifles for awhile.
Colt really screwed gun owners pretty good over the years.

Now I am a Colt fan. They make the best ARs you can buy in the civilian world but you have to know what you are buying. Current crop is pretty good.

Their ban rifles and the '89-'94 rifles had some issues.

IIRC the State of CT owned substantial stock in their company and this created a lot of issues.

I never really got why so many gunbuilders are in states that are so anti-gun. Get the Hell out and take your jobs/tax $ with you.