On a happier note: Ode to an "H" buffer in the carbine!

[imarangemaster]

A stadard Carbine buffer, included with virtually all kits and stocks, is 2.9 to 3.0 oz in weight. An "H" (for heavy) is 3.5 to 3.6 oz. H2 is about 4.0 oz. IIRC, an h buffer was developed to slow the cyclic rate of USGI M4 carbines, improve feeding, and soften the jump, especially in full auto. The difference that .5 oz makes (or about a total of 1 oz, if using a full auto bolt carrier with its heavier weight) is nothing short of amazing.

[langss]

A stadard Carbine buffer, included with virtually all kits and stocks, is 2.9 to 3.0 oz in weight. An "H" (for heavy) is 3.5 to 3.6 oz. H2 is about 4.0 oz. IIRC, an h buffer was developed to slow the cyclic rate of USGI M4 carbines, improve feeding, and soften the jump, especially in full auto. The difference that .5 oz makes (or about a total of 1 oz, if using a full auto bolt carrier with its heavier weight) is nothing short of amazing.

Would I be able to tell the difference. All my home builds have ???? whoever parts.They were all gun show kits from back when a kit was everything but the lower receiver. I put them together, They are all semi-auto and I live in California, so I guess in essence, is it worth $100+ dollars each.?

[imarangemaster]

$100 each? H Buffers are only $15 to $20. M16 carriers are nice, but not necessary. If using a semi auto carrier, you could use an H2, though I just found they are about 4.5 oz and might not work with light loads. I live in Kalifornication, also.

[DaveN]

I bought an AR 15 ( Olympic Arms) in 2001 cause the price was right and thought I might need it some day. I replaced the stock with a 4 position and had no idea about the buffer retention pin and how the tube held it in place. Damage to the tube thank God is all that resulted and the original stock is back on.
The point I'm getting at is the buffer and spring that came with the adjustable are different then the original? The buffer seemed longer and heavier? Could I have a H model buffer and is the only way to tell is by weighing them?
If it is the H mod could I use it in place of my original?

[jmoore]

Could I have a H model buffer and is the only way to tell is by weighing them?

The usual way to do a quick check is to check the face that bears against the bolt carrier. "Standard" will have no marking. Otherwise it should have an "H or H1", H2 or H3 impression stamped marking near the center of the face. There's likely exceptions, but it's worked for me. (Except for one "super heavy" short buffer I made years back when doing an install onto an AR10. But it is easily detectible just by it's heft...)

[imarangemaster]

My H buffer has no markings, though I bought it new on Ebay as an H and I weighed it at 3.5 ounces.

[DaveN]

Thanks, it's officially the weekend so I'll check and get back with you.

[langss]

$100 each? H Buffers are only $15 to $20. M16 carriers are nice, but not necessary. If using a semi auto carrier, you could use an H2, though I just found they are about 4.5 oz and might not work with light loads. I live in Kalifornication, also.

I was looking at the prices for different buffers at Riflegear. That's where I got the #100 price tag.....$20 is way more do able.... I will look further into it.