Understanding the Core of the System
The AR-15. It’s a firearm that’s become synonymous with versatility, modularity, and, of course, American gun culture. From its humble beginnings, it has evolved into a highly customizable platform, embraced by civilian shooters, law enforcement, and military personnel alike. At the heart of this rifle’s reliability and performance lies a critical, often overlooked, component: the buffer system. This article delves deep into one specific type of buffer system – the rifle length buffer system (RLBS) – offering a comprehensive guide to its function, benefits, installation, and considerations.
The purpose of a buffer system is deceptively simple: to manage the recoil generated by the firing of a round and ensure the reliable cycling of the rifle. Every time a round is fired, the expanding gases drive the bolt carrier group (BCG) rearward. The buffer system catches this rearward movement, cushions it, and then uses the energy stored in a spring to return the BCG forward, chambering a new round and preparing the rifle to fire again.
This article will explore the intricacies of the rifle length buffer system, providing you with a detailed understanding of its components, advantages, and how it can optimize your AR-15’s performance. From its role in enhancing shooter comfort to its contribution to component longevity, we will examine why the rifle length buffer system remains a favored choice among experienced rifle enthusiasts.
The rifle length buffer system, unlike its carbine and pistol-length counterparts, utilizes a longer design to better manage recoil and enhance the overall shooting experience. The distinguishing feature of the rifle length buffer system lies, naturally, in its dimensions. It’s designed for those seeking to fine-tune their AR-15’s performance, focusing on a smoother recoil impulse and reduced stress on the rifle’s internal components.
This system isn’t a single part, but rather an assembly of integrated components working in concert. Each element plays a crucial role in ensuring the rifle operates reliably and efficiently.
The system’s effectiveness hinges on its specific components, each designed to work in harmony with the others to absorb recoil and initiate the next cycle. These components are, at a fundamental level, simple, but their design and quality play a crucial role in overall performance.
Dissecting the Pieces: A Component Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the individual components that make up the rifle length buffer system. Each of these parts contributes to the overall function of the system, and understanding their roles is key to appreciating the system’s benefits.
The Receiver Extension
The receiver extension, often referred to as the buffer tube, is the backbone of the system. It’s a long, cylindrical tube that houses the buffer and spring. The rifle length buffer tube is longer than those used in carbine or pistol-length systems, setting the stage for the specific mechanical advantages of this system. This longer tube provides ample space for the buffer to travel and the spring to compress, which is vital for smoother recoil management. A standard length buffer tube, specifically, is designed with a threaded section that attaches to the lower receiver. It’s important to ensure the tube is properly torqued during installation to avoid any potential issues. Additionally, these tubes often come in materials like aluminum and are often offered in both mil-spec and commercial dimensions.
The Buffer
The buffer itself is a weighted component that slides within the buffer tube. Its weight is crucial. The more mass that a buffer has, the more it can help dampen recoil and reduce the rate of fire. Rifle buffers are typically heavier than their carbine counterparts. The buffer is designed to impact the rear of the buffer tube upon the rearward stroke of the bolt carrier group. The impact slows the BCG, and the resulting compression of the spring stores energy.
Inside the buffer, you will find a series of internal weights, often made of steel, that contribute to the overall mass. There may also be a separate dampening device, such as a rubber bumper, on one end of the buffer. This bumper helps to cushion the impact against the rear of the buffer tube, reducing noise and potentially improving the overall feel. Like the buffer, there are different weights offered. A heavier buffer can sometimes improve functionality with a wider range of ammunition types.
The Action Spring
The action spring, also called the buffer spring, is a coiled metal spring that resides inside the buffer tube. It’s the driving force behind the forward movement of the bolt carrier group. When the BCG moves rearward, it compresses the spring, storing energy. As the BCG hits the rear of the tube, the spring then pushes the BCG forward, chambering the next round and preparing the rifle to fire. The spring’s length, material, and tension are carefully engineered to work in conjunction with the buffer weight and the rifle’s gas system to ensure reliable cycling. Quality springs are crucial for maintaining consistent performance and avoiding premature wear.
Advantages: Why Choose This System?
The rifle length buffer system provides some compelling benefits for those who use it. These advantages are often noticeable during both practice and competitive shooting and are crucial for longevity.
Perhaps the most immediately noticeable advantage is the smoother recoil impulse. The longer buffer tube and spring, working in tandem, offer a more gradual and less jarring recoil sensation. The increased distance over which the buffer and spring can operate helps to dissipate the energy generated by firing, resulting in a softer “push” rather than a sharp “kick.” This can significantly improve shooter comfort, especially during extended shooting sessions, and can allow for faster follow-up shots.
Beyond the enhanced feel, this system can contribute to a longer lifespan for internal components. The reduced shock from the softer recoil impulse translates to less stress on parts like the bolt carrier group, receiver, and barrel extension. Over time, this can potentially decrease the frequency of maintenance and replacements.
While not always guaranteed, a well-tuned rifle length buffer system can contribute to improved reliability, particularly when used with a properly gassed rifle and the correct buffer weight. The system, in conjunction with other factors, aids in consistently cycling different types of ammunition, from standard loads to heavier-grain bullets. However, correct gas port size, BCG, and overall rifle build quality play a significant role in reliability.
Putting It Together: Installation Insights
Installing a rifle length buffer system is a straightforward process, typically accessible to those with basic mechanical skills. However, it’s crucial to approach the installation with care and attention to detail to ensure the system functions correctly and safely.
Before starting, always prioritize safety. Make sure the firearm is unloaded, and the magazine is removed. Take appropriate precautions to ensure the firearm cannot be unintentionally discharged.
Disassembly of the original buffer system usually begins with removing the stock from the receiver extension. Next, the castle nut, which secures the buffer tube to the lower receiver, should be unscrewed. The buffer tube can then be unscrewed from the lower receiver. Carefully remove the action spring and buffer from inside the tube. Be mindful of these parts, as the spring can be under tension.
To install the rifle length buffer system, first, insert the action spring into the rifle length buffer tube. Next, slide the rifle length buffer into the tube. Now, thread the buffer tube onto the lower receiver, ensuring the threads are properly aligned. Secure the buffer tube with the castle nut. After the nut has been properly torqued, you can reattach the stock and test the system’s functionality. It’s important to ensure that the buffer and spring move freely within the tube and that the bolt carrier group cycles smoothly. If anything feels out of place, check your work.
Selecting the Right System for Your Needs
When deciding whether a rifle length buffer system is the right choice for your AR-15, considering your specific requirements and preferences is crucial.
If you are building a rifle from the ground up, you can tailor the system to your exact needs. This is an opportunity to select components to ensure your rifle is the best it can be. The rifle length buffer system is often a primary choice when building a rifle for precision shooting or maximizing felt recoil reduction.
If you’re upgrading an existing AR-15, the benefits of a rifle length buffer system might be significant. If your current system isn’t providing the shooting experience you’re hoping for, this system offers the potential to enhance both comfort and performance.
The rifle length buffer system particularly shines in certain applications. For those involved in precision shooting, the reduced recoil and enhanced control provided by this system can translate to tighter groupings and improved accuracy. It can also benefit shooters using certain calibers known for their recoil, such as the heavier .300 Blackout loads.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While the rifle length buffer system offers many advantages, some potential drawbacks must be considered before making a decision.
One of the primary factors to consider is that the overall length of the rifle will increase with the installation of a rifle length buffer tube. This is especially important if you prefer a more compact configuration or if you plan to use the rifle in confined spaces.
Another limitation is that the system is not directly compatible with carbine-length receiver extensions. If your rifle already has a carbine-length buffer system, you will need to replace the receiver extension with a rifle-length version. This change requires more work than simply swapping a buffer and spring.
Finally, although the rifle length buffer system provides benefits, certain aftermarket components may not always be perfectly matched. Ensure that the parts you purchase are high-quality and compatible with your existing components. Some adjustments to the buffer weight or spring tension may be necessary to achieve optimal performance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best-designed systems can sometimes experience issues. Knowing how to troubleshoot and fix any issues can save time and frustration.
A common problem that occurs is failure to cycle properly. If your rifle is experiencing issues, it could be related to a variety of causes, including the wrong buffer weight, incorrect spring tension, or gas system problems. Ensuring the rifle is properly gassed is key to achieving full function. Start by verifying that the gas block is properly aligned and secured, and that the gas tube is intact and not obstructed. Adjusting the gas port size can sometimes improve the function of the rifle. Inspect the buffer and spring to verify they are compatible with your setup. Experimenting with different buffer weights or spring strengths can sometimes resolve the issue.
Overgassing or undergassing can also affect the function of the rifle. If the rifle is overgassed, the bolt carrier group may cycle too rapidly, resulting in excessive wear and tear. If it is undergassed, the bolt carrier group may not cycle fully, leading to malfunctions. If the rifle is overgassed, you might consider using a heavier buffer or adjustable gas block to reduce the amount of gas used. Conversely, if the rifle is undergassed, you might try using a lighter buffer, or check for gas leaks.
Maintenance and Care: Keeping it Running Smoothly
Like any firearm component, the rifle length buffer system requires regular maintenance and care to ensure it functions reliably.
Cleaning and lubrication are essential for keeping the buffer system in top condition. At regular intervals, you should disassemble the buffer system and wipe down the buffer tube, buffer, and spring. Lightly lubricate the buffer and spring with a quality gun oil or lubricant designed for firearms. Avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dirt and debris, leading to malfunctions.
Regular inspection for wear and tear is also important. During cleaning, carefully examine the buffer tube for dents, dings, or other damage. Check the buffer for signs of wear, such as scoring or damage to the bumper. Also, check the spring for any bends, breaks, or loss of tension. Replace any components that show signs of excessive wear, as they can compromise the system’s performance and reliability.
In Conclusion
The rifle length buffer system is an excellent upgrade or choice when building an AR-15. It’s a system built for reducing felt recoil, improving reliability, and prolonging the life of your rifle’s other components. By understanding the various components and the way the system works, you’ll be able to appreciate the benefits of a rifle length buffer system and make informed decisions regarding your AR-15 setup.
The rifle length buffer system presents a significant step forward from some of the earlier buffer systems and has been a great choice for shooters who value performance and longevity. This article has provided you with everything you need to know about understanding, installing, and troubleshooting the rifle length buffer system. Now you’re ready to make an educated choice.
For further in-depth information, consider researching articles and videos. You can always consult experienced gunsmiths and fellow enthusiasts to deepen your knowledge and perfect your build.
