Ins and Outs of the Best AR-15 Buffers: My Experiences

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By Dennis Howard •  11 min read

Buffer tubes, springs and buffers play an integral part in a well-functioning AR-15 rifle. Finding the right buffer set-up for your AR-15 can be a challenge, especially on custom-built rifles. There are as many variations in buffer set-ups are there are rifles. Finding the proper equipment must be keyed to your rifle.

We have looked at the many variations in buffer tubes, springs, and buffers to compile our list. In many ways, the style of rifle and the caliber are the key issues in buffer selection. Anyone building an AR-15 must have a good understanding of how and why buffer tubes, buffers and buffer springs are so important.

AR-15 Buffer Assembly Components

Don’t ignore the buffer assembly on a standard AR-15 gas impingement rifle. If the buffer assembly is not properly assembled and tuned to the rifle, failures to cycle or feed properly can result. The first place to start with any discussion of buffer assemblies is examining the components of an AR-15 buffer assembly, how they work together, and their proper function.

The Buffer Assembly

The buffer tube on an AR-15 performs many functions other than just holding the buttstock on the rifle. Holding the buttstock is, of course, an important function. However, it is what goes on inside the buffer tube that is most important to the proper operation of an AR-15.

The Parts of your Buffer Assembly

There are several parts to the buffer assembly. We have already briefly discussed the buffer tube and its role in holding and contain the other parts. The remaining parts of the buffer assembly include:

How it all Operates

During the operation of your AR-15, the buffer spring and buffer are responsible for several functions.

It is easy to see that the buffer, buffer spring, and buffer tube all contribute to the reliable operation of your AR-15 during firing.

Buffer Weights

Many AR-15 shooters are familiar with the buffer tube, buffer, and buffer spring. The weights that ride inside the buffer are important yet often overlooked components of the system. The inertia that the weight of the buffer provides helps manage the overall cycling of the rifle.

Too little weight in the buffer, and you may experience hard recoils and failures to feed properly. Too much weight can soften recoil but may result in short-cycling the bolt carrier groups and more failure to feed problems.

Tuning the weights in the buffer can be the difference in an AR-15 that cycles easily and reliably while providing a comfortable shooting experience. Too much or too little weight in the buffer can cause excessive wear on your rifle.


Kits or Parts – Which Way to Go

Most AR-15 builders purchase a buffer tube kit that includes the buffer tube, buffer spring, buffer, and weights. Buying a kit is convenient and often cheaper than buying individual parts. In general, buffer kits work well for standard AR-15 builds, and most shooters will not experience any problems.

However, there are some instances when buying individual parts for your buffer assembly can give you better performance.

A stock carbine or rifle length AR-15 chambered for .223 Remington or NATO 5.56 ammunition typically does not need a custom-tuned buffer assembly. The performance of these calibers and regular bullet weights is well known and buffer manufacturers provide equipment that matches these configurations.


Buffer Weights – Finding the Right Balance

Most AR-15 builders and shooters are unaware that buffer weights can be changed and adjusted to suit your rifle and ammunition. Deciding on the correct buffer weight is influenced by several factors.

Typically, buffer weights are classified as follows.

These weights don’t consider the ammunition you shoot or the bullet’s speed.


The Buffer, the Heart of the Buffer Assembly

It takes all the parts of a buffer assembly to operate an AR-15. However, the buffer itself is the key piece of the assembly and should get the most consideration. The most critical decision about an AR-15 buffer, apart from its weight, is the material from which it is made. There are three options available to most shooters building an AR-15.


Buffer Springs – Not Just a Coil of Metal

The last part of the buffer assembly is the buffer spring. Like almost every other part, buffer springs come in different sizes and styles.

AR-15’s are known for the distinctive sound made by a buffer spring inside the buffer tube as it operates.  Some people refer to this as a “twang,” while others liken it to a slapping sound. However you call it, this sound is annoying to some shooters. Installing a captured buffer spring in your AR can eliminate much of this sound when firing the rifle.


Our Buffer Suggestions

No matter your preference, a custom-built buffer assembly or a kit, we have examined the market and found what we think are the best options in each category. Our best of buffer list includes individual parts and kits. It is up to you to decide which option is your best choice.

BUFFER KIT DETAILS
  • Made from mil-spec 7075 aluminum.
  • Matte black hard anodized finish.
  • 9-5/8 inch length.
Check Price on
Brownells.com
  • Six position mil-spec 7075 aluminum construction.
  • Carbine length buffer tube.
  • Carbine buffer.
Check Price on
OpticsPlanet.com
Check Price on
Brownells.com
  • A spring-loaded buffer featuring a staggered impact design.
  • Urethane buffering for superior shock resistance.
  • Weighs 4.9 ounces.
Check Price on
OpticsPlanet.com

Best Rifle Length Buffer Kit – Brownells AR-15 Rifle Receiver Extension & Buffer Kit

If your rifle choice is a mil-spec full-length AR-15, the Brownells AR-15 buffer kit is a solid choice. This kit fits a standard AR-15 or M16 lower without modifications. The aluminum tube construction keeps weight down yet provides strength and durability to your rifle. Brownells AR-15 buffer kit comes standard with these features and parts

The Brownells rifle length buffer kit takes the guesswork out of putting together a reliable buffer assembly for your rifle length AR-15. The l styling of a fixed stock AR-15 appeals to many shooters and this buffer assembly makes the job of assembling a rifle easy and quick.

  • Made from mil-spec 7075 aluminum.
  • Matte black hard anodized finish.
  • 9-5/8 inch length.
Check Price on
Brownells.com

Best Carbine Length Buffer Kit – Aero Precision AR Carbine Buffer Kit

The carbine length AR-15 is probably the most popular AR build. These shorter and more compact rifles are easy to shoot and convenient to transport. If you anticipate building a carbine length AR-15, the Aero Precision carbine buffer kit is a great option.

Aero Precision offers a more complete kit than some manufacturers, which is a big plus. Feature-wise, the Aero Precision carbine buffer kits aren’t lacking at all.

The convenience and speed with which a solid, dependable AR-15 carbine can be built using the Aero Precision carbine buffer kit can be built is without argument. Aero Precision is known for its quality and consistency. You can have confidence in your rifle with an Aero Precision carbine buffer kit installed.

  • Six position mil-spec 7075 aluminum construction.
  • Carbine length buffer tube.
  • Carbine buffer.
Check Price on
OpticsPlanet.com
Check Price on
Brownells.com

Best AR-15 Buffer for Suppressed Rifles – Griffin Armament AR-15 SOB (Suppressor Optimized Buffer) Gen 2

Building a suppressed AR-15 can be a challenge depending on your choice of caliber and barrel length. It is almost a given that to maximize the effect of your suppressor, you must shoot subsonic ammunition. Going subsonic means a buffer system tuned specifically for this kind of shooting.

Griffin Armament offers a buffer specifically for suppressed rifles. The Griffin Armament AR-15 SOB is a precision-built buffer that can easily match the characteristics of your suppressed AR. The features that Griffin offers make this buffer highly attractive to suppressed rifle shooters.

If a suppressed AR-15 is in your future, the Griffin Armament SOB buffer should be on the list as well. Many shooters overlook the importance of a buffer, especially in a subsonic suppressed rifle. Griffin Armament has filled the void for suppressed rifle shooters with this buffer.

  • A spring-loaded buffer featuring a staggered impact design.
  • Urethane buffering for superior shock resistance.
  • Weighs 4.9 ounces.
Check Price on
OpticsPlanet.com

Best AR-15 Buffer Spring – Damage Industries Buffer Springs

An often overlooked way to enhance the operation of your AR-15 is changing the buffer spring. The buffer spring provides the oomph to return to buffer and bolt carrier to the forward positions. A buffer spring that does this consistently and efficiently can add just a little extra to your rifle operation.

Damage Industries have a reputation for consistency in their production that instills confidence that the buffer spring provides efficient and effective operation. The features of these springs speak for themselves.

For the price it costs, upgrading your buffer spring can be one of the best ways to enhance your rifle’s operation. Don’t overlook a part of your rifle that performs such a vital function.

Best AR-15 Buffer Tubes – BCM® Milspec Carbine Receiver Extension (Buffer Tube) 6 Position

Buffers and buffer tubes are not something that usually gets a lot of attention because of their looks. However, when you consider that fit and finish are just as critical to the buffer assembly as any other part of your rifle, these factors take on a new significance.

Bravo Company produces an entire line of AR-15 parts and accessories. Their buffer tubes are, in our opinion, some of the nicest available at a reasonable price. The fit, finish, and look of the Bravo Company buffer tubes offer numerous advantages. Apart from looking great, these buffer tubes offer several advantages.

You may not see much of your buffer tube assembly when your rifle is complete and operational. However, the visual clues to quality and superior operation are unmistakable. Bravo Company meets the test for buffer tubes that perform operationally and visually.

  • Machined from 7075T6 aluminum.
  • Manufactured to mil-spec dimensions and specifications.
  • Hard Coat Anodized per Mil-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2 specifications.
Check Price on
OpticsPlanet.com
Check Price on
Brownells.com

Getting the Best Bang Out of Your AR-15

You may be building a generic AR-15 rifle or carbine. Your build may also be a one-off custom job that meets special requirements. In any case, the buffer assembly is critical to the proper operation of your rifle. Making the bests choices for the parts of your buffer assembly are a significant part of any AR-15 build.

We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of your AR-15 buffer assembly and the importance of carefully crafting and tuning the buffer assembly for your rifle. If you have ideas or suggestions, please share them in the comments section below. We appreciate your insight and your knowledge. Be safe and shoot straight.

Dennis Howard

A life long hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, after surviving a devastating tornado in his home town, he saw the effects on people's lives as they struggled to cope. He built his first bugout bag a few weeks later and has been a dedicated prepper/survivalist since that time. After a career as a fireman, Dennis opened a retail store (FFL approved) catering to the military, law enforcement, and like-minded individuals. The store built their own AR platforms. Furthermore, Dennis was also an NRA instructor in both long gun and handgun as well as a certified range safety officer. Read his full interview here.