01 June 2026

Buffering

Something I like about my M16 clones, in addition to the fixed stock, is the buffer just works.

The rifle buffer is 5.2 oz.

The OG carbine buffer is 3 oz. and, over the years, they keep making it heavier to compensate for the extra bolt speed from the gas-port being so much closer to the chamber.

The H3 carbine buffer is, in fact, heavier than the rifle buffer at 5.4 oz.

An old timey solution was to use a 5.5 oz. buffer from a 9mm CAR-15.

One of the reasons I like the mid-length gas system is it works well with both the standard and slightly heavier H buffer (3.8 oz.); but Dottie has shown that the rifle stock and buffer work fine with this gas system too.

I think it's because the rifle buffer and spring are longer.

Semi-auto guns are a lot less sensitive to the buffer weight than full-auto.  While you're resetting the trigger, there's plenty of time for the gun to catch up.

What buffer weight should you run?

Check your ejection pattern.

Adjust accordingly!

2 comments:

  1. The 3-4:15 ejection flight is perfect for putting hot brass on the neck of the shooter next to you when shooting on a tight firing line. Rifle maybe working well but jezus does it sting and sizzle when it hits. My piston XCR ejects at th 1-2:00 position. I'll make an adjustment. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That chart is AR specific. The Robinson might be putting the brass where it's supposed to go for that system.

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