When we make an AR15 Recoil Buffer we make it to solve many common problems associated with this rifle platform.
When we set out to make our AR15 recoil buffer, we knew that people would be using them with our Leonidas integrally suppressed upper assembly as well as the mate to it, the Zulu integral 5.56mm AR15 upper assembly. Knowing this led us to figure out what weight serves these users the best and it turned out to be 4 ounces. This is about 50% more than a “stock” buffer of 2 3/4 ounces but is enough more than stock to help with feeding of subsonic ammunition as well as dampening excessive bolt velocity on supersonic rounds as well.
One of the things we noticed right away was that it make ejection of spent brass more consistent as well. This comes from the extra mass of the buffer slowing down the velocity of the bolt carrier assembly slightly. Another benifit from this is that it reduces battering of the receiver extension because almost all 16″ carbines are way over gassed. The gas system on these builds are typically used from the 14.5″ builds and the shorter dwell time of these guns. By using this gas system we are great increasing the gas delivered to the carrier as there is significantly more dwell with an extra 1.5″ of barrel. The time is very short here, but the pressure is so high that any increase in dwell time will result in significantly increased back pressure.
The next time you are at the range, take a few minutes to watch how far the AR15 rifles eject their spent brass and if it is more than 8 or 10 feet, it is way over gassed. Most should be about 10 feet from the rifle is gassed correctly, this will clear the brass from the weapon system and not over work the rifle action to cause premature wear on the system. So until next time, keep your powder dry!