I would like to clear up a few things quickly and pardon me for doing this on your channels comment section. I get frustrated with folks who use the term "MIL SPEC" when attempting to describe buffer system components for any AR platform. First of all, they components you are trying to describe to your viewers are all used on military AR platforms. The m16 variant uses the longer RIFLE buffer tube, buffer spring, and buffer. The M4 variant which is a shorter more compact platform based off of the M16 uses the shorter multi position buffer tube along with a selectable leangth of pull but stock. The M4's shorter buffer tube requires a shorter recoil spring and buffer in order to allow proper function of the platform. The shorter buffer system is referred to as a CARBINE buffer system. As with the M16/M4 variant platforms, the 308, or more commonly known as the SR25 in the Military, classically used the RIFLE leangth buffer system. There are few variations of the SR25 which have been modified to cycle properly with the CARBINE leang5h buffer system, however, that was more of an evolution of the SR25 platform rather than a complete replacement for it. The issue that arrives with the AR10/LR308 platforms and the Carbine buffer system is hard recoil due to the shorter buffer system. This can be minimized by using a stiffer buffer spring, heavier buffer, and either an adjustable gas block or gas key. Many AR10 style platforms suffer from gassing issues, either over gassed or under gassed, depending on the manufacturer. Both gassing issues can cause similar malfunctions and general poor performance. Adjusting the gas is typically the easiest method of correcting this issue. The important thing to remember in regards to buffer systems is to ensure all components match. For example, if you 8ntend to use the RIFLE leangth buffer system, ensure you have a RIFLE leangth tube, spring, and buffer. The same goes if you plan on using the CARBINE leangth system. When searching for buffer systems, use the terms as I mentioned, either RIFLE (longer) or CARBINE (shorter). Not only will you find what you are looking for much easier, but the majority of manufacturers use these terms as well.
is the buffer tube, spring, and buffer not included in the ARDEC drawings for the M4, M16, etc? it doesn't matter if an armorer/armory puts a part into service, that isn't what makes a part mil-spec. what makes a part mil-spec is if it conforms to the blueprint/drawing distributed by ARDEC (referenced by drawing number in the "mil-spec" document that describes the asset, such as an M4 or M16.) Any part which conforms to the ARDEC drawing would, obviously, qualify as "mil-spec", and any part which does not conform to those drawings would not be mil-spec. so the only question remains is, given the variance of "buffer assemblies" available (diameter, length, spring tension, buffer weight) which conform to ARDEC's documentation? those which confiom would be, factually, "mil-spec buffer assy's". if a buffer assy is not part of the 'prints then it seems ARDEC/DoD has gone full retard and left out a critical component for manufacturers to conform to, which I highly doubt is the case. i would be shocked. sadly, I don't have a copy of a TDP or ARDEC drawing to confirm/deny the buffer assy's have a formal specification for M4 and M16 arms. I'm certain there is an FFL'd armorer that has a copy of the print/drawing at his/her disposal, and, it would be excellent if they could chime in and clarify for the wider public if the buffer assy's are defined clearly by ARDEC or not.
GREAT VIDEO-THANKS. I wish I would have seen this 4 years ago. I had AR-10 feed issues with a 7 POSTION BUFFER TUBE vs A 6 POSTION BUFFER TUBE. Yet I learned the hard way. The SHORTY BUFFER by KVP 5.6oz buffer finally found the correct Tube....
I have a question. I got a new ADM ar-15 and it has a 10 position buffer. I plan on getting a suppressor. But can find any information on 10 positions buffer and how to adjust it. Any explanation would be great
Thanks for a clear and concise explanation of AR/LR buffer types and issues. I got a PA-10 lower and a BCA 308 upper, both on sale, and put together a super inexpensive AR-10. I was prepared for problems but it ran great... for a while. After putting a few hundred rounds through it, it started spinning the case in the receiver and stove-piping or otherwise jamming due to the spent case not clearing the receiver. Generally the first couple rounds of a mag are good, then the jam occurs. I have 4 different kinds of mags and it's consistent across all, and across ammo brands. I got a David Tubb spring for it and a Odin works adjustable buffer, but still, the problem persists. The other suggestion online is an adjustable gas block but a range friend let me put the BCA upper on his lower and I went through a whole mag without issue. The problem definitely seems to lie within the lower. After watching this video, I took the lower off and pushed the carrier down into the buffer tube. It hits the buffer at the right spot, leaving about an 1/8th inch between the bulge in the carrier and the back of the receiver. I guess I can put an adjustable gas block on the upper, but the fact that it ran fine on another lower makes me feel like that's the wrong path. I'm also planning on getting a 6.5 creedmore upper for this lower and I don't want to have replace the gas block on that as well. Any ideas appreciated!
Current SDI Student here on the AoS in Gunsmithing Technology track. Former infantryman. Just incase you wonder about the credentials. I'll help if I can. Did you shoot it without changing/upgrading the spring?
@@hahahalo777 I replaced the bolt and it works great now. Replaced the gas rings on the original bolt and that still has ejection issues. I'll replace the extractor on that at some point but the gun is running great with the new bolt.
I do have a really tough question here: The MR308/HK417 here has a thicker buffer tube, than the AR-15 buttstock from MFT, Ive purchased. It could never fit. Can you install a thinner buffer tube that fits AR-15s buttstocks on a LR308? If so, what would that be?
Cool, awesomely informative video. Now show us some suggestions for it. Like I am curious if the A5 buffer tube and rifle spring, but with the shorter buffer would work. If I had the money to experiment I would.
You still didn’t cover the AR-10/A5 buffer tube fully. You talked about the tube, spring and buffer for the ‘mil-spec’ tube but didn’t talk about the spring length for the AR-10/A5 buffer. As a result it wasn’t cleared up fully.
Also for an A5 system, utilizing the AR-15 sized buffer, you're probably gonna want something real heavy like an H5 and maybe even an enhanced power spring.
So mil spec buffer goes with the longer ar-10 buffer tube but the normal ar-15 buffer tube needs the buffer that comes with the ar-15 buffer tube kit or do you need to buy a ar-10 buffer for it?
The video was a bit confusing. There is only carbine, rifle length tubes and your a5 system. Carbine tube with carbine buffer. Rifle tube with rifle buffer and a5 tube with carbine buffer
The advantage of the armalite pattern buffer tube/ a5 buffer tube w/ an ar15 buffer you have more tuneability...3 weights vs 2 and it uses a rifle spring
How much money do you save building an abortion AR-10 vs. just buying a complete rifle? Whenever I hear somebody say they saved money on a gun, or shoes, I check out. Funny how my Stag 10 has never malfunctioned and eats and ejects any ammo.
Building your own AR-10 or AR-15 to save money is the lie you tell yourself so you can end up with a rifle that has all the unobtanium parts and arguably runs better than one you buy off the shelf. I think it's fun, but can agree some people would probably rather just go shooting.
I would like to clear up a few things quickly and pardon me for doing this on your channels comment section. I get frustrated with folks who use the term "MIL SPEC" when attempting to describe buffer system components for any AR platform. First of all, they components you are trying to describe to your viewers are all used on military AR platforms. The m16 variant uses the longer RIFLE buffer tube, buffer spring, and buffer. The M4 variant which is a shorter more compact platform based off of the M16 uses the shorter multi position buffer tube along with a selectable leangth of pull but stock. The M4's shorter buffer tube requires a shorter recoil spring and buffer in order to allow proper function of the platform. The shorter buffer system is referred to as a CARBINE buffer system.
As with the M16/M4 variant platforms, the 308, or more commonly known as the SR25 in the Military, classically used the RIFLE leangth buffer system. There are few variations of the SR25 which have been modified to cycle properly with the CARBINE leang5h buffer system, however, that was more of an evolution of the SR25 platform rather than a complete replacement for it. The issue that arrives with the AR10/LR308 platforms and the Carbine buffer system is hard recoil due to the shorter buffer system. This can be minimized by using a stiffer buffer spring, heavier buffer, and either an adjustable gas block or gas key. Many AR10 style platforms suffer from gassing issues, either over gassed or under gassed, depending on the manufacturer. Both gassing issues can cause similar malfunctions and general poor performance. Adjusting the gas is typically the easiest method of correcting this issue.
The important thing to remember in regards to buffer systems is to ensure all components match. For example, if you 8ntend to use the RIFLE leangth buffer system, ensure you have a RIFLE leangth tube, spring, and buffer. The same goes if you plan on using the CARBINE leangth system. When searching for buffer systems, use the terms as I mentioned, either RIFLE (longer) or CARBINE (shorter). Not only will you find what you are looking for much easier, but the majority of manufacturers use these terms as well.
is the buffer tube, spring, and buffer not included in the ARDEC drawings for the M4, M16, etc?
it doesn't matter if an armorer/armory puts a part into service, that isn't what makes a part mil-spec. what makes a part mil-spec is if it conforms to the blueprint/drawing distributed by ARDEC (referenced by drawing number in the "mil-spec" document that describes the asset, such as an M4 or M16.) Any part which conforms to the ARDEC drawing would, obviously, qualify as "mil-spec", and any part which does not conform to those drawings would not be mil-spec.
so the only question remains is, given the variance of "buffer assemblies" available (diameter, length, spring tension, buffer weight) which conform to ARDEC's documentation? those which confiom would be, factually, "mil-spec buffer assy's". if a buffer assy is not part of the 'prints then it seems ARDEC/DoD has gone full retard and left out a critical component for manufacturers to conform to, which I highly doubt is the case. i would be shocked. sadly, I don't have a copy of a TDP or ARDEC drawing to confirm/deny the buffer assy's have a formal specification for M4 and M16 arms. I'm certain there is an FFL'd armorer that has a copy of the print/drawing at his/her disposal, and, it would be excellent if they could chime in and clarify for the wider public if the buffer assy's are defined clearly by ARDEC or not.
GREAT VIDEO-THANKS. I wish I would have seen this 4 years ago. I had AR-10 feed issues with a 7 POSTION BUFFER TUBE vs A 6 POSTION BUFFER TUBE. Yet I learned the hard way. The SHORTY BUFFER by KVP 5.6oz buffer finally found the correct Tube....
Very well explained, understood everything that was presented, thank you
I have a question. I got a new ADM ar-15 and it has a 10 position buffer. I plan on getting a suppressor. But can find any information on 10 positions buffer and how to adjust it. Any explanation would be great
Thanks for a clear and concise explanation of AR/LR buffer types and issues. I got a PA-10 lower and a BCA 308 upper, both on sale, and put together a super inexpensive AR-10. I was prepared for problems but it ran great... for a while. After putting a few hundred rounds through it, it started spinning the case in the receiver and stove-piping or otherwise jamming due to the spent case not clearing the receiver. Generally the first couple rounds of a mag are good, then the jam occurs. I have 4 different kinds of mags and it's consistent across all, and across ammo brands. I got a David Tubb spring for it and a Odin works adjustable buffer, but still, the problem persists. The other suggestion online is an adjustable gas block but a range friend let me put the BCA upper on his lower and I went through a whole mag without issue. The problem definitely seems to lie within the lower. After watching this video, I took the lower off and pushed the carrier down into the buffer tube. It hits the buffer at the right spot, leaving about an 1/8th inch between the bulge in the carrier and the back of the receiver. I guess I can put an adjustable gas block on the upper, but the fact that it ran fine on another lower makes me feel like that's the wrong path. I'm also planning on getting a 6.5 creedmore upper for this lower and I don't want to have replace the gas block on that as well. Any ideas appreciated!
Why? You have the perfect budget AR-10. It doesn't work, but you saved 100.00
Current SDI Student here on the AoS in Gunsmithing Technology track. Former infantryman. Just incase you wonder about the credentials. I'll help if I can.
Did you shoot it without changing/upgrading the spring?
@@hahahalo777 I replaced the bolt and it works great now. Replaced the gas rings on the original bolt and that still has ejection issues. I'll replace the extractor on that at some point but the gun is running great with the new bolt.
What about using a RIFLE length buffer in LR308 and a LR308 buffer spring?
I do have a really tough question here: The MR308/HK417 here has a thicker buffer tube, than the AR-15 buttstock from MFT, Ive purchased. It could never fit. Can you install a thinner buffer tube that fits AR-15s buttstocks on a LR308? If so, what would that be?
Cool, awesomely informative video. Now show us some suggestions for it. Like I am curious if the A5 buffer tube and rifle spring, but with the shorter buffer would work. If I had the money to experiment I would.
You still didn’t cover the AR-10/A5 buffer tube fully. You talked about the tube, spring and buffer for the ‘mil-spec’ tube but didn’t talk about the spring length for the AR-10/A5 buffer. As a result it wasn’t cleared up fully.
Also for an A5 system, utilizing the AR-15 sized buffer, you're probably gonna want something real heavy like an H5 and maybe even an enhanced power spring.
ZEV Technology makes a Mega Maten billet upper and lower in the AR 10 pattern.. Absolutely beautiful fit and finish..
So mil spec buffer goes with the longer ar-10 buffer tube but the normal ar-15 buffer tube needs the buffer that comes with the ar-15 buffer tube kit or do you need to buy a ar-10 buffer for it?
The video was a bit confusing. There is only carbine, rifle length tubes and your a5 system. Carbine tube with carbine buffer. Rifle tube with rifle buffer and a5 tube with carbine buffer
Thank you for the awesome gun video brother
Thanks for sharing.
The advantage of the armalite pattern buffer tube/ a5 buffer tube w/ an ar15 buffer you have more tuneability...3 weights vs 2 and it uses a rifle spring
That’s what I used on my DPMS pattern Aero build. A5 buffer tube with a 3-wt AR15 carbine buffer. H3 weight with Tubb 42 coil spring, it runs great.
@@G5Hohn i run an h3 as well but with a damage industries enhanced rifle spring...it's a sweet shooter
What is the part number for the 308 specific buffer tube from psa?
LMT is pretty expensive.
Thx
@@metro32168 just look for an a5 buffer tube...bcm and vltor make them
what about buffer weight?
I hope I get an ar10 platform for my build and not an LR308, I just love the look of the rifle
Good info Bro …..Thx
My Diamondback DB10 is a mixed bag
Live free arms they have what you need.
How much money do you save building an abortion AR-10 vs. just buying a complete rifle? Whenever I hear somebody say they saved money on a gun, or shoes, I check out. Funny how my Stag 10 has never malfunctioned and eats and ejects any ammo.
Building your own AR-10 or AR-15 to save money is the lie you tell yourself so you can end up with a rifle that has all the unobtanium parts and arguably runs better than one you buy off the shelf. I think it's fun, but can agree some people would probably rather just go shooting.
Savings... nothing... but you can build what you want, barrel, Triger, stock and so on... Your DIY rifle will be your very own custom.