Buffer Tube: How long do they last?

rivetc78

rivetc78

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I read recently that the buffer tube is considered a wear item. And should be replaced....

Did I miss something over the last few years? Are we supposed to buy new ones every 5000 rounds or something?

Or do they pretty much last forever?

Or if they do wear, what do we look for to decide if it needs replacement?

Curious?

Cheers:p
 
I've never heard one going before. But I suppose if you abuse your commercial spring like it were a military spring it could lose elasticity over a long long period of time. I would like to think we are all in the clear for this one, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to check your buffer every few years
 
Never heard that about the tube. The only thing is that the spring does in fact wear out over time. I am not to sure about the round count though. Anyone have an idea?
 
CdnCombatMedic said:
Never heard that about the tube. The only thing is that the spring does in fact wear out over time. I am not to sure about the round count though. Anyone have an idea?
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I've heard 2500 but I think that number is very low considering some after market companies claim their springs can do 500K compressions.. I have over 10K rounds thru one of my AR's the bolt and gas system have needed far more work then anything else.. the buffer spring is just fine..
 
Unless something is wrong with your gun... It should not be rubbing against the buffer tube (you can look at the inside and tell). I think normally that will only happen if you have one of the early piston systems & have carrier tilt.

Otherwise, IMHO the buffer tube will last you basically forever (unless something is wrong with your gun or you hit someone with the buttstock). The buffer spring on the other hand, yes I suppose that could wear, but I've seen lowers from the 70's that still have the original buffer springs and probably have an easy 50k+ rounds through the lowers and they are still functioning.

Now, you can tell the springs are starting to compress (there's are enlarging gaps between the buffers and the buffer retainers). However, you could probably just take the springs out, stretch them, and slam them back in.

Side note: I have seen a buffer spring break before, and it was in a brand new gun (within the first 100 rounds).


Personally, I do keep a couple extra buffer springs on hand just because that way i don't have to wait to order them when i build a new gun or if one were to break. I dont think I'll ever just replace one due to age/wear because I'm betting they could be stretched out and put back in, just like mag springs.
 
For springs it has to do with length:

Carbine= 10-1/16 min - 11-1/4 max
Rifle= 11-3/4 min - 13-1/2 max
 
Buffer tube threads can wear if you use a single point sling off the buffer tube plate. But only replace it if its strips the threads and becomes loose "it may near happen unless you use it everyday"

As for the tube its good for life
 
rivetc78 said:
I read recently that the buffer tube is considered a wear item. And should be replaced....

Did I miss something over the last few years? Are we supposed to buy new ones every 5000 rounds or something?

Or do they pretty much last forever?

Or if they do wear, what do we look for to decide if it needs replacement?

Curious?

Cheers:p
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I don't know, but did you mean to say "gas" tube?
 
This is what I read.

Does this unit have the same problem with bolt carrier tilt as most other add on piston kits?

Even after firing 10,000 rounds without cleaning our system on one test there was no appreciable wear on the buffer tube and no wear at all on the buffer tube threads. Remember though, a buffer tube according to US Military spec is a wear item which is supposed to be replaced after 3,000 rounds of firing. Our buffer tube above is still going strong now after 26,000+ rounds through it and working just fine.
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Obviously, the 'advertising' is just that....advertising.....
I thought it sounded strange to replace your Buffer Tube at 3000 rounds.

This would be from the Osprey Defense website
 
Don't try to stretch the spring back to length, just toss it.

I've never seen 3,000 or any other number in an US Military TM on the M16FOW given to the buffer tube.
Buffer Tubes are generally good to go for a long time, depending on construction, however environmental (dusty dirty conditions can cause premature wear) as can with usage beyond the design parameters (carrier tilt from piston guns).

Buffer's can wear, as the rubber bumper can dry out and crack or flow depending on temperatures and solvents the gun has in it.

Beware of Snake Oil salesmen trying to sell a bill of goods....
 
rivetc78 said:
This is what I read.



Obviously, the 'advertising' is just that....advertising.....
I thought it sounded strange to replace your Buffer Tube at 3000 rounds.

This would be from the Osprey Defense website
Click to expand...

That is complete BS from Osprey Denfence then
 
KevinB said:
Don't try to stretch the spring back to length, just toss it.

I've never seen 3,000 or any other number in an US Military TM on the M16FOW given to the buffer tube.
Buffer Tubes are generally good to go for a long time, depending on construction, however environmental (dusty dirty conditions can cause premature wear) as can with usage beyond the design parameters (carrier tilt from piston guns).

Buffer's can wear, as the rubber bumper can dry out and crack or flow depending on temperatures and solvents the gun has in it.

Beware of Snake Oil salesmen trying to sell a bill of goods....
Click to expand...
1) Just saying, if you were in a really tight spot, it could probably be done. But considering its a $3 part... Meh


2) Anywho... I happen to have the same thoughts.
 
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