recoil buffer

[ken4]

I have a Buffer Tech recoil buffer on the way for my 3913. I will let you guys know how it works. Any one else tried one?

[handgunner356]

I consider them a cure looking for a problem, I would leave it out myself. You'll be taking up space for the recoil spring to do the job it was intended for, especially in a compact gun with a short cycle length to begin with.

[sop]

I tried the Buffer Technology shock buffers on my S&W 41 some years back. Not sure why, it just seemed like the right thing to do at the time. Reliability suffered on an already finicky gun, so I took them out pretty quickly.

I also used the Wilson Combat Shok Buffs on a couple of 1911 pistols. I didn't experience any problems, but they started looking rather chewed up after a while, so I also took them out, fearing they might cause problems if they came apart while shooting. However, the Buffer Technology units use a different material, not quite as soft or spongy as the Wilson things; they might hold up longer.

I'm not sure why the 3913 would need them. I've never heard/read of any alloy frame damage observed in these guns, even after many years of service. If you regularly use a lot of +P loads, a stronger recoil spring may be the best solution.

I have to agree...shock buffers do seem like a solution in search of a problem. I'd be interested to know how they work out.

[wildcatter]

I talked to Les Baer about running buffers in my P II and it didn't take long to find out that man has no use for them, he think they compromise reliability, and if you build a 1911 right you shouldn't need em ,I didn't listen, the Baer ran ok, but in short order they were ready to go to pieces, mine were the Wilson type also. I felt the same way sop did, looked like if it started coming apart there could be issues.So I figured why use em if everything runs. I know they did cause my 1911 officer model to have terrible feeding problems, jams up every clip, so I took em out. No more jams. But that's a pretty short feed cycle and needs every fraction of an inch to operate. The 1911 has been around a century and runs great the way it was designed, I just figure its cheaper not to run em, and if they aint there they cant fail!! Good luck let us know if they last since there a different material.

[bad_man_ one]

IMO,
As long as it doesn't hurt reliability, in an aluminum framed firearm, it can't hurt.
I think that it is fact that it has to reduce the hammering of the slide dust cover/spring pocket into the frame.
Although it does reduce a small amount (about .200") of the full travel of the recoil spring.

The physics of the spring doing it's "WORK" (Hooke's law of elasticity and spring "K" constant) is almost done at that point
where the spring is so far compressed with the slide that far back and the slide has almost de-accelerated to it's stop point.
(If the recoil spring is strong enough for the load being used)
Hooke's law - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I use Buffer Technologies buffers in my;
3913 NL converted to .356 TSW
CS-40 converted to 10 mm
All the conversions that I do on the 4013 "Single Stacks" to 10 mm
My 5903 Wesman Special 5.00" and shot over 600 rounds since Thursday with sighting, targeting and two plate/pin matches Friday night and Saturday.
Field stripped each session to clean it and the buffer looks beautiful.

If you see it disintegrating with limited use, then you probably need a stronger recoil spring to start with,
with plus power springs, lock-up time will be lengthened and your firearm accuracy will also increase (physics).

I even put one in my 356 Limited that I converted to 9mm, and that one is all St. St.

In both 5.00" firearms it is noticeably faster to get back on target for rapid fire/accuracy.

Just my .02¢'s
Regards,
BM1

[DHENRY]

I've used Buffer Technologies' recoil buffers on my 41 and 46's for years.
A wonderful, action-prolonging accessory.
Any difference in feeding, cycling or ejection?
Absolutely none.
If you're not a frequent or high-volume shooter, it may not matter to you.
Don

[beemerrider]

I use Bill Wilson's buffers in my 1911's to protect against battering. I've used them for about 15-20 years with no problems. You should realize, these are considered a "consumable" and should be replace with a new one when they get too beat up. As I recall I get about 1500-2000 rounds between replacements; pretty cheap insurance in my book. I advise giving them a try, and as long as they don't cause malfunctions; keep using them.

Beemerrider

[ken4]

I have been to the range a couple of times and have not had any issues with this buffer.

[RufusG]

I have used them in a couple 2nd/3rd gens and one 41 with no reduction in reliability.

[George9]

I use then in my Colt officers mod. series 80 but only wen heading to the range then they come out! I have had them cause malfunctions.. George