Lately a lot of shooters at the local gun range have been discussing the use of recoil spring buffers. Some say it's a necessary part, others say it's a waste of time. I tried one in a Ruger 1911 and couldn't really tell much difference, but that could have just been me. The principal behind them sounds solid but not sure stronger springs would not do the same thing. Who uses them and can you really tell a diffence? If they do work it is cheap insurance for the frame. Also, anyone use them on anything other than 1911s? Is this a "if it ain't broke don't fix it" items?

Recoil springs are usually matched to the caliber of the firearm. It controls the recoil and insures the side/bolt moves forward to load the next round and insure the bolt closes. I've heard of variable compression springs and changing the springs for more compression (less force) but what is a "spring buffer" and where does it go?

I think it falls into the same group as custom triggers, sights, stocks, grips, etc. and usually justified after the fact for most. If you're a contest shooter, it might make sense but for most it's just a "me too" accessory.

The buffer slips over the guide rod then the spring slips behind it. The idea is it softens the slide recoil thus Saving the frame from damage. Some swear by it, others scoff.

IMHO, if the recoil spring is in good condition and correct for the pistol, the frame is protected from battering.
Also, recoil buffers tend to be more expensive than recoil springs and don't last as long.
I spend my recoil buffer money on recoil springs.

John

If the manufacturer intended for a pistol to have a recoil spring buffer, I sort of think they'd include one. But then, plenty of folks think they know more than the designers and manufacturers...

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Pisgah

I think these things junk for a 1911.

No benefit, except to the manufacturer.

Hmmmmm. Looking at a handgun recoil chart, my Shield 9mm produces about 5.2 ft/lb of recoil energy at 15fps. IIRC, I think the stock recoil spring is 14lbs. What am I missing here? I'm not a math genius but why would I even consider a buffer?

I use buffers when things are outta wack...

I have a couple guns set up for new/young/petite shooters. The guns shoot reduced loads, but still, the recoil and mainsprings I put in are way too light but make the gun easy to operate. Using the buffer softens the 'whap' when using springs that are too light.

Some competition shooters use lighter than spec springs to keep slide speed up and muzzle rise down too.

In some guns like a Colt government 1911, they can cause problems. They have been known to not let the slide come back far enough for proper feeding and ejection. At least that is what I have read. If the action spring is the right one for the load your shooting, I really dont see what good they would do.
Peace,
Gordon

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better have that checked

Actually from what I am reading the buffers are made mainly for 1911s so your shield wouldn't have one available. I may be wrong but the guys I was talking to were all referring to their 1911s. Like I said, half the folks there at the club that day swear by them the other half say it won't change a thing. I don't know either way.

If it is strictly a target/range gun and you want to baby it as much as possible, go for it as long as the gun functions properly. If the gun is to be potentially used for personal defense, I would not use buffers.

That's kind of the conclusion I have also, I can see where it could soften the slide to frame somewhat if shooting max loads, but for a self defense weapon I would be hesitant to change anything. Personally, I don't shoot major so I think I'm fine. One gunsmith here says they are a waste, another said he would not let a 1911 leave his shop without one on it. They can take it off it they like. Each to their own I guess.

If you use a buffer get a good nylon one. Different oils will swell the hard rubber ones and slow the slide down. I build a lot of target loads so I have a lot of different springs. I have gone low as 3 1/2 grains of BE in a 45 1911 with a 200 bullet. I have used buffers since the early 80s. Whether they help or not I cant say but I have never had a problem other than using a cheap one.

I had a problem by putting a buffer in a 1911 because the spring/buffer combination was too long and the gun malfunctioned. When the spring/buffer are design together as a unit, they function properly.
CAVEAT EMPTOR

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Science plus Art