Buffer Tube Storage

[RedNeck Jim]

Last night while doing a little online study on the 15-22, I realized that the buffer tube has a cap on the butt plate and that it can be used for storage... not unlike a storage compartment on some hand grips, like Magpul. I am rather new to this gun and never realized this. I saw there was a discussion on here late last year, before I joined, and it was mostly about if you had a cap (plug) or not. Seems to be no rhyme or reason... some have it, some don't.

From an online review, I found the following info. The end of the buffer tube is hollow & starts out at about .88" in diameter at the end and tapers to some smaller diameter as you get closer to the lower receiver. At the narrowest point, it is still capable of holding a 123A battery with a little extra room. This hollow area is about 6.88" deep.

So my question is, how do y'all use this storage? What do you keep in there & how do you "package" it to ensure it doesn't rattle. I read a little about folks keeping batteries, cleaning supplies such as a boresnake, survival items, etc.

Also, when I Google this, I don't see where any other parts manufacturers have come out with any accessories for this part of the gun. Seems to me there would be interest in having maybe modules, like Magpul uses, that could fit in there & be easily removable. I could picture a clamshell device, not unlike how the 22Sparrow suppressor works. At a minimum, looks like someone could come up with a better plug... something that would remove easier & could be used by the folks with no factory installed plug. Maybe some of this stuff is out there, but I just don't see it.

 

[nquinto2]

I use it to keep my boresnake but it could easily be used to keep survival gear, firestrikers, a few more emergency rounds (wrapped up securely of course), small allen wrenches for your accessories, etc.

 

[Jyezahn]

I keep paracord in there. If you want to keep batteries in it, just wrap them in cloth or paper towel so they don't rattle around.

 

[RedNeck Jim]

I use it to keep my boresnake but it could easily be used to keep survival gear, firestrikers, a few more emergency rounds (wrapped up securely of course), small allen wrenches for your accessories, etc.

I keep extra batteries in my Magpul grip plus have folding BUIS & really wonder if I need cleaning supplies in the gun, as I have all that in my range bag. I'm thinking along the lines of survival gear, as you state. I guess thinking of worst case of getting lost or stuck in the woods, maybe while hunting or camping.

 

[Beuford T. Rimfire]

I guess thinking of worst case of getting lost or stuck in the woods, maybe while hunting or camping.

I like to keep rice and beans in mine.

I "had" the cheap plastic plug in my buffer to begin with. A few months ago I noticed that it was no longer there. It must have fallen out at some undetermined time/location. A better, waterproof plug would be in order for me to feel confident for putting much gear in there. Wouldn't be hard to make a waterproof rubber plug. Maybe that will be my next project after finishing my current ones.

 

[nquinto2]

I like to keep rice and beans in mine.

I "had" the cheap plastic plug in my buffer to begin with. A few months ago I noticed that it was no longer there. It must have fallen out at some undetermined time/location. A better, waterproof plug would be in order for me to feel confident for putting much gear in there. Wouldn't be hard to make a waterproof rubber plug. Maybe that will be my next project after finishing my current ones.

Since I have a recoil pad (I know...what for right? It's more for aesthetics ), it prevents the plug from disappearing.

 

[Kayback]

Recoil pads also help anchor the rifle in your shoulder, non slippery rubber .vs plastic? I have rubber on mine too.

I also have one of these and will possibly putting my BS in it as well.

KBK

 

[RedNeck Jim]

Just seems to me these aftermarket suppliers, folks that make upgrades to charging handles or maybe brass deflectors, would see an opportunity here. I would pay to have a better storage solution.

 

[AR-Getsome]

I store stuff in my bag, or my pants, shorts,shirt,jacket not my rifle.

 

[RedNeck Jim]

I store stuff in my bag, or my pants, shorts,shirt,jacket not my rifle.

Any specific reason for not using a storage compartment built in to the rifle? My pistol grip has specific compartments to allow me to store batteries or even a replacement bolt & firing pin for my AR. Trying to think why I would want batteries or bolts/firing pins in my pants or jacket.

As I said before, for me I'm thinking of items that I might need if separated from my range bag.

 

[Majorlk]

I store stuff in my bag, or my pants, shorts,shirt,jacket not my rifle.

Same here. Since 99 percent of my shooting is at the range, it stays empty.

 

[RedNeck Jim]

Same here. Since 99 percent of my shooting is at the range, it stays empty.

I perfectly understand that logic. I would think on rifle storage would be for those that take their weapons out hunting or camping. I don't shoot at a range.

 

[Drunk3n Snip3R]

good place for those tactical treats

 

[bgs210]

good place for those tactical treats

Mmmmmmmm, 6.88" of nice venison jerky!

 

[Majorlk]

I perfectly understand that logic. I would think on rifle storage would be for those that take their weapons out hunting or camping. I don't shoot at a range.

I will agree with this.

 

[AR-Getsome]

Any specific reason for not using a storage compartment built in to the rifle? My pistol grip has specific compartments to allow me to store batteries or even a replacement bolt & firing pin for my AR. Trying to think why I would want batteries or bolts/firing pins in my pants or jacket.

As I said before, for me I'm thinking of items that I might need if separated from my range bag.

I am not a soldier nor do I play one on tv. But I did stay at a holiday inn express last night.. I think the storage parts on a rifle will be much suited for a combat situation holding critical replacement parts. I don't hunt, so im sure it will work well for hunters too. But for range use and competitions..... Nope. I store sail boat fule in it. (AIR) As far as keeping my firing pin and batteries etc in my pockets with my chewing gum, no. They wouldnt be mixed together. I would of course have Major critical parts in a bail out bag or something to that matter.

 

[RedNeck Jim]

I guess my point is, if there is a market for a tiny storage compartment in a grip, then I would think there is a market for a larger compartment in the buffer tube.

Guess I will have my shop guys work something up for me. Where I come from, there are no ranges so we use our guns out in the fields & woods. We camp & hunt with them also. In most of those situations, bringing a heavy range bag is not an option. Normally would just bring a gun & some ammo, so to me, I see a use for this unexpected storage area. But I certainly see where you non-rednecks wouldn't need it.

 

[nquinto2]

Everyone's got a point but something about the prepper in me keeps telling me to put some kind of tool, part, ration, or something in the buffer tube space. Gotta stop watching so much National Geographic Channel I guess .

 

[Jyezahn]

I'd say, since you want to put something in it that will be useful in the wild for prepping, go with a survival fishing kit. It would fit in there nicely and you'd be able to use your rifle as the rod if needed.

 

[RED ZMAN]

I'd love something like that. I'm putting one of those toolkits in my AR M4 Magpul handgrip, but the chance to do something more with this one would be great.

A nice prepacked cleaning kit, and minor tools to help you field strip/adjust sights would be fantastic.

Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 2