Hydraulic Buffer?

[SanJoseScott]

I was at a local range the other week and met a guy who had just installed one. For the life of me I can't remember the brand. He offered to let me test drive a few rounds and I can say "wow, sure feels different and very nice". It wasn't that the recoils was that much less (how far down do you want it from stock anyway. But it was smoother and the twang was gone. Felt like much better control but I didn't have a whole lot of opportunity for investigation. My intial reaction was very favorable and time/budget permitting I will investigate further

 

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

Hmmm...i'm actually impressed how nice of a thread this has turned into...very pleased with the feedback and input, plus the best is yet to come with JaPes' upcoming review...THIS is the kind of thread that has already made this my fav online resource/forum for info and advice with my new AR...thanks guys

 

[Maddmax]

I plan to get to test it out next weekend.

Tune in next week. Same Bat-time. Same Bat Channel.

Tick tock tick tock I shall be watching the clock.

Just a thought. I'm wondering if there is a way to hook up a scale (like measuring trigger pull),to measure a difference that way ??? It would have to be mounted in/on a bench rest and it would need something more like a fish scale hooked to it to "catch" the pull weight. Hmmm,hook a fish scale (that has a weight catch,like for trigger pull) to the rear sling mount. Attach the other end to the bench rest and just balance the weapon enough for the pull weight... ??? It's not like it has that much kick like a 12 guage or 308. As long as it's done the same way for testing,that would be a rough guesstament as to how well it might cut down on felt recoil.

....hay,I'm just trying to burn up some time waiting for next weekend to get here. Grover is busy doing taxes and feeding their "petting zoo".

No worries. I trust your judgement on the felt recoil call.

...off to the Bat Cave,I need a cold one.

 

[oneyeopn]

I myself could never get used to the twang...it always sounded like a Red Ryder to me! Thats why as soon as I could I switched out for an M60.

 

[rootbrain]

excellent, thanks root...that's kinda what i wanted to know, someone who had used it and actually SAW a difference...kinda new to this forum, haven't gotten my profile updated, but i'm guessing as an Army vet, you know kinda what i'm looking for (my bro is Army, i was Marine -- fun christmas dinners...lol)...do you mind me asking which version you have, as well as other improvements you may have made? mine is SW MP15T, and i'm just starting on her...she's my first actual AR

quick follow-up...did you use the stock spring, or should i get a dif one when using the enidine?

Rootbrain...thank you very much. I wondered about this, these are on my list for this year.

Sorry for the delayed response.

Other improvements, I did my own low mass trigger job and installed this hydraulic. Added RDS and reticle scope. 'Bout it for mods. I have Colt 6920.

I used the stock buffer spring, no reason to change.

There have been reported failures, but in reading them, most are a few years old. Most are people that haven't used it, but "know someone that had nothing but problems". Mines perfect on my 5.56, I suspect it would work even better with .308 or 300 blackout. Of course, not shooting much now because of ammo situation, so will be awhile before I really know how "worthy" it will be.



Rootbrain

 

[TDI Brad]

I myself could never get used to the twang...it always sounded like a Red Ryder to me! Thats why as soon as I could I switched out for an M60.

If ammo shortage continues I might have to go back to shooting a Red Ryder. I haven't shot one many many years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Maddmax]

I myself could never get used to the twang...it always sounded like a Red Ryder to me! Thats why as soon as I could I switched out for an M60.

That's because it was so noisy and a hand full. Sure did make the BG's duck and cover.

 

[Maddmax]

Sorry for the delayed response.

Other improvements, I did my own low mass trigger job and installed this hydraulic. Added RDS and reticle scope. 'Bout it for mods. I have Colt 6920.

I used the stock buffer spring, no reason to change.

There have been reported failures, but in reading them, most are a few years old. Most are people that haven't used it, but "know someone that had nothing but problems". Mines perfect on my 5.56, I suspect it would work even better with .308 or 300 blackout. Of course, not shooting much now because of ammo situation, so will be awhile before I really know how "worthy" it will be.
Rootbrain

I've been finding some mixed reviews about them. But you know how reviews can go. These were mixed from broke and hated it to wonderful and really settled down the recoil and would get another one. ?!?!?

So we'll have to wait and see what John comes up with. HIM I do trust. We'll see if it's a go and add it with your experience.

 

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

i'm so impatient...bought one from a guy on the forum NIB for a good price, so its worth the gamble...lol...i'm gonna check it out too, and see if JaPes review reflects my personal sentiments...although, i'm not as experienced with AR platform, so his input means more! lol

 

[BadKarmaZeroSix]

it's the weekend! review coming shortly from JaPes...

 

[JaPes]

Given that I shot at an indoor rifle tube, off a bench, I can not comment as to whether or not the "twang" is gone. I'm in a small room that has a concrete tube in it. Ear plugs & muffs were on.

I shot some TulAmmo 55gr JHP's, AE .223 Varmint Tipped, a few of my hand loads, and snuck in a couple Winchester 5.56 FMJ. The recoil impulse is hard to describe. The difference between the H2 and the Hydraulic was negligible. The recoil impulse is similar to using an H2 buffer, but smoothed out.

I had a carbine buffer in the range bag, and installed it to compare. As expected, the difference between a carbine buffer and hydraulic buffer is very palpable. Less felt recoil, faster follow up shots.

To be honest, is the hydraulic buffer worth it? If you're going from a carbine buffer, yes. Is the hydraulic buffer worth the price? That's a judgement call. A H2 buffer cost me $20 locally. Is the additional $60 worth it for a "smoother" feel? I'm not so sure. Does it satisfy the "I've got a cool esoteric AR15 part."? Yes it does. Will I use it over an H2 buffer? Since I paid for it, yes.

The hydraulic buffer is something you have to experience to judge it's worth. I think we need a few more 1st hand accounts. Tell you guys what. If Grover, Bill, and Maddmax are willing to do it...

I'll send it to Grover. Grover sends it to Bill. Bill sends it to Maddmax. Maddmax sends it back to me. It doesn't matter how long it takes, just as long as the buffer eventually makes it way back to me. Post up your impression of it. I'm sure Grover and Bill will be able to quantify and describe the change in feel using the hydraulic buffer.

If the hydraulic buffer fails while you have it, send it back to me. I'll send the failed part back to the manufacturer and point them to this thread.

This thread gets a few more 1st hand accounts, and no one else has to spend $90+ on one. How about it?

 

[BHarada]

If you're going to send it around you'd better make it fast as the CA legislature is doing everything in their Democrat-super-majority power to turn my Sport into an outlaw safe queen.

 

[JaPes]

If you're going to send it around you'd better make it fast as the CA legislature is doing everything in their Democrat-super-majority power to turn my Sport into an outlaw safe queen.

If Grover doesn't mind, I can send it to you first. Then you pass it to Grover, then to Maddmax. PM me your address, and I'll send it out tomorrow.

 

[BHarada]

If Grover doesn't mind, I can send it to you first. Then you pass it to Grover, then to Maddmax. PM me your address, and I'll send it out tomorrow.

John,
Send it to Grover first. He has more opportunity to shoot than me. It'll be a few weeks before I go out to the range again.

 

[JaPes]

Will do. It goes to Grover first.

 

[oneyeopn]

Thanks guys. I will test it out. But just to shock you all. I traded/sold my original Sport this week. I still have the one that was given to me and it will stay forever. But I jumped off and had an offer I couldn't turn down. It involves a SS Mini 14, a Custom Damascus Knife and Cash. I will post pics once I get it in hand.

 

[Dikinalaska]

Thanks guys. I will test it out. But just to shock you all. I traded/sold my original Sport this week. I still have the one that was given to me and it will stay forever. But I jumped off and had an offer I couldn't turn down. It involves a SS Mini 14, a Custom Damascus Knife and Cash. I will post pics once I get it in hand.

Whoa that is shocking! But it sounds like that really was an offer you couldn't pass up. Cant wait to see that Mini

 

[Culina]

Folks, if you grease your recoil spring and buffer assembly, it will reduce the twang by quite a bit, the bad news is its a nasty surprise the next time you try to remove it.

 

[Maddmax]

Will do. It goes to Grover first.

Then if Bill wants it,I'll go last or next or how ever it'll work out. Anyway,it will get a good work out and test run. I'm open for anything.

 

[JaPes]

It's in the mail on it's way to Grover. When he's done testing, Grover will pass it on to either Bill or Maddmax.

This should be an interesting thread. I'm looking in my box-o-AR parts to see if there's anything worth passing around for further forum testing & review.