M&P AR15 Sport question re buffer/tube/spring/stock

[SW_shooter]

Yes, I am an AR15 newb I guess. A couple of years ago before the Conn. shooting I wanted an AR15 because everyone (neighbors, friends, media, politicians etc) was telling me I couldn't or shouldn't have one.

So I bought a Sport without knowing much about the AR15 platform (I take full responsibility for my purchase). I'm not griping, just now I know better and more of what to look for in an AR.

I ended up with a bull barrel, fixed one piece buffer tube/stock, 10 round magazine M&P Sport. One friend says he thinks it was intended to be sold in California (probably because of 10 rnd mag). Now, it shoots great as far as I'm concerned. I've changed the hand guard, bought magpul 30 round mags, a Viper scope, and am currently looking to change the buffer tube and stock. I've searched the archives for info about buffers and weight, springs and BCGs and still don't know the answer.

Oh, I also am ordering a bipod (UTG) and Magpul AFG2. I only shoot paper at 100yds. I'm just out for the enjoyment of the trigger pull and boom.

Finally, my question is what type of buffer/tube/spring/stock would be good for minimal felt recoil? I have a torn rotator cuff and cannot have surgery to repair, so lower felt recoil would be nice. I'm not looking for cheap, I want mid-price quality. I've looked at Midway, CTD, BravocompanyUSA. I just don't know the technical requirements like H, H1, H2 etc.

 

[cyphertext]

I agree that you purchased a compliant state model, based on the pinned stock and "bull barrel"... I am assuming that you do not have a flash hider. I wouldn't call the barrel profile of the Sport a bull barrel, but it does not have the cut outs for the grenade launcher that the gov. profile barrel has. I doubt that this will cause you any issues.

As far as replacing the stock, all you really need is a new receiver extension tube and a new stock... Buy a "Mil Spec" receiver extension from BCM, Midway, or Brownell's and the stock you like. You can still use the same buffer and spring that you currently have.

You can start monkeying around with different buffer weights and springs, but the reliability can suffer, depending on what ammunition you shoot. If you shoot NATO spec ammo only, you can use the H buffer without issue, and probably the H1 if you wanted. If you shoot cheap .223 or Tula, you may be ok with the H. You can always get the weights and take a day at the range to see what works... go with the heaviest weight that cycles reliably with the ammo of your choice.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I changed to a Spikes ST-T2 Tungsten heavy buffer and Damage Industries Chrome Silicon spring. $28 for buffer on sale at Primary Arms, and spring $5 on sale at Damage Industries. Has a bit perceived less pop and smoother. Not so much that it's something to measurably protect a shoulder injury. It's noticeable, but simply not that big of a difference. More of a fine tuning thing.

If you're just going to be siting at a bench punching paper at 100yds, might consider bags rather than a bipod and use 10-20rd mags.

If you're going to get a bipod might consider a Harris. More money but it won't fall apart. And bipods can be swapped between rifles too, so might as well get a good one if you don't already have one.

 

[Kadonny]

I love my Damage industries buffer spring, much less "twang" noise.