AR buffer springs/pneumatic buffers

[melensdad]

I really enjoy shooting my ARs but one thing that is simply annoying is the "thwang" from the spring in the recoil buffer tube. Has anyone tried any of the pneumatic buffer assemblies? Supposedly they eliminate the annoying noise and dramatically increase controllability.

Thoughts

[VUPDblue]

Yep, I used one. I don't use it anymore. Just one more expensive gadget that does nothing special for me. The spring/buffer combo has worked well for a long time and I see no real need to change it. I don't even hear the 'twang' anymore.

[melensdad]

Originally Posted by VUPDblue

I don't even hear the 'twang' anymore.

Well I have to admit that I don't hear it when I'm playing around, but when I'm shooting long range slow fire, then I hear it every time and it just annoys the heck out of me!

Let me ask, did the pneumatic system fail? Why did you stop using it? Just eliminating the noise seems like a good reason to change.

[VUPDblue]

It didn't fail me outright, but it was not good for modularity. It would only run on my 5.56 upper at the time and did not run on any of my other caliber uppers. Right now I have the 9mm weight buffer in all my guns because it works for 9mm and it slows the ROF in the 5.56 when used in Auto. I just never really saw the need to spend big money on the enidine system when the standard setup works and works well.

[JcJ]

Twang, LOL..

I got the most severe case of the TWANGS tonight trying out my new .22 conversion with CB longs.. On a positive note, the twang more than covers any muzzle pop noise the neighbors might hear....

[bigcraig]

I have an Einidine hydraulic carbine buffer, it sits in the parts box for trading fodder.

That being said, it did not cause any failures but I really didn't feel a huge benefit from using either.

[cce1302]

Try using a true milspec fixed buttstock. I have never noticed the "twang" with an M-16, but when I first assembled and used my AR-15, the sound annoyed me as well. I have been considering using some sort of foam insulation or similar substance to fill the void areas in the buttstock in order to quiet the noise. The buttstock on my AR is just hollow plastic, and I'm pretty disappointed in it. I may just get a milspec buttstock to replace it.

[shooter521]

Originally Posted by bigcraig

I have an Einidine hydraulic carbine buffer

it did not cause any failures but I really didn't feel a huge benefit from using either.

A friend of mine experimented with the Einidine buffer for awhile. We found that it does reduce muzzle flip somewhat, especially under rapid-fire conditions. I can't comment on whether it addresses the "twang" issue or not – I've been shooting ARs so much and so long that I never notice it anymore, and I can't honestly remember if the buffer caused the rifle to sound any different. It does change the movement of the charging handle, which takes some getting used to.

My buddy had the buffer installed for a couple thousand rounds (including a 3-day EAG carbine course in 2007) with no problems. Prior to taking the EAG course in June of this year, he removed the buffer for inspection and found that one of the pins holding the thing together was showing signs of battering. Just to be on the safe side, he replaced it with an "H" buffer and ran the course without incident. I don't believe he has reinstalled the Einidine yet, and don't know if he plans to. I am aware of one other Einidine buffer that has failed in this manner.

Finally, I installed a VLTOR VC-1 flash suppressing compensator on my Recon Carbine awhile back, and found it to give about the same reduction in muzzle flip as my buddy's Einidine buffer, at half the price and with no potential for failure...

My