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View Full Version : PWS & POF Enhanced Buffer Tube Review



Paulo_Santos
9 February 2011, 15:12
Pleae post comments here (http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?3006-PWS-amp-POF-Enhanced-Buffer-Tube-Review&p=28014#post28014).

INTRO:
This is my review of the PWS Enhanced Buffer Tube (http://www.primaryweapons.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=139&idcategory=) and the POF Enhanced Buffer Tube (http://www.pof-usa.com/parts/arparts.htm).

PWS ENHANCED BUFFER TUBE DETAILS:
The PWS Enhanced Buffer Tube is the first major upgrade and improvement to the buffer tube in years!
Unlike the original PWS EBT, this unit is made from impact extruded 6061 aluminum in order to keep the cost down while keeping the quality high.

The Enhanced Buffer Tube will resolve any carrier tilt symptoms exhibited by a short stroke piston AR and will reduce felt recoil.

The most notable features on this buffer tube include:


One piece construction eliminating the castle nut and ensuring that when installed, the buffer tube cannot become loose.
Attachment system automatically indexes the buffer tube perfectly straight.
The bottom of the interior buffer tube extends a lip into the receiver, supporting the bottom rear of the bolt carrier, reducing the carrier tilt present in some piston systems.
A dead blow buffer is securely installed in the rear of the buffer tube to reduce carrier speed by an average of 10%, and dramatically reduce felt recoil.
Two QD sling swivel attachments are machined into the front of the buffer tube allowing ambidextrous connection of your QD slings.
The buffer tube is fluted to allow debris to be pushed out of the way, and a drain hole has been placed in the bottom of the tube, allowing for draining of water when the rifle is parallel to the ground.
The PWS Enhanced Buffer Tube is made to accept Mil-Spec stocks.

Usage:
For use on Mil-Spec AR-15/M16 based lower receivers and/or weapons platforms.

Specifications:
Length: 7.8" (19.8 cm)
Diameter: 1.15" (2.9 cm)
Width: 1.8" (4.5 cm) at QD points
Weight: 5.5 oz (156 grams)

POF ENHANCED BUFFER TUBE DETAILS:
Carbine buffer tube for the AR15/M16 type firearms using the Mil-spec M4 buffer tube.
7075-T6 Impact Extrusion Hard Coat Anodized per Mil-Spec
(As you can see, not much info on the POF)

PURPOSES:
Both of the PWS and POF 6-Position buffers tubes are designed to be used with the Mill-Spec Stocks. These buffer tubes were designed to reduce/eliminate carrier tilt that is common in Piston AR's, but they can also be used with DI AR's. Most piston manufacturers have the 1-piece carriers with the ramps on the bottom, which they claim that will eliminate the carrier tilt, but it is still not enough on most of them. Some Carrier tilt is minor, while some is bad enough to cause the AR to malfunction. My LMT had some minor carrier tilt and it is the reason I began to look for new options to combat the carrier tilt.

PWS ENHANCED BUFFER TUBE:
I purchased the PWS first. I purchased the 416 model, which is made out of solid 7075 aluminum and costs $150. They also have a Mil-Spec Model which is made out of impact extruded 6061 aluminum and costs $75. Other then the material, they are virtually the same. They both have the built-in QD slots machined on the left and right side, replacing the castle nut. It also comes with an end plate that does not have the notch. Installing the PWS Buffer tube is pretty simple. You install it almost like a regular buffer tube. You do have to push down on the detent all the way in order for the buffer tube to go one, which is not that hard. Then you have two small allen head screws on top and one large allen head screw on the bottom.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/paulosantos/dscf1394.jpg

POF ENHANCED BUFFER TUBE:
Installation of the POF buffer tube is the same as a regular buffer tube, except that you also have to push the detent spring all the way down. I went ahead and installed the Noveske End Plate with the POF.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/paulosantos/dscf1399.jpg

COMPARISONS:
Both Buffer tubes will do what they were designed to do, which is to reduce/eliminate the carrier tilt. The PWS has done just that with my LMT Piston, and from the looks of the POF, which looks nearly identical, I'm sure it will do the same. The good thing about the PWS is that it eliminates the castle nut and replaces it with the built-in QD Sockets on both sides. That is great, except I prefer the QD socket on the bottom, where the end plate goes. The POF allows you to use whatever end plate you want, which is good if you don't like the QD Slots on the side.

As you can see in the pictures below, they are nearly identical, except that the PWS has a closed end while the POF has an open end.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/paulosantos/dscf1396.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/paulosantos/dscf1395.jpg


As far as the price goes, the PWS Mil-Spec is $75, but it comes with the built-in QD Slots on the side, so it is a great price. I would not recommend the PWS 416 for $150. The POF costs $40 and for me, I added the Noveske End Plate for $24 for a total of $64.

CONCLUSION:
Which one do I believe is better? For me I like the POF because I prefer to use the Noveske End Plate. If you like the QD Slots on the side, then go for the PWS.

Paulo_Santos
9 February 2011, 15:15
PWS:

251

252

253

POF:

254