Buffer swap when suppressed?

[gatordev]

Warning: I've done a lot of reading on the internet, so take this for what it is...

When reading stuff from guys like Iraqgunz and similar folks, it seems to have to do with more than just the buffer, but also the gas port, and how "in spec" it is for the gas length. Some manufacturers have a larger or smaller gas port than "spec," which can effect what buffer you may need (to "fix" the issue). I was really worried about this when I had a Colt 6920 cut down to a 10.3" barrel, but I asked ADCO about this and they knew the right gas port size to adjust it to. Also, assuming the gas port is good, say for example on a "spec" barrel, then you should use the "spec" buffer. Another example...I have a 14.5" Colt stock barrel and the spec (again, based on what I've read) is a H2 buffer. As a result, the thing runs like a top suppressed or unsuppressed (as does my CQBR thanks to ADCO).

At least that's what I've found in my research, and so far it's been working for me. Probably the first step to see confirm what works for you (after some break in) and then adjust, if necessary. I'm with UWone on the wear...by the time you see it, be it 5k or 10k rounds, you'll have spent so much more on ammo that worrying about replacing a Bolt, buffer, extension, or even a barrel isn't that big a deal in the grand scheme of things.

ETA: My little 12.5" carbine I put up in the "Layout" thread is running a ST-T2 buffer. Regardless of all the physics or science I mentioned above, that thing is incredibly smooth (unsuppressed). So much so that when I was shooting it, I was hearing a rattle and worried something wasn't right because I figured all the recoil was going somewhere it shouldn't have been. Turns out it was just the ASAP link rattling around on the end plate. Running it suppressed was a little "stiffer," but that's not unexpected.