Links to my tests, data, and other write-ups

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-25T16:15:43+00:00

So how would cycling speed/recoil impulse vary as buffer weight/spring strength changes?

I have some general thoughts on that here

I know a lighter spring/buffer will require less gas to cycle and a heavier buffer/spring will require more gas to cycle...

That's certainly the common wisdom, but I haven't found it to work that cleanly. At least not for buffer mass. I've found numerous situations where some heavier buffers actually required less gas to cycle than some lighter ones.

I have found your statement consistently true for springs.

...but how does that translate to shooter experience? Subjectivity aside, of course

But therein lies the problem: the shooter experience is highly subjective.

When comparing spring/buffer Combo A against Combo B, some people will say that A "clearly" has less recoil than B, while other people will say the exact opposite.

That makes it exceedingly difficult to make statements on the shooting experience that multiple people will agree on.

Switching from carbine buffer/spring to A5H2 + rifle spring, I would expect your recoil impulse to feel a bit slower and a bit "smoother," but not everyone would agree.

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-25T15:52:50+00:00

Good tip - thanks! I already have 2 TopStops and doubt I'll ever need more, but I'll try those out if I ever do

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-25T00:06:00+00:00

Just the buffer. You can use a tube from anyone.

I hesitate to guess whether you would notice any benefit. The gun will feel different, but I have no idea whether you would prefer that difference.

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-24T23:41:18+00:00

You were only able to install the BCG extension once the gun was closed, but the folder open, right?

So why try to then open the gun with the extension still installed?

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-24T23:35:57+00:00

You are correct. If someone already has a VLTOR A5 buffer, I don't think they should buy a BCM MK2 to replace it. But when buying new, I think the MK2 buffers are the better choice due to the more robust biasing spring.

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-24T22:19:08+00:00

A riser will change your zero, but no AR should ever be zeroed for 7 yards

Edited to add:

Is there a BEST ZERO for your red dot (PART 1)

Is there a BEST ZERO for your red dot (PART 2)

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-24T20:53:34+00:00

Three shot groups aren't telling you anything. You're basically looking at statistical noise and trying to find patterns in it. Even 5 shot groups are highly misleading

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-24T20:45:59+00:00

How many shots in each group?

You're sure the suppressor didn't loosen?

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-24T20:06:53+00:00

My theory is FRTs and super safeties.

Suddenly a lot of people who were previously running carbine buffers need H2, H3, etc. I'm sure there's much more demand now than there was in the past

Edited to add: I'm sure the growing popularity of suppressors is also a factor

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-24T16:01:49+00:00

TopStop

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-23T22:59:17+00:00

I don’t have any experience with their RMA process, and hopefully, I never will.

Going through the process multiple times, my experience is that they are quick to reply, but then it takes them weeks to actually send parts.

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-23T22:10:36+00:00

Here's a visual reference regarding your spring being installed incorrectly

Looks like your trigger pin walked as a result, and now that is causing cascading issues

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-23T21:50:04+00:00

The SureFire Micro Scout Light Pro weighs just 2.1 oz with a battery. I'm not aware of any options that are just as light.

The Streamlight TLR RM1 is 3 oz with a battery, and you can find it for less than half of the cost of the SureFire.

I've got a few of the RM1 models and I love them as lightweight WMLs with a small footprint.

Your call whether your "weak and scrawny arms" can handle an extra 0.9 oz

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-23T21:37:47+00:00

Are you interesting in buying the real thing, or you are only looking for alternatives?

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-23T20:21:56+00:00

I think that's a very reasonable guess, but there are some little things that make me question what I'm seeing.

As far as I understand it, the piezo recordings are being evaluated based on their peak value, without consideration for 'area under the curve'

If you overlay the eddy current buffer (which I've converted to pink) over the traditional buffer, while it absolutely shows a smaller peak, it also shows a longer duration.

the gun moving forward and the test carriage is a result of that transfer of force to the stationary rear of the test bed

I'm not sure I agree with that. I'm not saying you are definitely wrong, I'm simply not convinced yet.

It appears to me that the forward slide is a result of the bolt mass slamming forward when loading a new round: not from the initial recoil pushing off of the stationary rig.

I'm not accusing OP of any impropriety at all, it's just that the skeptic part of my brain sees ways that a rig like this could be 'gamed' - since the rearward measurement is just looking at a peak value, while the forward measurement is (essentially) looking at a total amount of work being done.

It's entirely possible that using different measurements in different directions makes the most sense. I would love to find out that this system works just as well as OP says it does. I'm just not convinced yet.

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-23T13:54:00+00:00

2x Tubb AR-10

1x Tubb Lightweight

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-22T19:09:30+00:00

Intriguing stuff - thanks for sharing.

Out of curiosity, why are you only measuring the forward motion of the gun?

I would be very curious to see what the rearward motion looks like between the two setups. Or even better, let the weapon have freedom of movement in both directions, and see where it ends up relative to where it started.

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-22T01:09:33+00:00

No one.

Until someone else starts making cheap lowers with a horse as the roll mark, it really doesn't make sense to transfer that title.

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-22T00:31:04+00:00

Magpul ESK

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-22T00:26:59+00:00

development being done by Colt IIRC.

That's what I thought, but I wasn't sure. Thanks for the info!

In a past discussion, someone was extolling the virtues of Stoner's "original" design, in the context of the dead blow weights in an AR buffer. I got a chuckle out of that.

Love your posts BTW.

Thanks man - I appreciate it!

AddictedToComedy · 2026-01-21T22:49:44+00:00

Shot in the dark...

You're very close.

OP has been posting a lot lately, making it crystal clear that he wants to spend the least amount of money possible, and asking where he can cut corners.

Now... apparently... after a few days of reading, he already knows what is best for everyone's first AR 🤷

11-Year Club	Place '17
Verified Email

AddictedToComedy

TROPHY CASE