buffer tubes

[ulmapache]

Ok, starting on my second left handed Grendel build...I'm sure this subject has been flogged to death several times, but... I want to confirm that there will be no problems with using a carbine buffer tube with a 20 inch barrle and rifle length gas tube... First build is at the 'smith having the A-2 sight installed... Thx for the replies...

[VASCAR2]

No problem I’m using a carbine buffer tube with carbine buffer and spring with my Shilen 20” barrel. I’m also using a carbine buffer tube, spring and buffer with my 18” mid length gas Monster barrel.

[grayfox]

I have 2, 20" barrels, 1 is grendel and 1 is 6Arc, both use the carbine stock and have rifle length gas.
Only real stocks I use is the carbine variety, but I do have some Luth AR mba's on them - like their cheek weld adjustments.

[ulmapache]

Cool beans...thx for the replies! Will post photos when done...

[LRRPF52]

I have built multiple 20” 6.5 Grendels using standard carbine RETs, as well as A5 and rifle RETs.

I have also tested 2.9oz, H, H2, ST-T2, JP SCS, MGI RRB, 5.2oz Rifle, and other buffers I’m sure I’m forgetting now.

I have also tested different spring weights.

20” Lilja, Satern, and Bartlein barrels with .094” gas ports ran the smoothest with A5/Rifle spring/A5 buffer or Rifle buffer/Rifle spring/Rifle RET set-ups.

Next smoothest was MGI RRB and JP SCS in carbine RETs.

Next was H2 and ST-T2 buffers with stiffer springs (Springco Red works for this).

Standard carbine buffers allowed a bit faster cyclic rate and felt a little more “punchy” in the reciprocating parts stroke.

This is all off the top of my head, but all of them did function and lock back on empty mag after last round at ~60 degrees F ambient temp.

For your purposes, I would recommend an H buffer with a Springco Red.

A lot of this will depend on how efficient your gas system is though. Avoid the gimmick coatings and weird carriers if possible, and use a Mil-Std carrier with hard chome lining inside the bolt bore and carrier key. If you’re using a LH carrier, your options will be limited though.

There are a lot of non-spec carriers on the market nowadays.