anyone shortened a buffer tube??

[Jester1341]

i have seen pictures of ARs where the buffer tube has no visible threads on the tube beyond the castle nut. both of my lowers have half a dozen threads or so showing and even when the stock is fully retracted there is still a small gap between the castle nut and the buttstock.

basiclly im asking(because i searched and came up empty handed) if anyone has or has heard of shortening the buffer tube to allow it to thread in further and thus eliminate the gap in question.

are there any considerations to have when cutting? like say square cut, measure twice(or more), de-bur very well, anything else??

john

 

[BradMacc82]

Just get a PWS Enhanced Buffer Tube, it'd be a lot less head-ache and it takes care of all your listed queries.

You even get QD swivel holes to boot.

It's what I did for my Model 8L Stag, wouldn't hesitate to do it again either.

 

[Jester1341]

could you post a picture? where are the holes? how much since i'd prob be buying a parts kit that comes with a buffer tube so i would have to swap out and have a buffer tube just as spare or something.

also i am pretty set up to cut one i was mainly wonder if it had been done for the same reason. or if i would effect anything by having that slight bit more pressure on the buffer spring?

john

 

[razorV23]

I'm getting ready to shorten one for a 9mm SBR I'm working on. I want the smallest overall length as possible. I'm also gonna try a 308 buffer in the shortened tube. All I need is a 1 3/16x16 die and I'm set to experiment.

 

[Jester1341]

OH! so your actually gonna cut the threads "off" and re-thread further down?! interesting, but you cant really make the overall length less because of the buttstock length right?

john

 

[razorV23]

What ever lenght is cut off the tube will be cut off the buttstock also. Google Imod cut for pics.

 

[04RWon]

The regular modstock is shorter then a standard m4 stock. Maybe a half inch. When fully collapsed the buffer tube is flush with the back of the stock.

 

[jimbobborg]

The extra threading is there for a reason. I suggest you don't futz with it.

 

[04RWon]

The extra threading is there for a reason. I suggest you don't futz with it.

Doesnt it allow for easier install? My gf's old cheapo buffer tube has less threads than the BCM replacment i got her.


Wont shortening the tube affect performance and relieability of the rifle?

 

[BradMacc82]

could you post a picture? where are the holes? how much?

john

View attachment 49655

$68 to $75 and no headache or wondering IF it will work or affect reliability.

I'd rather pay a li'l more upfront to know my rig is going to work as it should.

 

[CrabbyMcNab]

For those planning the mod, I have a spare standard carbine buffer tube if anyone needs it.

 

[razorV23]

For those planning the mod, I have a spare standard carbine buffer tube if anyone needs it.

I'll take it, thanks

 

[Forest]

The extra threading is there for a reason. I suggest you don't futz with it.

I'll second this.

 

[Jester1341]

The extra threading is there for a reason. I suggest you don't futz with it.

trust me when i say i appreciate the advice, but i have 'futzed' with plenty of things that come stock in a facshion i feel i can tweek to my liking......has a pretty good sucsess rate

john

 

[jawn]

You do realize that the buffer has to oscillate inside the buffer tube?

I'd make sure that the new shortened travel of your buffer doesn't impede ejection.

 

[Jester1341]

i do realize, and im not super worried as my idea will be shortening only by like 1/4 - 1/2 inch. im sure any large reduction would require some tweeking to the buffer and/or spring to keep the stroke working as it should.

john

 

[razorV23]

You do realize that the buffer has to oscillate inside the buffer tube?

I'd make sure that the new shortened travel of your buffer doesn't impede ejection.

I am going shorten mine as much as possible, at least an inch. But, I am using mine on a 9mm build, so the case length is much less than 5.56.