I have a Gen3 with an 18 inch barrel and looking for the best way to reduce the recoil for quick follow up shots. I don’t want to go with an A5 buffer kit so I know this just leaves me with buffer and springs. Ready to buy a Odin adjustable buffer and I think a flat wire spring would be better.
Does anyone here have some real world advice for a buffer and spring?
Also this gun will be running mostly suppressed with NATO standard 308.
Thanks in advance!
Adjustable gas block and heavier buffer. The Odin adjustable buffer is gtg. I use one in an AR. Just make sure you get your correct buffer based on your receiver extension (rifle vs carbine or PSA’s length)
Weight is the only thing that reduces recoil.
Did your Gen 3 come with a Adj. GB ? ( I thought all of the Gen 3’s do )
If so, make sure it is set properly. IE, locks back on a single mag fed and fired round, 100% of the time, then open one more click. ( For reliability / adverse conditions )
Have you considered a muzzle brake ?
My go to for recoil reduction is a Lantac 308 Dragon. IMHO, a great deal when on sale.
And I use Tubbs 308 Flatwire recoil springs in all my Large Frame AR’s… that and a 5.4ish’ oz buffer ( in DPMS pattern carbine buffer tubes, using the appropriate buffer length as needed for the buffer tube internal depth.
Some gen 3s did not come with adjustable gas blocks.
Yes my Gen3 has the adjustable gas block and it is a carbine. What is your opinion of the Tubb flat wire spring. I do have a Rugged 3 port break to work with my Rugged suppressor. I can’t tell if the break made much of a difference.
I have been using the Tubbs 308 Flatwire recoil spring for a long time ( since 2017 ), I use it in all the various buffer tube lengths. ( DPMS, Armalite, and rifle lengths )
It has never failed me. And does everything I expect it to do after many, many thousands of combined rounds.
I do feel like it holds the bolt closed slightly longer, upon firing.
Handy chart…and various caliber springs included, ultimately, the 308 Tubbs holds the BCG “closed” milli-seconds longer ( easier on the brass rim during extraction since the chamber pressure is slightly lower from the milli-second delay. While retaining a “sane” open poundage… ( allowing moderate cycling, without slamming )
A2 (old) - 7.6lb closed, 14.5lb open
A2 (new) - 9.1lb closed, 16.7lb open
Tubb Flatwire - 10.5lb closed, 16.3lb open
Tubb .308 Flatwire - 13lb closed, 16.7lb open
SpringCo White ? (standard) - 8.3lb closed, 16.3lb open
SpringCo Red (extra) - 10.5lb closed, 18.4lb open
SpringCo Orange (increased) - 13.9lb closed, 24.8lb open
You can see, to stiff of a recoil spring can cause a abrupt / “violent” closing of the BCG.
I should mention, the Flatwire recoil springs are “slightly” more awkward to install, over a round wire recoil spring…. but not anything a adult can’t handy. Just fully depress the buffer retainer down with a small flat screw driver, in between the spring and the retainers tip.
And when tuned with a Adj. GB, and a decent muzzle brake, you can have a soft shooting 308.
If you aren’t sure if your brake is effectively working, have you tried firing the rifle without it ?
Online reviews, suggest it is loud ( Lol, duh ), but effective.
I would continue to use the brake that properly fits your suppressor.
And in a DPMS pattern 308 buffer tube ( AR15 length carbine buffer tube ) I use the KAK 2.5” 5.4oz’ish Heavy buffer.
With the Tubbs 308 Flatwire, Lantac Dragon, SLR Adj. GB
https://kakindustry.com/lr-308-carbine-buffer-heavy
Or … https://kawvalleyprecision.com/product/kvp-ar-10-308-car-ss-tungsten-buffer-5-6-oz/
Remember.. you might have to re-adjust the Adj. GB after any , or all mods. IE heavier buffer , Tubbs recoil spring.
And / or the suppressor installed or not.
Bfoosh006,
Thank you for this information!
I was wondering about the same thing you stated. I am under the assumption that the flat wire spring has a lighter compression ratio that should smooth out the recoil impulse while maintaining the overall functionality.
I think I will give one a try.
Thanks again!!
Let us know your impressions !
And I would also try the heavier buffer …
I put a suppressor on the end of mine. Major difference
Hello Everyone,
To piggyback on this discussion. I have the PSA 18” Gen 3 AR10. It came with the M4 buffer tube. I would like to use my Vltor A5 buffer tube and EMOD stock. I understand the spring and buffer would need to be replaced. Can I get the correct spring and buffer to use with A5 tube please?
I plan to shoot it suppressed sometimes if that make a difference. I am replacing the FH with an ASR so I can use my Hybrid 46.
Thank you
According to Vltor the A5 buffer kit for their tube is not compatible with the ar10.
I have the A5 kit, just want to reuse the 7 position tube and the EMOD stock.
The A5 length tube is for a 20” AR15 to retain a rifle length gas system while using a collapsible stock.
With ar10s, there are 2 types of buffers, the short ones for C tubes and the longer ones for rifle length tubes. As the A5 tube is between those lengths and made specifically for their A5 kit, there isn’t a way to make it work with ar10s. The lengths needed on the buffer simply doesn’t exist and will not function properly when mated to an AR10 bcg.
Thank you, that makes it crystal clear.
Am I missing something ?
And not trying to difficult.
What part am I not understanding ? I under stand you cannot use the Vltor “Kit” version.. but…
Its my understanding , you can use the A5 Receiver extension in a “AR10” , provided you ( MUST ) use a 3.25” length buffer. ( AR15 carbine buffer )
And frankly PSA has used the Vltor / Armalite length version with a 3.25” buffer.
Maybe I am not fully understanding your comment.
From Vltors webpage …
The RE-A5 Receiver Extension can also can be utilized as a replacement receiver extension for the AR-10 rifle when used in conjunction with a standard AR-15 Carbine length Buffer and Sprinco Red Spring.
Well that is interesting, and perhaps a question for Vltor. If they have changed in that it can be used that way then that is new info. PSA’s tube length that they went with was originally named as “proprietary” (so was their rail height that is extremely close to DPMS low but still a hair off).
Thank You for helping me understand.
I remember when ( years ago ) PSA changed to the “A5” length RE, from the AR15 carbine length. Back then it “kinda” surprised me.
Sadly , I can’t say if I remember PSA saying it was “propritory” ( and it doesn’t really matter ) but it wouldn’t surprise me.
PSA is consistently improving so many things / designs… it would be a all day job just to keep up with the improvements.
I know when PSA acquired DPMS they had hoped to help standardize ar10s due to the many spec/cuts/rail variables. They have done that a little (you dont really hear of DPMS High anymore) but the industry is big enough its still a standard practice to buy receiver sets if you build your own over mix/match. Even their rake down pins are different lengths.
I forgot to mention a recoil pad… these are VERY effective.
I have used these for years…. and they make a good variety for the Magpul Stocks
https://limbsaver.com/search?q=Magpul