AR-15 Buffer Weights, Can I Remove them?

[Badger Arms]

Simple question. I have a lightweight AR-15 that I have taken the buffer weights and rubber washers out of. Is this safe and/or adviseable? The buffer is lighter without them. Recoil control is not an issue for me nor is the gun a full-auto. I still have the full-length buffer and spring along with the hard rubber bumper on the end. The gun ballances much better and is a bit lighter to my hands.

 

[Redlg155]

As long as you still have enough momentum to reliably strip ammuntion from the magazine and you don't feel any serious change in recoil, then I would say it would be ok. Just make sure you periodically check the rubber stop for wear. I would however fill that void with something, perhaps a small length of PVC tubing or wooden dowel. I've never heard of a buffer collapsing, but then it wasn't designed to be fired without the extra buffer weights. That would keep your bolt key from having a hard impact with your lower and possibly damaging it in case of buffer failure.

For range use it would be fine, but for serious HD use, go back to the standard buffer.

Buffer weight in a rifle caliber isn't as critical as it is the pistol caliber ARs.

Good Shooting
RED