How often should the buffer weight be replaced in AR15

[RussellC]

Recently reconfigured one of my AR lowers to remove the 6 position butt stock
To a Rock River arms A2 operator fixed stock, spring and buffer. When I removed the old spring and buffer from the 6 position stock, I noticed that the plastic tip on the buffer weight had been beat to death. Literally breaking apart.

It is the first AR15 I built with maybe 3K rounds? Maybe more. I never paid much attention to buffer weights, and until this conversion had only built carbine length ARs. Now, I see some have a harder plastic tip, like the battered one I speak of now, others have a slightly more "rubbery" tip. So I guess there is a quality difference between them I need to look into. This battered buffer came from a UTC mil spec 6 position M4 stock, spring and buffer. My others are Spikes Tactical, and I dont recall what sort of tip it had. Maybe they live longer?

How often should these be inspected or replaced?

Russellc

 

[4v50 Gary]

I'd inspect whenever it's diassembled for cleaning. As for replacement, suggest you follow the guidelines of the USMC or US Army manuals.

 

[BBBBill]

...This battered buffer came from a UTC.....

UTC is not noted for producing quality parts. I have fired many thousands of rounds through my ARs with little to no significant wear on the buffers.

 

[RussellC]

Yes, the Spikes tactical buffers I used after this initial build appear more substantial than the UTC version.

On closer inspection , while getting replaced with one of my Spikes isnt quite as bad as I thought. The "plug" is still well attached but the surrounding skirt is shredded.