AR Buffers and Springs

Lower Receiver Schematic Drawing showing tube-buffer-spring assembly

Self-loading rifles and pistols require a recoil spring to cycle the action. The AR or military M16 is lightweight, therefore it requires a buffer that provides extra weight. The action energy is absorbed by the spring, so compression is important in order for the stored energy to push the buffer, carrier and bolt back in the forward position.

Weapons of Choice: Armalite AR-10

In this Weapons of Choice series, I choose the ArmaLite Model 10 using the military standard 7.62x54 (.308 caliber) ammunition to comply with NATO ammunition standard policy. It is a more powerful model of the AR-15 model that was developed for the US military as the M16 rifle that fires the 5.56mm round, also a NATO standard.

The ArmaLite Model 10 [military auto] fires 700 rounds per minute with a muzzle velocity of 2,690 feet per second and with a telescopic sight has a kill range of 730 meters. It uses the standard 20-round detachable box magazine and has an adjustable aperture rear sight with a fixed post front sight.It has a flash suppressor that military models require in the AR-16.