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AR Buffer spring knowledge

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There seems to be more to it than I know. Apparently per caliber some springs can be too much or not enough. If you have knowledge or links please let me know.
 
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I suppose it depends what you're looking for. Here is always a good starting point: http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?7009-AR-Technical-Discussion-FAQ-Knowledge-Base-Threads


Are you having trouble getting a gun to run? Details on the rifle?
I still have the spikes and noveske lowers to build and I want to dial In the smith and wesson. It was recommended to me to change the spring but when I started to read up on it, it seems it's not a simple choice. Fired a friends sr15 and the felt recoil is almost zero but then I read too stiff a spring can affect cycling.
 

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The SR15 is a special kind of beast, so I wouldn't worry too much about comparing it to that.

What kind of issues is the S&W having?
 

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Also, if you want something that will run with pretty much anything you throw on it... look into the Vltor A5 kit. Phenomenal upgrade to the standard AR.
 

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The SR15 is a special kind of beast, so I wouldn't worry too much about comparing it to that.

What kind of issues is the S&W having?
None at all it's the 15x ... Just looking to improve it that's all. Havin fun
Gotcha. I suppose it depends what you want to do. You can switch over to competition style bolts and buffers. You can play with different buffer weights with the standard spring. You can do the A5 kit, and then play with weights from there if you still want.

Not sure which barrel you have, but if it's Carbine length - you're already at a disadvantage in terms of soft/flat shooting. Mid-length, SR15, and rifle-length gas tubes make a world of difference.

Can try a different muzzle device, but brakes are always obnoxious for other people on the line.

ETA: Looks like it does have Carbine gas. Obviously, it's an AR, you can tinker forever and a day. If you'r trying to make your rifle shoot more like that SR15, you're probably looking at a new upper.
 
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Carbine gas systems are still fairly easy to tune; I run one for 3 gun with little recoil allowing multiple followup hits on target. There's a lot to recoil, but your question on buffer weight is pretty common. Without changing the muzzle device, bolt carrier group, or gas block... you could move to a JP spring and buffer combination that could lesson the recoil a bit. The trade off may come at a failure to chamber the next round if the gun becomes under gassed at some point. I wouldn't expect you to have that problem with your S&W since those are more set up for service (reliability) versus leisure shooting.

It's cheap to try, and worst case you learn more about your rifle and possible find the need for a couple cheap but fun upgrades.

The JP silent capture spring, low mass bolt carrier group, and some positive click adjustable gas block create the cat's meow of sweet shooting rigs though. $$$
 
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