Your AR’s buffer tube, also known as a buffer system, is one of the most critical components of the firearm’s mechanics. For most AR-platforms, and certainly for effectively all with a gas impingement action, the action won’t work without a functioning buffer system with the right buffer weight.
A longer buffer system not only houses the weights and can potentially result in more fluid action cycling, but it yields a larger point of contact and an anchor point for the stock.
And, while there are in some instances advantages to longer buffer tubes, there are many instances in which a short buffer system is preferred. For instance, for builders of micro AR pistols, a micro buffer tube is one of the main ways to pare down the overall length of the build.
Here are some of the biggest advantages to building with a short buffer system, where appropriate.
Compact Profile
Arguably the main reason to build with a short buffer tube is to shave down the size of the overall footprint of the build.
For builders of AR pistols, inches come at a premium, so the shorter the buffer system is, the smaller the overall footprint of the build will be.
Therefore, a smaller buffer system ultimately equates to an AR pistol that is ultimately easier to conceal. It also potentially means the AR pistol will handle more favorably in cramped quarters, which can improve the defensive capabilities of the platform.
At the same time, there are alternatives to a buffer system entirely, and some AR pistols are entirely bufferless, relying instead on direct blowback operation to cycle the action. In these situations, you can skip the buffer system entirely.
However, if your AR15 pistol upper is gas actuated, or you prefer the flexibility, versatility, reliability, and smooth-shooting nature of a gas system, you’re stuck with a buffer system.
In these situations, it’s best to go with a short buffer system, even a micro buffer system, to keep the size and overall footprint of the build to a minimum.
Weight Redistribution, Rebalancing
The shorter the buffer tube, the more you can rebalance the weight of the platform, which can favorably influence handling.
The longer the buffer tube, the more weight will be at the rear of the platform, especially if anything is attached to it (like a stock or a pistol brace). The shorter the platform, the further you will push the buffer weights forward toward the action, resulting in an AR platform that handles more responsively and more favorably.
Reducing the size and length of your buffer system won’t just make the whole profile more compact, but by redistributing the weight of the platform, it can make it handle more quickly - which is just as much of an advantage in defensive engagements, especially those that take place in cramped quarters.
Faster Cycling
Some other shooters have noted that with a shorter buffer system there is less dwell time. Opinions are split on this, with some remarking that it’s not necessarily a good thing. But there are others who see the potential.
The shorter distance the bolt carrier group has to travel does mean that, given an appropriate buffer weight for the caliber, and a suitably strong buffer spring, the BCG can cycle more quickly. It might result in more recoil, but in this situation it should also result in faster action time.
And that can yield a potential advantage with respect to the speed of follow up shots.
How Short Short Should You Go? Pushing the Boundaries of Short Buffer Systems
While anything under 4” should rightly be considered a short buffer tube, there are some really short micro buffer tubes out there today. We even carry some 3.5 inch buffer tubes that take buffer tube length to an extreme.
If you’re looking for creative ways to make your build even shorter, lighter and more compact, get a 3.5 inch buffer tube and tinker with the buffer weights to dial in performance.
Are There Any Tradeoffs?
A shorter buffer tube does not necessarily mean a better buffer tube. It’s all about what you want to build. For those looking at builds with AR15 pistol uppers, a short buffer system is generally preferable, but the tradeoff is that you will have less real estate for adding a pistol brace.
For rifle and carbine builders, where footprint and length aren’t as big of a concern, a shorter buffer tube will reduce the space you have for adding a stock and shorter systems may not be compatible with some.
Also, there’s less length for deceleration in the tube the shorter it is, which is also not always a good thing.
Here for a Super-Short, Micro Buffer System?
If you’re looking for micro buffer tube systems, like a 4” buffer tube or even shorter, a 3.5 inch butter tube, take a look through our full collection and if you have any questions about buffer length, weight, compatibility or need a recommendation based on the other specifications of your build, get in touch with us at Sales@MCSGearup.com and we will be more than happy to help.