Got my hands on a Noveske stripped lower that I intend to use for a SBR. 11.5" or 12.5" barrel. Undecided as of now.
What I want to do is put together the lower and run it with my 16" upper (FA BCG) to test for function prior to engraving.
For the SBR upper, I know I’ll need a heavier buffer than the CAR buffer in the lower that mates with my 16" upper.
First, what weight buffer for a 11.5" or 12.5" barrel length? H, H2, H3?
Will the 16" upper run with this heavier buffer? Or, will I have to put a lighter buffer in, test with the 16" upper, then install the proper buffer for the short barrel?
i picked up the same lower for my SBR build (12.5), i am going to run an H2 on the SBR but I think you would need to run a standard buffer for the 16. other folks have suggested the spikes ST-T2 for my SBR, I might try that out too. good luck with your build.
Kinda figured that I’d end up removing the CAR buffer from my current lower and then replace it once I feel comfortable with the function of the new lower.
Don’t want to buy two buffers.
Not saying it is the best solution for you, but I run the DPMS two-piece heavy buffers in all my 11.5" SBRs and function is 100% with and without suppressors using true M193 spec, M855 spec and various 75-grain rounds (including TAP and BH). I have used the same buffers in a 14.5" M4 and 16" AR also without issues. Some guys might report less than 100% reliability with heavier buffers in 16" carbines but that just hasn’t been my experience. Perhaps I am lucky.
How do you “know” that? There are manufacturers - LMT comes to mind - that recommend use of a CAR buffer in their 10.5" guns because of the size of the gas port.
I would decide on a barrel/upper first then ask the manufacturer that question, including in your question the type of ammo you’ll be using and whether you’ll be using a suppressor.
Will the 16" upper run with this heavier buffer? Or, will I have to put a lighter buffer in, test with the 16" upper, then install the proper buffer for the short barrel?
Not real sure what to do. Help please.
Why don’t you do this: Run the 16" upper with whatever buffer it’s supposed to be run with (ask the manufacturer), then when you SBR the lower and get whatever short upper you’re contemplating, run it with whatever you have and see if it works. If it does, leave it alone. If it doesn’t, call the manufacturer and ask which buffer is recommended.
The answer is “whatever buffer is correct for the upper that will be purchased in the future.”
The best way to test the whole thing is to build it as a pistol.
If not use the right buffer for the 16" upper, you want to test the lower before the SBR process begins so the buffer can be changed when the upper is decided.
This is a good option that I never thought of and I’ll give it some consideration.
99HMC4
The question was whats the “correct” buffer. …
Yes, this is a part of the question and the answer I’m still unsure of. This may not have a definetive answer until I decide what short barreled upper I go with which has been pointed out.
dbrowne1
How do you “know” that?
I should have said assume and after a day like I had today, I shouldn’t presume to “know” a damn thing.
Why don’t you do this: Run the 16" upper with whatever buffer it’s supposed to be run with (ask the manufacturer), then when you SBR the lower and get whatever short upper you’re contemplating, run it with whatever you have and see if it works. If it does, leave it alone. If it doesn’t, call the manufacturer and ask which buffer is recommended.
This was what I was getting at in my first post and seems like the most feasible. I guess the error in my thinking was trying to skip a step, running the 16" upper with a CAR buffer(what it’s currently being run with) in the lower and then having to remove it and install a heavier buffer for the short barrel.
I do not have a short barreled upper yet. After the purchase of this lower and a M&P 9, my armory funds are a little depleted so this purchase will have to wait on my funds and ATF.
Thanks for all the input. You’ve given me some things to think about.
I have a question for yall… I was looking into building a SBR myself. Is there anything special you need to do before you build it or afterwards (meaning things with ATF)???
Got my lower put together this week for my future SBR.
Decided to just get an H buffer and run it with the 16" upper to test her out. If I have to switch it out for the SBR no big deal and not that costly.
Put about 100 rds through it yesterday and it ran like a champ. Got no reason to think it won’t continue to.
I did notice one thing. When cycling, the BCG (FA BCM) didn’t seem to “slam” reward as fast and hard as when firing it with the lower with the CAR buffer in it.
The Noveske lower is badass.
It’s a second but the only thing I can find on it is a blemish down the left front corner of the mag well. You can see it in the second pic.
you might have to play with it. my current 10.5 setup, for instance, will operate with any buffer you put in it, but others are much more finicky. i’d suggest starting with an H2 and sample other weights with varying ammunition.
when you build an SBR yourself, you need to fully expect to have to tinker with it a little.
Help please.
