Recoil buffer

[TonyW]

So, what exactly is a recoil buffer and what is it supposed to do? Would one be worth putting on my Glock 23? Thanks.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[pogo2]

A recoil buffer is a small part made of an elastic material which is placed between the slide and the receiver to cushion the impact of the slide hitting the receiver during firing. The intent is to protect the two metal parts from direct contact and damage. Here is a link to a company that makes recoil buffers for Glocks and other guns:

Glock recoil buffer



I have a recoil buffer on my Glock 19, and do not have one on my Glock 23. It is difficult for the user to tell if the part really does any good - but I doubt if it can do any harm, either. I put it on the G19 as an experiment, about 2,000 rounds ago. I am still undecided on its merits.

[TonyW]

Thanks for the answer. So this is to protect the two parts when the slide slams back during recoil?

[razorblade]

I have a recoil buffer in my govie 1911. A lot of people believe the shock buffer will help with felt recoil, but I think the true attribute of the buffer is that it keeps the metal to metal parts from slamming against eachother. In my 1911 compact, you can see slight peening on the frame from where the slide makes contact. The buffer was designed to prevent this (or at least delay it from happening). So why don't I have one on the compact? Because believe it or not, in the compact, it prevents the slide from extending far enough to chamber a round. I don't have this problem with the govie, just with the compact.

[PapaScout]

Yes. To avoid metal on metal <SMACK> from using higher pressure rounds. Ideally, the slide should just come back far enough without hitting but that's not always the case.

IIRC, I've read here somewhere about one buffer breaking down somewhat from repeated abuse and leaving small bits that could interfere. Can anyone confirm?

I do not use buffers but have an extra stiff spring for using high-pressure rounds.

Ron

[Rob72]

Unless you're shooting a lot of hot rounds, I wouldn't mess with it. I have used them. I've never cracked a frame or trunion without them, either, so.... If you shoot fast-cycling rounds, and a whole bunch of them, go for it. Otherwise, you're just adding something that can/will eventually break loose in your action. Just my $.02...

[QKShooter]

On an AK type rifle with a stamped steel receiver - go for it. A Shok Buff WILL serve a purpose. A Nylon one might be best.

Otherwise you're fixing a problem in a Colt pistol that does not exist.

If you're going to be shooting a lot of extremely hot ammo then move up to a heavier weight recoil spring.
Problem solved with no additional part needed.

As of about a decade ago...when I asked Colt factory techs about Shok~Buffs (in general) the word from Colt was that they were a basically "feel good item" and do nothing to promote the longevity of a 1911 pistol using standard factory or equivalent ammunition.
Take that for what it's worth.
That's what I got directly from the Colt Horsey's Mouth & I've tried them but, not ever kept one in a Colt pistol.

If you want to lessen the felt recoil impact to your shooting hand then going with a unit like the Sprinco might be better.

Colt did say that it was a "feel good" item so if it makes ya feel good having one in your pistol then "who am I" to want you to feel bad?

[razorblade]

IIRC, I've read here somewhere about one buffer breaking down somewhat from repeated abuse and leaving small bits that could interfere. Can anyone confirm?

From my experiance, Wilson Combat's Shok Buffs will. They won't break apart into itty bitty pieces, but rather seperate into two seperate pieces. On each package of Shok Buffs, it is stated that they were designed to do that, and need to be replaced at every 2,000 rounds. I've had them seperate on me before, and it doesn't jam up the works since both the seperated pieces are still held on the guide rod by the recoil spring.

[PapaScout]

Thanks for the clarification razorblade.

[Colin]

My gunsmith puts them in to each gun he sells and recommands replacing them every 1,000 rds. After 400 rds of 45 you can see the wear on mine. Might not be needed, but doesn't hurt either. Modern plastics can be incredibly resilant.

[rocky]

I don't use em. 1 more part to possibly fail. while they may be rated for xxxx amount of rounds, who says 1 isn't defective and may jam your gun(at an inopportune moment)

[SIXTO]

I dont like 'em too, for the same reasons Rocky mentioned. I say if you cant handle the recoil, buy a smaller caliber in a larger frame gun, and work your way up until you get to the caliber you want.

[PapaScout]

Sixto,

I thought the recoil buffer was to protect the gun not the shooter?