Buffer Disks

[NRAHighPowerShooter]

Ok... how long before replacement or what to look for if and when they might need replacing? I'm running AA spade grips and with their track history I'm wondering about the longevitey(SP??) of them... 'the Beast' has about 2K of 308 and 500rnds of M2 Ball through it.

[iRIGHTi]

check em after 25K. they last more than any other part!

[jmann]

The only thing to watch out for is the plug backing out that holds the buffer disks in. When AA converted to spade grips and milled off the pistol grip on the backplate the spring and plunger went with it that keeps the plug tight. I tried to remove mine but it was frozen from years past, and the blast and park while assembled that aa gave them. Figured what the hell, if I cant get it off, it wont come off while shooting. Well it came out during the night shoot at knob creek one year and I did not notice until all was over.
Point is, disks will be fine for your lifetime, but they cant do their job unless the plug is kept tight. I saw a plug loosen up on a c&r colt 50 this fall and in less than one belt of ammo it had cracked the t slots out of the sideplate on that beautiful 75 year old mg.

[Lucky#13]

Yep, not likely to ever wear the fiber disks out. There is THIS option, just in case...

[L999here]

Lucky...where can I get ONE OF THOSE...!!!

[iRIGHTi]

DAMN Lucky! you ARE the 1919 (any variation of) MAN! that f'er is never wearing out!

[jmann]

while that is cool, i have seen a lot of springs in firearms applications get weak and not do what they were designed to do. I have yet to run across a buffer disk that didnt do what it was supposed to do, as long as everything surrounding it was kept in check. Key is to keep the plug on the buffer stack tight and all will work as intended. The 30's are pretty forgiving, as I ran one of mine for somewhere between 1 and 4 belts before I noticed it. It slowed down after the 2nd belt and I wrote it off as barrel heating up and front packing was a little tight. Never do that. If your gun ever changes speed, there is a reason. But other than shearing the tit off or the accelerator spring guide (and the gun never stopped) all was well. The 50's dont give second chances and they loosen up more frequently.

[Lucky#13]

Originally Posted by L999here

Lucky...where can I get ONE OF THOSE...!!!

It's in the works, Len. I got this from Emory Jones, so I'll have to pay him a royalty, lol. I'll start a new thread when the time comes. Won't be too long.

I was able to obtain the drawing for the long portion that fits inside the spring. The spacer is as simple as it looks. Though it has the drawing number on it, I have not found that one. Nor have I found the spring drawing yet, though I hope too. I want to know what the original specs were. I have found a rough equivalent from suppliers, with the same dimensions, but I'd like to double check that rate.

Meanwhile, jmann, I'll have the original measured to see if there is any sign of it sacking out. They didn't use these long enough to record any wear issues so far as I know. They were replaced most likely for purposes of keeping the cyclic rate down. The one time I tested this, in an FA gun, it did seem to pick up speed just a bit, but we were not able to get conclusive proof. We definitely need to try again. (Volunteers?)

[emmagee1917]

...when the turn from red to black , toss them. I have spares , but I've yet to have one turn black. I do see some used ones I've bought / came in a gun , that are turning a darker red , so maybe they are starting to go. Time will tell.
Chris

[PKw VI Tiger1]

The only reason that they'd turn black would be from oil saturation. If they wear out at all it would be because of the disks breaking down from age if anything.