Rifle Length Buffer Tubes - School Me

**Emptymag** · June 23rd, 2020, 12:41 AM

I have an AR15 - a basic carbine setup - carbine length gas - carbine buffer tube/collapsible stock.

I have an A1 length fixed stock that I would like to install.
I have no buffer tube, buffer, spring, or top screw for the stock.

I've been researching and I have somewhat of a "grasp" of the difference between A1 and A2 length stocks.
As I understand it, they both use a rifle length buffer tube, but the A2 uses a spacer to extend the buffer tube to where the top screw in the butt plate can reach it.

I assume all I need to do is get a rifle length buffer tube, screw, and a buffer spring and buffer.
I don't know if I would need a rifle buffer, or a carbine buffer - I assume a rifle buffer, but that's why I'm asking.

Also, is there any issue with reliability/function using a rifle buffer tube, etc on a gun with a carbine length gas system?
If so, I'll just scrap the idea. I was just digging the idea of having a fixed stock on this particular carbine.

I was looking at kits containing the buffer tube, spring, and buffer, but they are a bit more money than I want to spend.
I was going to post a WTB add in the classifieds hoping someone has one laying around, but I think I should determine if what I want to do is even advisable first.

**Hodgie** · June 23rd, 2020, 12:48 AM

The A1 stock set up should work fine with a carbine length gas system, and you will require a rifle length buffer. If you had some cycling issues you could take a few weights out of the buffer itself to lighten the load but it shouldn't be an issue.

The Colt 6520 came in different configurations one being a carbine gas system with an A2 stock set up back in the late 90's.

**Emptymag** · June 23rd, 2020, 10:13 AM

Good to know. Thanks.

I was looking around, pricing the parts, and saw a disclaimer about reliability with carbines, so that's why I asked.

As usual, this is one of those things where I can't find all the items - for a good price - from ONE vendor.
Brownell's has the top screw with the hole, but only two rifle buffer kits - and they seem a bit high in price. (and sold out)
Other vendors have very affordable tubes, but no screw. Ugh - ordering "just a screw" will end up costing $15. (not happening)

I've had this used A1 stock since last year when it was generously donated to me. I want to put it to use, but if it's going to cost $60 just to make it work, it will have to wait.

**Hodgie** · June 23rd, 2020, 10:33 AM

I had the same issue trying to source all the parts my brother needed to complete a 9mm CMMG Banshee build. I was able to get it all between AIM and DSA. Then a week later after ordered he gets a email from CMMG saying the in stock upper is now back ordered and there’s a 10-15 week wait.

**zachomega** · June 23rd, 2020, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by Emptymag

Good to know. Thanks.

I was looking around, pricing the parts, and saw a disclaimer about reliability with carbines, so that's why I asked.

As usual, this is one of those things where I can't find all the items - for a good price - from ONE vendor.
Brownell's has the top screw with the hole, but only two rifle buffer kits - and they seem a bit high in price. (and sold out)
Other vendors have very affordable tubes, but no screw. Ugh - ordering "just a screw" will end up costing $15. (not happening)

I've had this used A1 stock since last year when it was generously donated to me. I want to put it to use, but if it's going to cost $60 just to make it work, it will have to wait.

You can save yourself around 10$ from GunBroker. Can't speak to the quality. But i searched "a1 buffer kit".

-Zach

**zachomega** · June 23rd, 2020, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by zachomega

You can save yourself around 10$ from GunBroker. Can't speak to the quality. But i searched "a1 buffer kit".

-Zach

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10...mpaign=process

Funny. This just came to my email. Wait for a free shipping promotion and you get an A2 stock too.

-Zach

**Emptymag** · June 23rd, 2020, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by zachomega

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10...mpaign=process

Funny. This just came to my email. Wait for a free shipping promotion and you get an A2 stock too.

-Zach

Right tube. Wrong pew - I mean screw. (the Gunbroker idea was a good one though - I only think of GB for "guns")

Otherwise, that would have been a good idea - get what I need and sell the unneeded stock for a couple of bucks.
The A2 stock is longer than the A1 - the A2 uses a buffer spacer and a longer top screw (to reach through the spacer and screw into the back of the buffer tube) as seen in this pic of the A2 parts.