Recoil buffers - Yes or No?

[Clicker]

I have an old Norinco underfolder and, until recently, had a buffer in the gun. It has finally rotted apart and I'm wondering if I should buy another one. IIRC it was a yellowish colored polyurethane piece from Buffer Technologies.

The gun ran fine with it installed and honestly I thought it did help to reduce the felt recoil impulse but it's been sooooo long since I've shot the rifle it could be my mind playing tricks on me.

Do the cool kids run buffers in their Kommie AK's? If so which one is the current hotness?

 

[keepcalmandcarryon]

I have found a new recoil spring is more effective than a buffer. Although I personally have had no problems with buffers I have seen AK and SKS rifles become unreliable with them installed.

AK-47 Extra Power Recoil Spring

Enhance your AK-47's performance with our Extra Power Recoil Spring, reducing wear, improving cycling, and ensuring durability. Upgrade now!

www.mcarbo.com

 

[pinkbunny]

Nay.

Are AK Recoil Buffers a Necessity or Just Snake Oil? -

AK recoil buffers have been around about as long as the rifles have been imported are they worth picking up? Or should you avoid them all together?

www.thefirearmblog.com

 

[Stogies]

I have used them before but currently I am not and I can't honestly say that there is any perceived difference.

 

[drumsarereallycool]

OK, I've been on the fence about trying this and I picked up one from CSS about a year ago from a few bucks. I put it on an ZpapM70 suppressed and it definitely helped the bolt carrier from smacking the rear trunnion. Definitely worth it on that configuration. However I'm going to try an Extra Power Recoil Spring next as the buffer will likely wear out soon. Saving up for a KNS piston but I'm still unsure about taking apart the original piston, etc.