AR-15/M16 EXTRACTOR BUFFER Reviews & Ratings

This is an extractor buffer. It fits inside of the base of the extractor spring (the wider part of the spring that snaps into the cup on the extractor). This is the black version, an upgraded form of the original blue version. The blue version was designed to be used with the M16A2 rifle and the higher pressure M855 62gr ammunition (which was causing extraction problems). The blue buffer, however, did not supply enough support to the extractor spring for the shorter M4 gas system (carbine length; 7" gas tube). The carbine system exhibits faster (and some would say premature) extraction due to the shorter gas system dwell time and also higher gas port pressures. This meant multiple failures to extract in combat. The black insert was developed for the carbine system but is also compatible with the rifle length gas system. If you don't know what extractor spring you are running in your gun and you don't own a Colt or BCM, then use this as an opportunity to purchase a Wolff XP or Colt Copper-washed extractor spring and use them with these buffers (both available here on Brownells). Put simply, they are VERY cheap insurance and there is NO REASON to not use one in any and every AR15. Use these on every gas system length (pistol, carbine, mid-length, intermediate, and rifle length).

Extractor bounce is an easily overlooked symtom of failure to extract. Uncle Sam uses a blue buffer, but so far, these seem to work just as well. They are easy to install, don't fall out, and they actually work pretty well for plugging the listening holes of a friends telephone if you're into such tomfoolery. One of my older AR bolts did not have a buffer and I started noticing the occasional FTE with max trim length reloads. This cured it- and did not need the donut ring.