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6/9/2006 12:52:37 PM EDT
What is the purpose of the floating weights inside the buffer?  Some of them sure do rattle and some don't.Sam
6/9/2006 4:49:27 PM EDT
[#1]
The floating weights help to reduce perceived recoil.  

The inertia of the sliding weight keeps it in place while other things are moving.  For example, when you fire and the buffer is forced to the back of the tube, the wieght inside it will end up in the end closest the muzzle, as the buffer stops its rearward movement and begins to go forward, the weight will continue to the rear.  When it gets to the rear of the buffer it will actuall slow it down slightly due to conservation of momentum.  This slows down the BCG's forward velocity and helps with controllability.

Of course, everyone has their own opinion of how effective they are.

5Shot
6/9/2006 6:05:13 PM EDT
[#2]
The floating weights are in there to reduce the chance of bolt bounce. When the bolt  impacts the barrel extension, it can rebound back causing a light primer strike. The sliding weights act as a deadblow hammer, forcing the bolt back tight into the barrel extension.
6/9/2006 6:28:56 PM EDT
[#3]

Quoted:
The floating weights are in there to reduce the chance of bolt bounce. When the bolt  impacts the barrel extension, it can rebound back causing causing a light primer strike. The sliding weights act as a deadblow hammer, forcing the bolt back tight into the barrel extension.



This is correct.
6/9/2006 6:33:00 PM EDT
[#4]
Learn something every day -
6/9/2006 7:09:51 PM EDT
[#5]
Thanks for the info guys.  What would happen if a spring was put into the buffer assembly?  It seems it would also slow down/cushion the blow of the closing bolt.  I know springs in full auto sub-machine guns perform a similar function.  
I may just give it a try.  A cut down 1911 recoil spring fits just about right.

Sam
6/10/2006 6:36:10 AM EDT
[#6]
Some Buffers like the MGI have a spring in them already and help to slow things down, which is why they are marketed as "Rate Reducing"

5Shot
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