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5/24/2017 4:25:31 PM EDT
Has anyone ever seen a transparent buffer tube?

Anyone have any experience with things that might work (or not work)?

Can anyone recommend machinists that might turn and thread one if I supplied a suitable plastic tube?

(Why?  I want to do high-speed film analysis of buffer dynamics, so have to be able to see through the tube!)
5/24/2017 4:29:52 PM EDT
[#1]
Gonna be some impressive plastic to maintain thread integrity.......   do you have an alternate attachment plan?         I think an oversized (pistol) buffer with a cutout window or two may serve your needs better.......
5/24/2017 4:37:02 PM EDT
[#2]
Might want to make a single piece lower/tube/stock out of the same material, possibly w/ metal reinforcements.  Alternatively, you might weld together a Flat Spot lower, mill the buffer tube mounting hole larger, which would give you more material at the buffer tube threads.  Or you could weld a cap over the rear of the buffer tube boss, and thread that, and thread the outside of your transparent tube - depending on how much visibility you need.

Regardless, I would suggest some sort of thumbhole stock.  The Hera Arms would work if you glued the tube to the stock, and cut out the top of the stock so you can video your experiments.
5/24/2017 4:40:03 PM EDT
[#3]
Why not just mill a slot in a standard receiver extension?

5/24/2017 6:34:57 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
Why not just mill a slot in a standard receiver extension?

http://www.autoweapons.com/photosn/photosmay04/756m16a2g.jpg
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Exactly.
5/24/2017 9:03:30 PM EDT
[#5]
how about something like this?
Inside the M4 carbine
5/24/2017 10:11:43 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:  Exactly.
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Probably b/c the aerodynamics of the buffer can't be observed when a normally sealed tube has giant holes in it.
5/24/2017 10:45:38 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:


Probably b/c the aerodynamics of the buffer can't be observed when a normally sealed tube has giant holes in it.
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RE has a drain hole in it, so thus not sealed.

Albeit, performance may not be the same with a slot milled in the tube. Good point.
5/24/2017 11:11:22 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:


RE has a drain hole in it, so thus not sealed.

Albeit, performance may not be the same with a slot milled in the tube. Good point.
View Quote
wrap the holes/slots with clear tape or fabricate clear plastic windows if you really think aero is a factor.

you could even test it opened and closed and SEE if aero comes into play.
5/24/2017 11:13:57 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
wrap the holes/slots with clear tape or fabricate clear plastic windows if you really think aero is a factor.

you could even test it opened and closed and SEE if aero comes into play.
View Quote
I'm not sure it's an issue.

I am wrong at least once daily though.
5/25/2017 10:43:41 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
Gonna be some impressive plastic to maintain thread integrity.......   do you have an alternate attachment plan?         I think an oversized (pistol) buffer with a cutout window or two may serve your needs better.......
View Quote
Very good point; and good ideas all around: thanks!
5/25/2017 2:32:07 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
Has anyone ever seen a transparent buffer tube?

Anyone have any experience with things that might work (or not work)?

Can anyone recommend machinists that might turn and thread one if I supplied a suitable plastic tube?

(Why?  I want to do high-speed film analysis of buffer dynamics, so have to be able to see through the tube!)
View Quote

Maybe Scotty will show up....

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaVgRj2e5_s[/youtube]
5/25/2017 3:40:23 PM EDT
[#12]
Whoops!  Not tech.
5/26/2017 3:24:29 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Alon
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