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Welcome, enthusiasts, to the comprehensive guide on Pistol Buffer Tubes. Since you're in the market for one, today we're going to learn the ins and outs of the pistol buffer tube, as well as which one may be the best for you.
So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of pistol buffer tubes.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best AR-15 Pistol Buffer Tubes
- OUR TOP PICK: SB Tactical AR Pistol Buffer Tube
- RUNNER-UP: Phase 5 Weapon Systems Inc AR-15 Pistol Buffer Tube
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ODIN Works Zulu Adjustable Stock w/ Padded Pistol Buffer Tube
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Pistol Buffer Tubes
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What is the Difference Between a Pistol Buffer Tube and a Rifle Buffer Tube?
So you're wondering about the difference between the rifle and pistol buffer tubes. There's one word that stands out when comparing pistol and rifle buffer tubes, and that word is simplicity. In short, the rifle buffer tubes tend to be a lot simpler than their pistol counterparts.
For starters, they don't have a slot for the endplate, and they also have fixed stocks. The stock itself will secure the takedown spring once installed. Also, it's interesting to note that rifle buffer tubes tend to be longer than pistol buffer tubes.
How to Choose an AR-15 Pistol Buffer Tube
So now you know what a pistol buffer tube is and how it compares to rifle buffer tubes, but one all-important question still hangs over your head– what do you look for in a pistol buffer tube? Like a lot of things, it depends on the enthusiast, but here are some helpful things to try and look out for when buying a buffer tube:
Has a Shoulder to Stop the Brace
A shoulder can be incredibly important on an AR Pistol in general because it helps so much with accuracy. Keep in mind, however, while it may not be illegal, don't go showing it off to the ATF.
Whether or Not it Uses a Carbine Length Spring
You may not think that the specific spring is all that big of a deal when it comes to choosing a good buffer tube, but you'd be surprised. Mostly, you want to avoid hearing that "twang" sound when firing. A carbine length spring should be good for that.
Uses a Castle Nut/Plate
The castle nut is probably one of the best on your pistol buffer tube. Keep an eye out to see if the pistol buffer tube has one.
As previously mentioned, the right buffer tube for you depends on you. But these are some good places to start.
Alright, enough talk, it's time to get what you came for: here are the best AR-15 Pistol Buffer Tubes of 2020.
Review of the Best AR-15 Pistol Buffer Tubes
Let's take a look at this year's top picks.
Best Overall:
SB Tactical AR Pistol Buffer Tube
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
One thing that seems to stand out for recent buyers is the fit. They love it! There are a lot of buffer tubes on the market today that come either too loose or too tight, but not the SB Tactical. According to buyers, you can call this buffer tube Goldilocks because it's going to be just right!
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of course, the fit on this buffer tube is like no other on the market. Like most buyers, we could go on and on about how good the fit on this buffer tube is. Don't get us wrong, it's a great fit. But what stands out to us is the price. For a buffer tube with this good of a fit, you'd expect to pay exorbitant amounts of cash, but it's quite the contrary. We were genuinely surprised when we first saw the price for this buffer tube that we almost had to do a double-take!
Bottom Line
All in all, this is probably the best pistol buffer tube on the market today. Sure it may have some heft to it, and its lack of a drain hole is not to be desired, but it excels in pretty much every other category. Buy this one if you need a pistol buffer tube.
Runner-up:
Phase 5 Weapon Systems Inc AR-15 Pistol Buffer Tube
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
One word that keeps coming up in the user reviews for this buffer tube is reliability. Everyone seems to agree that this buffer tube is super reliable, so that's one less thing that you'll have to worry about on your AR-15 pistol. It's sturdy and solid – a great pick for a buffer tube all around. The only complaints have been with the price and the weight.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Why does this buffer tube stand out above all the rest (except for the SB Tactical, of course)? If we had to choose one factor, it would be comfortability. This buffer tube makes for one of the most comfortable shoots out there, and it felt like we were shooting a cloud! Combine that with the fact that this is a solid buffer tube– the buyers weren't kidding when they said it's one of the most reliable on the market. And the fit is also great. All in all, this buffer tube deserves the number two spot on this list.
Bottom Line
It was tough deciding whether to put Phase 5 or the SB Tactical at number one, they're both top quality buffer tubes, and we're sad we had to choose one. Honestly, it came down to price, and that's where the SB had the advantage. However, this is also a great buffer tube!
Best for the Money:
ODIN Works Zulu Adjustable Stock w/ Padded Pistol Buffer Tube
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers all have this to say about this ODIN Works stock and buffer tube– it's easy to install. There is no need for a castle nut on this part. Also, if it ever needs adjusting, it's easily done as well. This tube is an ideal part for beginners or those who don't want to put extra effort into the installation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are a couple of things that stood out to us about the ODIN Works. The first thing was, of course, the ease of install, we have to agree with buyers on that point. The second, of course, was the price. It's seriously the best-priced stock and buffer tube we've seen, which is why it appears on the "best for your money" part of this list. So if you want a top-quality stock and buffer tube combo for a very reasonable price, we're going to have to recommend the ODIN Works.
Bottom Line
The final words about this stock and buffer tube are these– it's easy to install, the price is amazing; however, you may have some trouble with shipping and with your charging handle. If you're an enthusiast on a budget, however, then this is the stock/buffer tube combo for you.
4. Aero Precision AR15/M4 Enhanced Pistol Buffer Kit
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
People seem to be lukewarm about this pistol buffer, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Sure, they're not bouncing off the walls for the Aero, but it works as it should, it's easy to install, and it's good quality. And at the end of the day, isn't that all that matters?
Why it Stands Out to Us
We have to agree with buyers on this one. Not that we're lukewarm, but the fact that everything works pretty much as it should. No complaints really, it's a solid pistol buffer. But what stands out about the Aero was how easy it was to install. Most buffers are pretty easy to get onto a pistol, but seriously, the Aero was one of the easiest. Sometimes we'll have some issues putting these things together, maybe a misplaced part here or there, but the Aero installs like butter.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is this– this is a great buffer tube, and the worst problem you're going to have is with the shipping. It may take a while to come, and it may look a little beat up when it gets there, but if that's okay with you, then this is the buffer tube you want.
5. Bravo Company MFG AR15 Pistol Receiver Extension Kit
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of buyers have one thing to say about the BC pistol buffer– it's solid as heck. Not that they're surprised or anything, but they want everyone else to know how solid this pistol buffer is. The only part of the kit that isn't so solid in the spring, some buyers have complained it may be on the lighter side.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What surprised us about the Bravo Company pistol buffer was just how solid it was. Not because Bravo Company usually makes parts that aren't solid, quite the contrary, it's just you're hard-pressed to find a pistol buffer that's this solid. The whole kit is pretty darn impressive, except for maybe the spring. But besides that, this is one tough pistol buffer. Seriously, you could work this one out, and it would probably stay together. Put that together with the incredibly affordable price and the fit that just won't quit, and you have one durable pistol buffer.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a great and solid pistol buffer kit, go with the Bravo Company. However, we recommend getting a new spring, something to complete the circle of solid that is this pistol buffer.
Pistol vs Carbine Buffer Tube Length - Comparison Overview
Now you've seen the best of the pistol buffer tubes on the market, and you're probably on your way to buying one right now, but no comprehensive guide about pistol buffer tubes is complete without comparing them with carbine buffer tubes. There are a lot of similarities between the two, for sure, but there are some slight differences as well.
Similarities
They both use carbine buffers and carbine recoil springs. They don't have to use these buffers or recoil springs, but they both can. And it's also a pretty good option, at least when it comes to the springs.
They are both shorter than the rifle buffer tubes. One thing both of them have in common is that they're shorter than the rifle buffer tubes. Some of them, especially the pistol buffer tubes, could be illegal on rifle lowers (if your barrel is shorter than 16 inches, you could run into an issue with the ATF).
Differences
The length. Here's the answer to the question of the hour– typically, there will be a one-inch difference between the pistol and the carbine buffer tubes.
Honestly, that's the most significant difference when it comes to the lengths of the carbine and pistol buffer tubes.
ODIN Works Zulu Adjustable Stock w/ Padded Pistol Buffer Tube
AR-15 Pistol Buffer Tube Assembly
Here are the steps to assembling your buffer tube:
- Install the rear takedown pin. It goes on the lower receiver, from the right side to the left. You'll also have to make sure the channel for the detent is facing towards the back. That last part is important, so keep that in mind.
- Drop the pivot pin detent into the small hole at the back, and then follow it with the spring.
- Slide the backplate over the buffer tube. Make sure that it's slid over the buffer tube's threads.
- Line up the buffer tube with the back of the receiver. Once it's all lined up, then screw it in.
- Install buffer detent spring and the buffer detent. Untighten the buffer tube for a moment, then slide the buffer detent spring and the buffer detent into the small hole below where the buffer tube used to be. When that's done, retighten the buffer tube.
- Slide your buffer spring into your buffer tube.
- Attach your buffer to the spring, locking the spring into your buffer tube.
And that should be it! Be sure to refer to the video below for a full overview of what we just described.
Conclusion
That's all there is to it. The main point is this– if you're on the market for a pistol buffer tube, then you should look no further than the SB Tactical AR Pistol Buffer Tube. Really, at the end of the day, it's going to be the best pistol buffer tube for any enthusiast.
People Also Ask
If you have more questions, we have answers. Here are some of the most common things people ask about the best AR-15 pistol buffer tube.
Can an AR Pistol Have a Standard Buffer Tube?
Some have asked the question of whether or not an AR Pistol Have A Standard Buffer Tube. The short answer is yes if we're talking legality. The long answer is that yes, it can have any buffer tube, as long as it doesn't have a stock. Or at least something the ATF would define as a stock.
What Kind Of Buffer Does An AR-15 Pistol Use?
Some wonder– what kind of buffer does An AR-15 pistol use? Well, to be honest, when it comes to the buffers an AR-15 pistol uses, there are a lot of options. However, the minimum weight for a pistol buffer is the H3 Buffer, which weighs about five ounces.