How to identify buffer springs and buffers?

[850guns]

So I'm looking in my parts bin for a buffer spring to finish up a lower.
I found one.
But I don't know if they are pistol, carbine or rifle springs.

Is it 5.56 or 308? Are buffer springs caliber specific?

Also don't know the brand. Is there a way to identify this?

Length of the spring, number of coils, color or type of material?

Is the spring for a carbine and pistol the same?
I was thinking so. But some pistol buffer tubes are fatter and shorter?

Then there's the buffer themselves.

I can measure and weigh these which makes it easier.

What's your advice and experience?

 

[850guns]

Crickets.
Just trying to learn.
So no input on buffer springs?

 

[JWrecks]

The way I have seen them categorized is by the number of rings.

weighing your buffers is a good indicator. they are easily adjusted by taking out the pin and using different weights.

 

[ls1_guru]

Crickets.
Just trying to learn.
So no input on buffer springs?

Have you researched it over the internet as well as asking here?

 

[850guns]

No.
I just figured an expert had an answer.
Looking for a discussion.
I know even less about the internet.
Do you have a site to recommend?

 

[ls1_guru]

Google search might put you into a forum, but then you have to sort through that when you get there so I can see where it would be a pain.

 

[Kotacam]

Buffers are usually by the color at the end. Most of the time. And by length. Ar10 is shorter and heavier, ar15 there’s 4-5 different colors, but not all manu’s follow. Like previously stated, weigh it. Charts all over the net showing which weights are best for which calibers. Some are only different by couple 10ths of an ounce. If it has a clear/white end it’s probably a standard mil spec 3oz for ar15

 

[850guns]

Buffers are usually by the color at the end. Most of the time. And by length. Ar10 is shorter and heavier, ar15 there’s 4-5 different colors, but not all manu’s follow. Like previously stated, weigh it. Charts all over the net showing which weights are best for which calibers. Some are only different by couple 10ths of an ounce. If it has a clear/white end it’s probably a standard mil spec 3oz for ar15

Yeah, the buffer is easy to identify.
My real question is the spring itself.
Is there more than 1 spec?
I know the rifle uses a longer buffer than a carbine, but is it the same spring?

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Here, I like this site.

AR-15 Buffers and Buffer Springs Basics – AR-15 News, Reviews and...

One of the most frequently asked questions in AR-15 groups or boards is, "What AR-15 buffers should I consider for my build?" The answer is not always as simple as someone would like, as several factors will determine the proper buffer. Complicating the process is the fact that many who are new...

www.arbuildjunkie.com

 

[Kotacam]

Yes, theres milspec, heavy, double braided, flat wire, etc etc
I do believe the spring is basically the same between carbine and rifle. Just the buffer is different. Best way to check honestly is take one of the springs out of your AR and hold them side-by-side. If you see a difference then it was made for something else. Or it’s a heavier or lighter spring.
Take for instance the Franklin armory Binary trigger, it comes with a lighter than mil spec spring, and a heavier than mil spec spring for tuning your gun to the trigger.

 

[Dan1612]

AR-15 buffers look the same. Look for a marking at the front, or better yet, weigh them.
Rifle buffers are longer.
AR-10 buffers are shorter.
AR-15 Springs are usually color coded. No color usually means standard carbine. Pistol is the same.
Rifle springs are longer.
AR-10 springs are stronger. I do not know how to tell them apart.

 

[Kotacam]

Actually I have a pistol spring that’s black not uncolored, but just might be a manufacturer thing. And the pistol spring is definitely shorter.

 

[850guns]

Yes, theres milspec, heavy, double braided, flat wire, etc etc
I do believe the spring is basically the same between carbine and rifle. Just the buffer is different. Best way to check honestly is take one of the springs out of your AR and hold them side-by-side. If you see a difference then it was made for something else. Or it’s a heavier or lighter spring.
Take for instance the Franklin armory Binary trigger, it comes with a lighter than mil spec spring, and a heavier than mil spec spring for tuning your gun to the trigger.

I did compare it to one in another carbine. And it's about an inch taller.
That's what led me to start this thread.
Originally I thought it was longer because it was new. So the 2 new springs i have are the same length. But one looks stainless, and the other. Like a copper/gold. The stainless looking one came in a complete build kit so I know its for a carbine. But the other has been rolling around my parts bin. Pretty sure it's for a carbine, as I have only built one rifle. And haven't purchased a rifle spring since.
So then I decided to compare them to a new spring out of a factory pistol. The pistol spring is about 1/2" shorter than the new springs and 1/2" longer than a used carbine spring....confused.
So I thought I'd ask you guys
Oh as a reference the used carbine and new pistol springs are the same manufacturer (blackrain ordnance)
The pistol buffer is grey with a blue tip.
The carbine buffer is a standard color with a clear tip.

 

[Kotacam]

I’ll do a comparison to a mil spec carbine and the pistol one I have and see if that helps you. Gimme a few.

 

[Kotacam]

So left is pistol, right is mil spec, middle is a “heavy” spring that can with the Franklin armory binary trigger. So if you have one that’s a tad shorter it looks like it’s a heavy spring.

 

[Kotacam]

Blue tip is an H2 4.5-4.7oz

 

[Kotacam]

I’m pretty sure the shorter the “carbine” spring the “heavier” it is.

 

[850guns]

I keep my ar10 parts separated from ar15 parts. I just checked an ar10 spring and its the same length as the other springs and has the stubby buffer

 

[Kotacam]

Right ar10 same spring different buffer

 

[850guns]

Here, I like this site.

AR-15 Buffers and Buffer Springs Basics – AR-15 News, Reviews and...

One of the most frequently asked questions in AR-15 groups or boards is, "What AR-15 buffers should I consider for my build?" The answer is not always as simple as someone would like, as several factors will determine the proper buffer. Complicating the process is the fact that many who are new...

www.arbuildjunkie.com

Thanks reb! The article says carbine springs are from 10-11.25"
Also said the longer springs have more power.