AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring Review

One Week with the AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring

The AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring is a fundamental component for any AR-15 carbine equipped with a collapsible stock. Manufactured by AIM Sports Inc, this Mil-Spec buffer spring is designed as a direct replacement or a vital part for new builds. Its purpose is straightforward: to provide the correct resistance for the bolt carrier group’s cycling, ensuring smooth operation and proper function of the firearm.

My need for a new buffer spring arose after experiencing some uncharacteristic feeding issues with one of my primary AR-15 carbines during a recent range session. While many factors can contribute to such problems, a worn-out buffer spring is a common culprit. It’s a part that, despite its critical role, is often overlooked until it causes a tangible problem.

Upon receiving the spring, my initial impression was one of solid, utilitarian construction. It felt like a typical Mil-Spec component, with no obvious cosmetic flaws or manufacturing defects. The material appeared to be standard spring steel, appropriately finished to prevent corrosion. It was exactly what I expected for a component at this price point.

I had briefly considered a slightly heavier-duty spring from a more premium manufacturer, but for the general-purpose carbine experiencing issues, a standard replacement seemed the most logical first step. The AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring promised to restore the rifle to its expected operating parameters without introducing any variables. My immediate reaction was one of quiet confidence, a feeling that this simple, inexpensive part would likely solve my problem.

Real-World Testing: Putting AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring to the Test

My testing environment was primarily the shooting range and my personal workshop. The buffer spring was installed into a standard AR-15 carbine build, replacing an older, likely fatigued spring. I performed the initial installation on my workbench, noting the spring’s length and the tension it provided when compressed.

The first range trip involved cycling through several magazines of common 5.56 NATO ammunition. The rifle ran flawlessly, with no instances of failure to feed or eject. This was a significant improvement over the previous session, suggesting the new spring was functioning as intended.

I also subjected the rifle to some less-than-ideal conditions, leaving it in a humid range bag overnight and exposing it to a light dusting of range dirt. The AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring, being internal, was largely protected. However, the overall resilience of the system, which the spring contributes to, remained unaffected.

Over a period of several weeks, the carbine was used for regular practice, approximately 500 rounds in total. The spring continued to perform reliably, with no discernible change in the rifle’s cycling behavior or sound. It maintained consistent tension and operation throughout the testing period.

Compared to the worn-out spring it replaced, the difference was night and day. That older spring had lost its resilience, leading to a faster bolt carrier group cycle that caused feeding issues. This AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring felt like it was providing that correct level of resistance, bringing the rifle back to its intended performance envelope. Cleaning and maintenance are minimal, as the spring is an internal component. It simply requires the standard disassembly and cleaning of the buffer tube and bolt carrier group.

First Use Experience

The testing was conducted at my local indoor and outdoor shooting ranges, simulating typical carbine use. I also performed a basic field strip and reassembly on my workshop bench, which is a standard part of my firearm maintenance routine. The environment was varied, from controlled indoor lighting to bright outdoor sunlight and moderate temperatures.

During the initial range visit, the spring immediately contributed to a smoother cycling action. The rifle fed and ejected rounds with consistent reliability, a welcome change from its previous erratic behavior. This immediate positive impact was the most significant aspect of the first use.

Ease of installation was paramount, and this spring offered just that. It slipped into the buffer tube assembly without any fuss, seating properly against the buffer and the end of the tube. There was no learning curve; it simply performed its function as expected from the moment it was installed.

An unexpected positive was the reduction in the perceived “slam” of the bolt carrier group when returning to battery. While subtle, this indicates a well-matched spring rate that isn’t overly aggressive. This small but noticeable improvement added to the overall sense of smooth operation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After approximately 500 rounds and several weeks of being stored in a rifle bag, the AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring showed no signs of degradation. There were no visible signs of corrosion, and more importantly, no loss in operational efficiency. The cycling remained consistently smooth and reliable.

Durability is key for any component, and this buffer spring appears robust. There were no signs of it becoming fatigued, less springy, or developing any kinks or deformations. It held its tension perfectly, indicating a quality material and manufacturing process.

Maintenance is straightforward, as it’s part of the standard AR-15 buffer assembly. A light lubrication of the buffer tube and the spring itself during periodic cleaning is all that’s needed. There’s nothing specific to watch out for beyond the usual care for any firearm component.

When compared to other Mil-Spec springs I’ve used over the years, this AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring performs on par with more expensive options. It doesn’t offer any revolutionary features, but it executes its fundamental task with reliability and consistency, which is precisely what one hopes for in a replacement part.

Breaking Down the Features of AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring

The AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring is a Mil-Spec component, meaning it adheres to strict military specifications for compatibility and performance. This 12-inch long, black, metal spring is designed for AR Platform rifles, specifically those with a carbine-length buffer tube and collapsible stock. Its primary function is to regulate the speed at which the bolt carrier group moves rearward and forward, a crucial element for the reliable function of an AR-15.

This adherence to Mil-Spec standards is a critical specification because it guarantees compatibility with a vast range of AR-15 components. A spring that is too weak could lead to an out-of-battery discharge or bolt bounce, while one that is too strong might cause short-stroking or other cycling malfunctions. The 12-inch length is standard for this application, providing the appropriate amount of resistance.

Specifications

The core specification for this product is its Mil-Spec compliance, which is paramount for AR Platform rifles. It’s constructed from Metal, specifically spring steel, and finished in a standard Black color. The spring measures a length of 12 inches, a standard dimension for carbine buffer springs.

These specifications are important because they ensure the AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring will integrate seamlessly into most AR-15 carbine buffer systems. The Mil-Spec designation means it’s designed to work with standard-sized buffer tubes and bolt carrier groups, preventing compatibility issues that could arise with non-standard parts. The 12-inch length is optimized to provide the correct spring rate for cycling within the typical travel of an AR-15 bolt carrier group.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this spring is to provide consistent resistance to the bolt carrier group’s rearward and forward travel. The AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring performs this task exceptionally well. It returned the bolt carrier group to battery with a satisfying, controlled action, ensuring proper feeding and chambering of rounds.

Its greatest strength lies in its straightforward reliability. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do without complaint or fuss. A potential weakness, if one could call it that, is that it’s a simple component; there are no advanced features or tunable aspects. It meets expectations squarely, offering dependable performance for its intended application.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is purely functional and utilitarian, as expected for an internal firearm component. The black metal finish is standard and provides decent corrosion resistance. While there’s no “ergonomics” in the traditional sense for a spring, its uniform coil and tension are critical for smooth operation.

Build quality appears solid for a Mil-Spec part. It feels resilient and doesn’t have any obvious imperfections that would suggest premature failure. The spring coils are evenly spaced, contributing to consistent tension throughout its operational cycle.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction and intended use, this buffer spring is designed for long-term durability under normal shooting conditions. It’s a reusable component that should last for thousands of rounds if properly maintained.

Maintenance is minimal, typically involving cleaning and light lubrication during regular firearm maintenance. It’s not a part that typically “fails” suddenly, but rather one that can gradually weaken over extreme use. Being a simple coil spring, there are no complex parts to break or wear out unexpectedly.

Accessories and Customization Options

As a standalone buffer spring, the AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring doesn’t come with any accessories. It is designed to be installed within the existing buffer tube assembly of an AR-15 carbine. There are no direct customization options for the spring itself, though it is compatible with all standard Mil-Spec buffer tubes and buffers.

Some shooters might opt for a heavier or lighter spring for specific tuning purposes, but this AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring represents the standard baseline. It serves as an excellent starting point or replacement for a worn-out standard spring.

Pros and Cons of AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring

Who Should Buy AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring?

This buffer spring is an excellent choice for AR-15 owners and builders who require a reliable, standard Mil-Spec component. It is particularly well-suited for those performing routine maintenance, replacing a worn-out spring, or assembling a new AR-15 carbine from scratch. Home gunsmiths, new AR-15 owners looking for basic upgrades, and competitive shooters seeking consistent performance will find it a solid option.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals looking for specialized tuning springs, such as those designed for suppressed firearms or specific caliber conversions, which often require different recoil characteristics. It is also not the choice for those who demand exotic materials or features beyond the standard Mil-Spec functionality. For its intended purpose, however, it is hard to go wrong.

To maximize the effectiveness of this spring, ensuring you have a compatible Mil-Spec buffer tube and a properly weighted buffer is essential. A standard carbine buffer works in conjunction with this spring to regulate the bolt carrier group’s cycle.

Conclusion on AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring

The AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring is a no-nonsense, fundamentally sound component that delivers on its promise of Mil-Spec reliability. For a mere $6.91, it offers exceptional value, serving as an indispensable part for any AR-15 carbine owner. Its simple yet effective design ensures consistent cycling and helps maintain the overall functional integrity of the firearm.

This buffer spring is a highly recommended replacement or addition for anyone building or maintaining an AR-15 carbine. It provides the expected performance and durability of a standard military-specification part without breaking the bank. If you’re experiencing cycling issues or simply want to refresh a worn component, this AIM Sports Inc AR Buffer Spring is a wise and economical choice that will likely bring your rifle back to its optimal performance.