Installing a recoil buffer in an AK-47

[Rustyshakelford]

As many folks here know, I like the AK design. I also am pretty vocal about installing recoil buffers in these little gems to keep the bolt from slamming into the receiver. In the spirit of me being correct, I will show a photo summery of how to install one. I actually have one in mine already, but will reverse the process so you can see it.

Step 1. Remove the main spring. Real easy to do.



Step two, compress spring and remove nipple.

[Rustyshakelford]

Step Three slide off spring and slide recoil buffer onto the rod



Step four, and this is the tough part, compress the spring, and put the nipple back on.



This is what the recoil buffer looks like off the AK.

[Rustyshakelford]

Put the spring back into the AK-47 and put the cover back on.

[Rustyshakelford]

Sources for recoil buffers for the AK-47. No, I am not affiliated with any of these folks. They are just places I have bought stuff before and had no problems with.

http://estore.websitepros.com/832529/Detail.bok?no=318

http://www.buffertech.com/stores/1/AK_Valmet_Gailil_P5.cfm?UserID=1067314&jsessionid= 8c3019c61526G$E3M$F9

I would like to say that the gunpartsguy.com did a spectacular job last time I ordered stuff. They can also supply lots of FAL and AK stuff, and this guy actually called me to make sure I got my order. I like that kind of customer service. Kuddos to him and his company.

[Rustyshakelford]

One more thing. Make sure any firearm you are working on is unloaded prior to working on them. Duh!!!

[Rustyshakelford]

Hope this helps out someone.

[Rustyshakelford]

Apparantly there is some controversy as to why one would want to install a recoil buffer in an AK-47. There is a simple answer to that. On an AK the bolt carrier slams against the receiver. As is seen by the photo of the recoil buffer, it keeps the bolt carrier from hitting the receiver. This not only prevents damage, but depending on your preferences, also keeps the AK from making the classic "Thwap" sound. It reduces recoil, reduces noise, and prevents damage to the receiver. Many would, and have, suggested that an AK is not worth the addition of the recoil buffer. I would respectfully disagree. The AK-47 is probably the most hardy rifle ever invented. The barrel is chrome lined, so will basicallyh never wear out. The trigger group is a drop in easy fix system, and you cannot tear one up. Why not take the one part that can cause you a problem and fix it? With a recoil buffer this rifle should last 3 lifetimes, even as many rounds as I put through it.

[Zombie Axe]

Nice write up and how-to Rusty:)

Was gonna install one of these buffers in my 1911, but I heard they cause reliability issues on the pistol platforms:( Have not heard such things on the rifles ones:)

[Rustyshakelford]

Nice write up and how-to Rusty:)

Was gonna install one of these buffers in my 1911, but I heard they cause reliability issues on the pistol platforms:( Have not heard such things on the rifles ones:)

Never had a problem with the AK. Not one misfire in thousands of rounds, except for some bad com-bloc ammo.

[hellbilly]

AK buffer

I opened my ak and found a leather buffer in it.have you ever seen or heard of this

[Rustyshakelford]

I opened my ak and found a leather buffer in it.have you ever seen or heard of this

Never heard of a leather buffer. Sounds like a homemade job. If it works, it works. $20.00 will get you a plastic one from Buffer Tech or gunpartsguy.com


Can you post a photo?

[hellbilly]

will post photo as soon as I can

[Rustyshakelford]

will post photo as soon as I can

Thats one of the oddest recoil buffers I have ever seen. I would assume it is a homemade job. However, in theory it should work. Look behind the buffer and see if there are "slam" marks.

[hellbilly]

AK buffer

no slam marks or signs of damage I can see,But rifle has not really been fired alot few hundered rds

[Rustyshakelford]

no slam marks or signs of damage I can see,But rifle has not really been fired alot few hundered rds

I would let it be. Heck it has worked this long.