AR15/M4 Recoil

Discussion in 'Firearms' started by TailorMadeHell, Apr 2, 2016.


  1. TailorMadeHell

    TailorMadeHell Lurking Shadow Creature

    So I've shot the military issue M4 5.56 with multiposition collapsible stock, standard ball ammo. Very little recoil. Could shoot all day and no shoulder agitation. I have an AR15 and shot 55gr ammo and noticed after couple hundred rounds that my shoulder was "warming up". I am thinking maybe the buffer and spring in mine are not right somehow. Any ideas?
     
  2. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    I noticed that, too. But in my case, age has an influence, as does a damaged rotator cuff; 55 gr jhp was no bother 5 years ago, but is now after a hundred rounds or so. The buffer spring may affect felt recoil, but if it is correct for function, you should not notice much difference between loadings.
     
  3. TailorMadeHell

    TailorMadeHell Lurking Shadow Creature

    I guess I'll have to see if I can cross reference the specs of the M4 buffer with the AR buffer.
     
  4. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    If I understand all I think I know, the buffer should be the same IF THE BARRELS ARE THE SAME. The gas tube length and gas bleed will be different on different length barrels, so the buffer will also be different for different length barrels. Now, I'm going to stand by, expecting that I'm wrong.
     
  5. TailorMadeHell

    TailorMadeHell Lurking Shadow Creature

    Well what I have is a mid-length 14.5" with a welded phantom FH that makes it 16". I may try to get a heavy duty buffer and stronger spring. Might make a difference. I'm learning as I go. I'm also going to swap out the Magpul CTR for the Colt stock. Or I could just buy the Colt AR as it would be closer to what I did carry. Now if they just had a 50 cal conversion for the AR. :D
     
  6. AxesAreBetter

    AxesAreBetter Monkey+++

    I've have the same problem. Had a Ar-15 at one point with more recoil than a M1a...
     
  7. tacmotusn

    tacmotusn RIP 1/13/21

    y'all been hitting the sipping whiskey again? the butt pad goes against your shoulder, not your chin.
     
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  8. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    They do. 50 Beowulf is one, it's proprietary to Alexander Arms.

    I heard of a shoulder breaking 50 BMG conversion, I do NOT even want to SEE that.

    There are a couple others that are interesting as well. 458 SOCOM and 450 Bushmaster.
     
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2016
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  9. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    I get a little "irritation" after firing my hot loads, or actual 5.56mm instead of standard .223 on occasion. In the MIL I used a different butt stock which had a tad bit of rubber, and that added some padding. In the civilian life, with .223 being the standard and most easy to find, I guess I got used to it. Plus, the stock I use now is just bare plastic and even though the recoil isn't much on the AR, after a fair amount of shooting, it does start to irritate the shoulder. So, I have no idea if it could be the buffer, but my money would be more on the difference in ammo and the butt stock itself. Seriously, even the 855 ammo which I fired exclusively overseas doesn't kick as much as my range loads. And I am not wearing that ghastly body armor....
     
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  10. Tikka

    Tikka Monkey+++

    Personally, I use Chrome Silicon springs; ASTM Grade: A877 Valve Spring Material. Compressions Cycles: 400,000 to 500,000 (shots). The stainless steel ones; ASTM Grade: A313. Compressions Cycles: 5,000 to 8,000 (shots). I don't know how long plain old spring steel springs last. Will I ever shoot that many rounds; I doubt it. :D

    @AxesAreBetter
    Recoil is a function of weight, So a heck of a heavy 7.62N will kick less than a lighter caliber in a ultra light.
    Rifle Recoil Table
     
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  11. Grand58742

    Grand58742 Monkey+++

    I'd try the H2 buffer myself:

    PSA AR15 H2 Buffer

    And if you want, try the Sprinco Blue recoil spring. It's what I run and helps out more than you would think.
     
  12. 3M-TA3

    3M-TA3 Cold Wet Monkey

    To minimize recoil (less adding weight or a brake), use the heaviest buffer that is reliable with all ammunition you shoot.
     
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  13. AD1

    AD1 Monkey+++

    Just add more mass like I did. Recoil No Problem [LMAO]ohnob::
    image.
     
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  14. BTPost

    BTPost Stumpy Old Fart,Deadman Walking, Snow Monkey Moderator

    @AD1. But you need a Pickup Truck, to cart it around.....
     
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  15. kellory

    kellory An unemployed Jester, is nobody's fool. Banned

    [​IMG] Naw, just use a tactical wheel barrow, and all's good.
     
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  16. Tikka

    Tikka Monkey+++

    Blue or white??
     
  17. AD1

    AD1 Monkey+++

    This is NOT my weapon! Just a photo I keep around for those times to make a point.

    This "was" one mine until boating accident, breakin, theft, I forgot where I left it ......event. This is the most furniture i have on a AR.

    I have to say I am 60+ and I dont even notice the recoil on th 556 but I shoot sporting clays and other high recoil events, plus I am 6 foot Zero and 210 Lbs + and pretty muscular so there is "mass" but not on the weapon.
    image.
     
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  18. Grand58742

    Grand58742 Monkey+++

    Blue is kind of the catchall. I've run them on mid and carbine lengths without problem.
     
  19. Tikka

    Tikka Monkey+++

    @AD1
    I'm a couple of inches taller and about 15# more.

    Recoil energy or kick isn't affected by our weight.
    ShootersCalculator.com | Recoil Calculator

    Recoil Calculator

    Unless one reloads, they will not know the powder charge. What I do to get an approximate answer. Is go to a reloading sight and find a round with the same weight bullet and velocity.

    An example. 168gr., 3400 FPS, 82gr of powder. In a 9 pound rifle the recoil energy would be 28.47 ft/lbs. In a 17 pound bench rest rifle 15.07 lbs/ft.
     
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  20. Tikka

    Tikka Monkey+++

    Exactly correct or same here. (we need a thumbs up icon ;))

    I've also replaced the 16# spring in a 1911-A1 with an 18#.
     
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