AR-15 Buffer Comparison – Enidine Hydraulic vs H2
I was recently loaned an Enidine hydraulic buffer by Rich at Arizona Armament, and dropped it in my Spike's Tactical lightweight AR-15 for some comparison shooting with the "regular" buffer that rifle normally is used with - an H2. Right now, I'm just presenting some initial findings, not a comprehensive evaluation.
I'm not thrilled with the Enidine. Although it cycles slower, the difference comes from a slower return to battery, which I have not found to be conducive to higher reliability. This, coupled with the shorter stroke caused by the Enidine buffer, gives me reason for concern at this early point in my evaluation.
Kimber Rimfire Target 1911 22LR Conversion Kit Review
The Kimber Rimfire Target conversion kit - or a competing kit of similar quality - is a must have for 1911 owners, in my opinion. I've owned this one for years and use it more than practically any other firearm-related product I own.
Rainier Arms XTC
After putting quite a bit of 5.45 and 5.56 through the Rainier XTC over the last 9 months, I feel pretty confident in saying that it's the best muzzle compensator value on the market.
Spike’s Tactical SAR Rails – Too Short
As many who read my blog know, I like Spike's Tactical. Granted, they've given me a lot of stuff - but it's all looked at with a critical eye, and I don't often find things to complain about.
With the SAR rails, however, I did.
Spike's sent me two SAR rails, a 12" and a 9". They're very light - the 9" weighs under 10 ounces - and I like the titanium barrel nut that makes installation very easy. They have 4 QD sockets for sling swivels, and the width and height are pretty slim, meaning that it's easy to get a good grip on the rail.
My major issue with them is length. While the older BAR model rails left a short, perhaps 1/4" gap, between the end of the rail and an FSB at any standard length (carbine, midlength, or rifle), the SAR leaves a gap of over 1/2" - meaning that the gas tube is far too exposed. This 12" rail should not leave such a large gap with a rifle length gas system.
I'm using KAC rail covers to cover the gaps, and they seem to do a fine job of protecting the exposed area. Still, it would seem that the SAR rails are intended for use with low profile gas blocks only, in lengths that would cover the gas blocks, not with FSBs placed at the carbine, midlength, or rifle locations.
