Firearm manufacturers know what they’re doing, and the buffer springs they install on AR-15s are selected for reliability and longevity. Complaints about recoil, follow-up shot speed and stoppages due to inadequacy of either component are scarce on a stock rifle. That story often changes when a customer runs a suppressor.

In that case, increased backpressure is the primary suspect. Remedies are eagerly offered by most suppressor manufacturers with a phone call or e-mail, and many times the solution is a simple change in the buffer spring.  

Stocking a few isn’t a budget breaker, and offering the value-added service of installation at the counter is a wise investment. Doing so is one of the simplest AR-15 tasks — fast and seamless, and the few minutes it takes is a chance to nurture a long-term customer relationship.

The demand for spring replacements is also growing, fast. More enthusiasts than ever before are clearing the hurdles and forking out $200 for the tax stamp to own a suppressor. Many of them are likely already your customers, but the number of enthusiasts looking for a tactical retailer willing to remedy their gun’s struggle with the added pressure is swelling. According to the latest report from RetailBI, “In 2024, suppressor sales experienced extraordinary growth, with units sold increasing 80.2% year-over-year and revenue rising 87.2%.” Last year, purchases were 264% higher than 2019’s figures, and if legislators manage to remove them from the National Firearms Act, the floodgates will open.

Buffer spring replacement is fast and easy, but it begins with a friendly conversation at the counter about the gun’s malady. Silencer Central dissects some of the symptoms and remedies on its website. “A too-light spring will not be strong enough to cushion the slide or bolt’s backward movement, leading to more felt recoil,” it explains. “On the other hand, if you have a small firearm or shoot lower-pressure ammo, a light spring should suffice, even if you use a suppressor.” Heavier springs last longer, but the company warns that if they’re too stout, they can result in stoppages by preventing the bolt carrier group from cycling properly. Rely on your experience when making any new spring recommendation, and when in doubt, contact the suppressor manufacturer.

Once a proper spring has been selected, while keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction, engage the safety if it is not already in that position. Remove the magazine, pull back the charging handle and check there is no cartridge remaining in the chamber. Double check and use a flashlight if necessary. Then move the magazine and any spare ammunition from your direct work area. Distractions happen, after all.

If the bolt carrier group locked back as you checked for a chambered round, release it back to its lockup position, fully forward. Push out the takedown pin located furthest to the rear of the lower receiver, the one closest to the buttstock.

When that step’s done, use a modest motion at the forend and buttstock simultaneously to rotate the upper and lower receivers apart. The buffer weight face — at the front of the buffer tube — is now accessible.  

Locate the retainer pin in front of the weight. It’s small with a stainless steel finish at the bottom.

Apply just enough finger pressure on the buffer weight to move it back slightly in the buffer tube. Maintain that slight rearward position and depress the retainer pin, which is spring-loaded. A flat tool or pen is often required to maintain that position while completing the next step.

Slowly release finger pressure on the buffer weight face, allowing it to glide forward onto the retainer pin. The pin’s spring will compress with that contact and release the weight and spring behind. Maintain control as it moves or the buffer spring behind could launch things into parts unknow.

Once partly out of the buffer tube, you may have to turn the pair slightly to get the coils free at first. With practice and confidence, doing so is fast. Remove the assembly completely.

Now pull the buffer weight from the spring. They fit snugly, but no tools are required.

Once they’re apart, you’re ready to insert the weight into that new spring. Ensure it fits every bit as fully and snugly as the original pair.

You’re ready to reinstall them in the buffer tube. Thanks to a clever bevel on the weight, you usually don’t need to depress the retainer pin again during reinsertion.  

When that’s complete, reverse the steps above to reassemble and the customer’s ready for a range session to determine if the malady is remedied. Don’t forget to mention the subsonic loads you have in stock when you ring up the sale, though.