A balanced firearm is a beautiful thing. Not only is it easier to shoot and less prone to wear and tear, but shooting a truly balanced gun is satisfying in a way less orderly set-ups can’t touch.
In addition to being one of the best ways to dial in the feel of your rifle, no AR-15 build is complete without a buffer tube kit. These unassuming collections of parts are one of the easiest ways to work out the kinks in your set-up and improve your shooting experience.
Be it building a custom AR or upgrading from bone stock, it’s incredibly important to understand the minor differences in these critical pieces of your rifle. Buffer kits are a must-have, but — just like any other component — it’s important to remember not all parts are made equal. This article is part of our ongoing Guide to Everything AR.