AR-15 Buffers for FRT Triggers – H2, H2.5, H3 Tungsten
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The right buffer is the difference between an FRT that runs and one that doesn't. This is our full line of AR-15 H2 and H3 buffers, in two tiers, budget reciprocating and Trigger Supply true tungsten, plus silent captured buffers and adjustable systems, all chosen for forced reset trigger and Super Safety builds. If your trigger freezes mid-string, your rifle short-strokes, or the bolt slams, start here.
Two Tiers, Same H2 and H3 Weights
Every H2 and H3 we sell is a reciprocating design. The internal weights move inside the buffer body, which softens felt recoil and cuts down on bolt bounce. The difference between our two tiers is what those weights are made of.
| Tier | Weights | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Budget reciprocating H2 and H3 | Standard reciprocating weights | About 90% of FRT builds |
| Trigger Supply true tungsten H2 and H3 | True tungsten reciprocating weights | Suppressed, short-barrel, and high round count builds, or anyone who wants the best |
Budget Reciprocating H2 and H3
For most FRT builds, this is all you need. The H2 reciprocating buffer (4.6 oz) is the minimum for any forced reset trigger or Super Safety and suits mid-length gas and longer barrels. The H3 reciprocating buffer (5.4 oz) adds margin for carbine-length gas, short barrels, and suppressed builds.
Trigger Supply True Tungsten H2 and H3
The original reciprocating tungsten weight buffer, 100% made in Missouri. We kept true tungsten weights in these even when raw tungsten costs climbed, because tungsten is far denser than steel and packs full H-series weight into a standard carbine body. The Trigger Supply H3 tungsten buffer is our best-selling H3, and the Trigger Supply H2 tungsten buffer gives you the same build at H2 weight.
Between an H2 and an H3
H2 and H3 are the two weights we build around, but there are plenty of options in the middle if your rifle wants something in between. The Odin Works Adjustable Heavy Buffer lets you dial the weight in yourself, the Odin Works HFRT is a complete buffer and tube system built for FRTs, and our silent captured buffers give you another route. We carry all of them.
Silent and Adjustable Buffer Systems
Captured silent buffers cut the "sproing" of the buffer spring and smooth the recoil impulse, which pairs well with suppressed FRT builds. Choose the Armaspec SMB Gen3 H2 or SMB Gen3 H3, or the Trigger Supply Silent H2 Buffer and Spring System.
Not sure which weight your rifle wants? An adjustable buffer lets you tune it without buying twice. The Odin Works Adjustable Heavy Buffer dials from H2 to H3 equivalent with carbide weights, and the Odin Works HFRT is a complete buffer and tube system built for FRTs.
Which Buffer Weight Do You Need?
| Your build | With an FRT or Super Safety |
|---|---|
| 16" or longer, mid-length gas | H2 minimum |
| 16" carbine-length gas | H3 (H2 minimum) |
| 14.5" carbine-length gas | H3 |
| Short barrel or pistol-length gas | H3 |
| Any length, suppressed | H3, or a silent captured H3 |
Buffer Weights at a Glance
| Buffer | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| Standard carbine | 3.0 oz |
| H2 | 4.6 oz |
| H3 | 5.4 oz |
Buffer FAQ
Do I need an H2 or H3 buffer for an FRT?
Run an H2 at minimum with any forced reset trigger or Super Safety. Step up to an H3 on carbine-length gas, short barrels, or any suppressed build, where the bolt carrier moves faster and needs more mass to control it.
How much does an H3 buffer weigh?
An H3 buffer weighs about 5.4 oz, the heaviest standard carbine buffer. An H2 is about 4.6 oz, and a standard carbine buffer is about 3.0 oz.
What if my rifle will not lock back on empty with an H3?
That usually means the buffer is too heavy for your gas system and ammo. Drop to an H2, or use an adjustable buffer so you can tune the weight without buying a second buffer.
Do I need a tungsten buffer for my FRT?
Not usually. Our budget reciprocating H2 and H3 run about 90% of FRT builds. The Trigger Supply true tungsten H2 and H3 use the same reciprocating design with denser tungsten weights, and they are the premium pick for suppressed, short-barrel, or high round count builds.
Does buffer weight replace an M16 bolt carrier group?
No. Most FRTs need both a full-auto profile M16 bolt carrier group and a heavier buffer. The buffer controls carrier speed; the M16 carrier provides the mass and profile the trigger is designed around.