What would cause this damage to a buffer?

[bolus]

Wow, never seen that before.....that would would be a big red flag to me , missing roll pin. Wonder if it was made that way on purpose or it just got pushed through and it got missed, bummer good luck getting it straight

There isnt even a hole for a role pin though. Im pretty confident its just a junk part.

 

[BlindedByScience]

I'm going to ask the dumb question....are you using a rifle length buffer in a carbine length tube?

Edit - NVM, looks like this is a carbine length buffer.....

 

[oli700]

That is for sure a carbine length, wouldn't cycle with the rifle buffer in a carbine tube

 

[308]

Probably was some cheapo buffer added in there by someone in the past. You can order the Spikes from Brownells and be done with it...IMHO

 

[bolus]

I'm going to ask the dumb question....are you using a rifle length buffer in a carbine length tube?

Edit - NVM, looks like this is a carbine length buffer.....

Interestingly, it is a inch or so longer than the spikes buffer. I thought that might be a problem as well.
is there a standard length for carbine buffers?

 

[bolus]

Probably was some cheapo buffer added in there by someone in the past. You can order the Spikes from Brownells and be done with it...IMHO

yep, If a ~$400 AR did 200 flawless rounds before showing any problems, she deserves some upgrades.

 

[Velzey]

I am curious if your buffer spring has partially collapsed? Have you compared it to a new spring?