Let’s Dive into Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer
The Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer is a seemingly simple, inexpensive component designed to fill the gap inside an A2 buffer tube when using a shorter-than-standard buffer. Tacfire, the manufacturer, positions it as a way to improve weapon control and potentially allow for the installation of certain accessories by creating a more stable platform. Having dealt with countless AR builds and modifications over the years, I was interested in seeing how this little piece of polymer would perform, and if it actually delivered on its claims of improved control. My initial hope was for a quick and easy solution for some of my older builds.
I picked up the Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer to address a slight rattle in one of my AR-15 builds that uses a shorter, heavier buffer to manage recoil better. The rattle, while minor, was annoying and I was hoping this spacer would provide a cheap and effective solution. I’ve always believed in finding practical solutions to common problems.
The Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer arrived in a small plastic bag, nothing fancy. My initial impression was underwhelming; it’s a small, black polymer cylinder. The molding appeared clean, but the plastic felt lightweight and somewhat cheap.
I considered other solutions, such as using a stack of quarters or custom-machined spacers. Ultimately, the low price point of the Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer made it an easy choice to try first. I’ve used other Tacfire components in the past with mixed results, so I wasn’t expecting perfection.
Honestly, I was neither excited nor particularly disappointed. It was a $7 piece of plastic. My expectation was that it would either work as intended, or it wouldn’t; there wasn’t much room for middle ground.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer in my workshop, attempting to install it in the A2 buffer tube of my primary AR-15. This rifle gets used at the range regularly, and sometimes out on private land for some recreational target shooting. The conditions were controlled, but the fit was immediately problematic.
The spacer was slightly too large in diameter to easily slide into the buffer tube. I had to apply considerable pressure, and even then, it didn’t seat fully. This immediately raised concerns about proper buffer function.
The initial issue was the poor fit. Instead of a snug fit that eliminates rattle, I encountered excessive friction and difficulty getting the spacer into the tube at all. This contradicted the advertised “easy-to-install” nature of the product.
Extended Use & Reliability
Since the initial fit was so poor, I did not proceed with field testing. Forcing it into the buffer tube would likely cause further issues and potentially damage the buffer or tube itself. I chose not to risk damaging my rifle.
Given the initial fit issue, I can’t comment on the long-term durability. The polymer feels like it would wear down quickly with repeated buffer movement. I expected more from a part that plays such a crucial role in the rifle’s cycling.
Maintenance would likely be minimal – there isn’t much to clean. However, given the questionable fit, I wouldn’t expect it to last long enough to require any real maintenance. The experience was significantly worse than using properly sized shims or a custom buffer.
Breaking Down the Features of Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer
Specifications
- The Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer is advertised as a simple spacer for A2 buffer tubes. It’s designed to take up extra space when using shorter buffers.
- It’s listed as being made of black polymer and having sling mounting holes. These sling mounting holes are essentially useless given the location of the spacer inside the buffer tube. The dimensions are not precisely specified, which is a red flag in itself.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring proper buffer function and reliable cycling of the AR-15. An ill-fitting spacer can cause malfunctions and even damage to the rifle. The lack of precise dimension specs suggests a lack of quality control.
Performance & Functionality
The Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer fails to perform its primary function: to provide a snug and reliable spacer within the A2 buffer tube. The oversized dimensions prevent easy installation and could impede proper buffer function.
The main weakness is the poor fit and questionable quality control. It doesn’t meet the basic expectation of being the correct size. The product does not meet expectations and is essentially unusable.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is poor, with a lightweight and cheap-feeling polymer. The spacer’s design is a simple cylinder, but the dimensions are off, making it uncomfortable to install and potentially impacting weapon ergonomics.
There is no user-friendliness; the dimensions are simply wrong. There’s no real learning curve – it either fits or it doesn’t, and in my case, it mostly didn’t.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the initial fit issues and the low-quality feel of the polymer, I wouldn’t expect the Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer to last very long. Even if it did fit properly, the thin polymer construction suggests it would wear down quickly with regular use.
Maintenance would be minimal, as there’s not much to clean. However, given the questionable durability, it’s unlikely to require any real maintenance before it fails.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer comes with no accessories. It is not compatible with any specific customization options beyond its intended use as a spacer. The inclusion of sling mounting holes is a bizarre feature, as the spacer resides inside the buffer tube and thus those holes are inaccessible.
Pros and Cons of Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer
Pros
- Inexpensive (but ultimately a waste of money).
- Lightweight.
- Conceptually, a simple solution to a common problem.
Cons
- Poor fit and finish.
- Questionable quality control.
- Likely to impede buffer function.
Who Should Buy Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer?
This product is perfect for… no one. Anyone looking for a reliable buffer tube spacer should avoid this. It’s not suitable for hunters, survivalists, competitive shooters, or even casual range users.
Anyone seeking a reliable and properly fitting spacer should skip this product. Better options include custom-machined spacers or even stacks of appropriately sized shims. This product is a waste of money.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A trash can. Seriously, there’s no way to salvage this product.
Conclusion on Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer
My experience with the Tacfire A2 Buffer Tube Spacer was overwhelmingly negative. The poor fit, questionable quality control, and bizarre design choices make this product essentially unusable.
The value proposition is non-existent; even at its low price point, it’s a waste of money. The price is not justified for a product that fails to perform its primary function.
I would absolutely not recommend this product. There are much better solutions for spacing a buffer tube. Final thoughts: skip this and invest in a quality alternative. Your rifle (and your sanity) will thank you.