RBF (Reinforced Buffer retainer, Forward Controls) is a strengthened AR buffer retainer machined with Swiss machines from 17-4 stainless steel bar stock, and heat treated to H900 hardness.
RBF features a reinforced tip that is 10% larger (0.102) than TDP spec (0.093). We don’t want RBF to be timed (as the case with a rectangular tip), so RBF retains the TDP buffer retainer’s versatile round tip, and is installed per TM instructions. 10% is as much as we could increase before encountering receiver extension timing incompatibilities.
When all the systems in an AR function properly, one could argue that a reinforced buffer retainer isn’t necessary. We agree, except mix and match parts from different manufacturers and their varying adherence to TDP specs, tolerance stacking is far from the exception. Many of us have had this inexpensive part break and toss its tip into the lower receiver, usually in the trigger group and cause a jam. RBF’s billet construction and reinforced tip aim to mitigate this, it could be viewed as cheap insurance, even if the way we make it is anything but cheap.
RBF is a stand alone product, it’s available with optional buffer retainer springs (x2). When it comes to springs, it is our practice to include extras when they’re under pressure during installation/removal, optional buffer retainer springs inclusion is no different, two springs will be included should you opt for them. RBF is compatible with AR15/M16 milspec rifle and carbine receiver extensions, as well as Vltor A5 system receiver extensions.
Note:
- Always wear eye protection while handling springs under pressure, spring loaded pins and detents.
- RBF isn’t a fix for out of spec lowers with incorrectly positioned buffer retainer hole. If you detect excessive wear marks on the buffer’s front face, it’s advisable to warranty exchange your lower receiver.
- Compatible with PWS Enhanced carbine receiver extension.
- Receiver extensions (REs) timing on the receiver can vary. While the an RE can rotate past dead center (with the RE covering and retaining the buffer retainer) by 45 degrees or more on one receiver, it might only be able to do 15 degrees or less on another. Also, different REs have different timing values.
jakecohen37 (verified owner) –
Less than 8 dollars for extra insurance on your build, it’s really a no-brainer, the amount of money we spend for quality parts, this just makes sense.
Dillon Smith (verified owner) –
Worth the price on those high quality builds you want to cut no corners on.
Wecameforyourkings (verified owner) –
This buffer retaining pin is a cut above the rest without a doubt. If you’re building a rifle don’t even hesitate, grab one and you’ll see!
Christopher Rausch (verified owner) –
As much as I love to shoot & train, I doubt I would ever have a buffer retainer fail on me. However, one of my guns with a Law folder and standard buffer retainer had an issue where, if the bolt was locked back, bumping the stock or extension could send the BCG forward without hitting the release. Definitely don’t want to inadvertently send that bad boy home at the wrong time. Swapped to the FCD buffer retainer, problem solved. Now I put the FCD buffer retainer in all my guns without question.
Nathan Serna (verified owner) –
This is not a part that I have ever seen fail, though I have seen it launched and launched it myself many times, when I put in a buffer retainer I just forget about it. The FCD retainer seems well made and has a larger than normal post. I installed it (without launching it) and looks like hopefully I’ll just continue to keep forgetting about it.