Pamax Tactical - Frytech

Magnetic Buffer Review

When it comes to AR parts, everyone makes something similar. That is what I thought until I heard of the magnetic recoil reducing buffer from Frytech. This is a mil-spec buffer tube that uses magnets to dampen recoil instead of the standard AR buffer weight. This system is currently available through Pamax Tactical.

I am almost always hesitant about products that claim to reduce recoil. At least if they aren’t a standard muzzle device. But since I had been watching Frytech experiment with these for some time, I thought I would give it a try. I understand the concept of using magnets, as do most 5th graders. When the magnetic fields oppose each other, the magnets push away from one another. This field is progressive, so the closer the magnets are pushed together, the more force they resist. This is used to dampen the recoil in the Frytech Pamax buffer. It also allows the buffer to work with various calibers and barrel lengths.

The Frytech buffer system includes a few parts. As it arrives, you get a mil-spec 6 position buffer tube, castle nut, and end plate. Inside the buffer tube is a short spring, more on that later, and the magnetic buffer weights. There is a cotter key installed though the front of the tube. It has a tag on it that says something like “remove before flight”, but really it says “Warning, Magnetic, Do Not Remove Pin.” So do not remove this pin until the Frytech buffer tube is installed on an AR type firearm. Then you can remove the pin. The pin keeps the spring and the magnets in the proper orientation. If the parts go flying, you can install the magnets wrong and then the buffer will not function correctly. So, install the buffer tube, then remove the pin, and then head out to the range.

Now that we are at the range, I will give you my first impressions. The first time I had the Frytech magnetic buffer out at the range, I took 3 different upper receivers along with a standard lower to compare it to the Frytech one. So shoot 10 rounds, install the same upper on Frytech buffered lower, shoot 10 more, etc. You could definitely tell the difference. It was more noticeable when going from the Frytech buffer and then back to a normal one. I then tried the other 2 uppers I had at the range. Same scenario and the same outcome, less felt recoil. Two of these were 5.56 and one was a 300 blackout.

The Frytech buffer ran without any flaws until I tried a piston upper with it. The next time at the range I took my VKTR 10.5 inch piston upper and the Frytech magnetic buffer. The Frytech buffer did not like this, it would short stroke sometimes. Since the VKTR piston upper is finely tuned to run with VKTR’s setup, this did not surprise me. I only note it because it is the only upper that did not work well. I fully believe that if the VKTR were adjustable, or had an adjustable gas system, I could have made it work with the Frytech buffer. So if you are installing the Frytech buffer on a finely tuned firearm, you may have to make some gas system adjustments. But after that, you will get the benefits of those magnets in the Frytech system.

Since I wanted some real data on the Frytech buffer, I found my Mantis X10 and used it. When it comes to stuff like the Frytech buffer and claims of reduced recoil, I needed some actual data. So again, off to the range with an upper, two lowers, and the Mantis. I was able to get the data I was looking for. As you can see in the photos, all 4 of the metrics were reduced. Some by a pretty good margin. I now have data to show you, the reader, that the Frytech magnetic buffer is the real deal.

Because of all the testing, I ran the Frytech magnetic buffer with a bunch of different uppers. I definitely could tell that “magnetic” difference. I like this thing. I did notice a small, non-important hitch with it though. When cycling the bolt manually and slowly, the bolt wouldn’t always close on a new round. So I finally got to use that forward assist thingy to push the first round into battery. If you let the bolt release like you are supposed to, this doesn’t happen. Just thought I would remind people to let the bolt slam down instead of easy. This is also the reason the Frytech system has a short flat wound recoil spring in it. It is to help drive the bolt that little extra distance into battery. So did I mention the buffer uses magnets? Because of this, it likes to pick up allen wrenches off of my desk. They stick to the buffer tube. This could be a benefit, as you won’t lose the wrench for adjusting your optic. I know these things are minor, but I figured they needed mentioning. Speaking of annoyances, that buffer spring twang you sometimes get in a normal AR system is essentially non-existent in the Frytech system. Imagine that, magnetic waves are quieter than springs. Hmmmm, it is almost like they don’t make contact with anything. As I mentioned earlier, the Frytech magnetic buffer works. I really like the reduced recoil impulse, and it is softer feeling because of the way the magnets progressively slow the recoil down. The tube is also not some cheap imported tube, it is of nice quality and has the Frytech/Pamax logo etched onto it.

If you are looking for something to reduce felt recoil and have a softer shooting firearm, the Frytech Magnetic Buffer might be it. It definitely does what it says it will, it reduces recoil, as the data shows. Is it for everyone? No, but maybe it should be. It is especially good for people that are recoil adverse or those wanting to get the best performance out of their firearm. Head over to Pamax Tactical and check out the Frytech Magnetic Buffer System. I’m sure there are more magnetic things to come from these guys.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Recoil reducing buffer system

Target Market:

Those wanting a smoother cycling AR with less felt recoil

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

6-Position 7075-T6 Aluminum CNC-Milled Buffer Tube
Integrated Frytech Magnetic Technology — Built into the tube for seamless operation
Fits all mil-spec AR15 & AR-9 lowers
Tuned for 5.56/.223 & 9mm Calibers
Compatible with FRT Triggers
Compatible with Super Safety (may require modification to detent spring.)
Works with all mil-spec stock systems
Compatible with buffer retainers
Replaces buffer tube, buffer, and spring
Uses standard or included castle nut & end plate
Maintains normal AR15 receiver takedown
Zero Lubrication Required
Springless Magnetic Stack

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

.308 caliber

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars at Pamax Tactical

Smooth

Amazing. I was skeptical of there being much difference. I was one of the first to order one since I know Fry's been working really hard on this. I am really impressed by how smooth and light the recoil impulse is . I highly recommend giving it a shot if you have the resources to put into it .

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $149.95

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Pamax Tactical

Our Rating:

Pros:

Reduces felt recoil
Works on a variety of calibers
No modifications needed
Easy Installation
Doesn't take extra force to operate manually

Cons:

Tuned systems may need re-tuned
Bolt doesn’t always lock forward on initial loading

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link: Mantis X10 Elite Review

Taccom has come on the market with a delayed blowback pistol caliber carbine (PCC) buffer. We discussed it on Episode 282 of the Gun & Gear Review Podcast. I was intrigued by the way it functioned, so I talked with Taccom and they sent one to review. Taccom has been really coming on strong with products for the 3-gun market.

As mentioned, this system is a delayed carbine buffer system for AR pattern PCC’s. How do they delay blowback in a straight blowback system? Taccom uses rare earth magnets, that’s how. The magnets literally delay the blowback, for a split second. This results in lowering the pressure used to send the bolt backwards, thus reducing the recoil impulse. It is nice to see Taccom thinking outside the norm with this system.

I installed the Taccom buffer system in a 9mm PCC. As noted, if you have a bolt with a weight in it, you must remove the weight for the system to properly work. Since the system is self contained, you can also opt to remove the buffer retainer and spring. I used it both ways and it made no difference. It is made to be used in Carbine buffer tubes, not rifle length tubes. Being that it uses a flat recoil spring, and is self contained, it does reduce some of the “twang” noise associated with the standard AR buffer/spring/tube system.

After first installing the delayed buffer system, you immediately notice some differences. First up, it is quite a bit harder to charge the system. The magnetic delay system is really noticeable. It is not a problem, kind of like the difference between pulling the slide back on a 9mm pistol versus a .22lr pistol. Next is the “Short Stroke System”. With the delayed system, the buffer doesn’t allow the bolt to travel reward as much as a standard recoil system. This makes it not possible to use the bolt hold open. I really disliked this function, as I couldn’t lock the bolt back during matches, or when the gun runs out of ammunition in the magazine. Besides those, everything else works the same as a standard AR.

I can see the benefits to the Taccom delayed buffer system. It definitely reduced the recoil impulse, making it easier to get back on target fast. I ran a bunch of different types of 9mm ammo through the system. Practice ammo would sometimes cause the system to short stroke, as the system was not quite travelling all the way to the rear. This was pretty common. Sometimes it would load a round but not reset the hammer, other times it wouldn’t even load a round. It did this with both the Stern Defense adapter, and the Endomag.

The Taccom system is lighter than what I previously was using. My stock system weighed in at 8.3 ounces. The Taccom weighs in at 7.3 ounces. So I did save a little over an ounce while reducing felt recoil. PCC’s tend to be heavier due to all the moving mass in the blowback system, so an ounce could possibly make a difference for some people.

Taccom is innovating with this delayed buffer system. I would like to see it with a bolt hold open. It does delay the system and reduce recoil. So if you are looking at pistol caliber carbine stuff, or 3-gun specific parts, go check out Taccom.