All AR-15 carbine receiver extensions are pretty much the same, right? No! Brownells Gun Tech™ Caleb Savant shows us around the REF by Forward Controls Design. The “Receiver Extension Forward (Controls)” is a substantial upgrade on the standard M4 carbine buffer tube. The official term is receiver extension, but many folks call it a buffer tube and the terms are pretty much interchangeable now. The REF is an enhanced mil-spec (1.146″ O.D.) receiver extension of impact-extruded 7075 T6 aluminum alloy. This makes it even stronger than a traditional forged-then-machined buffer tube. “Is more strength really needed?” you might be thinking, “Old School buffer tubes have worked fine for decades.” The receiver extension is a mission-critical component. If it fails, your AR-15 is out of commission. Period. So why not add some extra strength if you can? That kind of thinking is part of the Forward Controls Design philosophy.
The REF’s upgrades don’t stop there. Rather than hardcoat anodized, it’s finished with super-durable, abrasion-defying Cerakote®. Of course, it’s marked with the Forward Controls Design duck logo – and a spare logo for “Duck Gang” members. It has 6 notches for the adjustable stock, identified by white numbers on the sides of the tube. You can easily and quickly make a visual check that your stock is in the right position. Using a spare B5 Systems stock, Caleb shows us how handy these witness numbers are. You can also tell if somebody has moved your rifle’s stock, and you may well demand, “Who the duck has been messing with my gun?”
If your rifle gets dunked under water, the REF has the standard drain hole at the rear, plus two extras on the underside to help clear any water from the tube extra fast, so your rifle is back in action pronto.
NOTE: 7075 alloy is the standard for mil-spec AR-15s. Some commercial buffer tubes are made of significantly less strong 6061 T6. Does less strength sound like a good idea for this application?
Note to readers: Please click the share buttons above or below. Forward this article to your email lists. Crosspost on your blog site, social media, internet forums. etc.
Should send one to the Fat Electrician.
Any stock I've used on this extension seems to fit better. And move smoother.
FCD is one of the (if not the best) AR parts suppliers..I never heard the impact extruded alum is stronger than forged before..Great info..I only wish the class of threads the tube has was given..
Quack quack
"Receiver extension" — don't try to church it up, son. Just call it a buffer tube🤣
I like it. I hope they add it to Brownells Spain !!!!.🇪🇸
Cerakote cool it chips and scratches easily.
🦆 🦆 🦆
My sample size of one indicates that Cerakote is not as durable as anodizing. It has some nice features, but anodizing will look better longer.
Forward Controls comes out with a crush washer. Caleb: this is best crush washer; it is better than all other crush washers
Who the duck?!😂
Technically it's a swan…
Quack
You can't pick color on the site. Only black.
Meh, VLTOR A5 or the new BCM buffer tube for improvements
I'm new to putting together ARs rather than buying a complete gun, and I quickly realized there comes a point where you're just paying extra for logos. But I'm a capitalist, so who cares anyway.
Many FCD parts are for the flex. While they bring some improvements, they aren’t usually that big of a deal. And I say this as a person that owns FCD and paid a premium for it.
If the buffer tube/receiver extension is not a5, then it’s not a substantial upgrade. Being forged is a pre requisite, drain holes and 6 positions are pre requisites. Even if it was an extrusion the threads on it are still the weakest point and would be what fails if the gun is repeatedly abused on that juncture (I.e. prying stuff with the buffer tube)
Duck gang all the way I understand that better form and materials equal higher cost and I am ok with that
The problem with calling it a receiver extension is you can't say "toob"
You could do a video on all the different firearm finishes. Pros, cons, and uses.
Odd there's no anti-tilt provision for those that run a external piston gun . Wouldn't be very much trouble to include it in the manufacturing process I would think . It would be nice to have in case you change to a piston gun upper or swap uppers regularly. It wouldn't affect or harm the operation of a traditional AR15 IMHO . A better to have it and not need it feature as opposed to needing it ( bolt carrier on external piston guns tilting and gouging up your lower for example ) situation. Me , I just like having as many options as I can get for my money . Just seems it could slightly be a even better product without overly complicating the manufacture of the extension .
Just my humble 2 cents …
I swear Caleb somehow accessed my build list for my LWRC lower I’m gonna get started on pretty soon 😅
I like this but why do a normal buffer tube? Make this to the PWS or a Aero Precision enhanced buffer tube dimensions. Where the buffer tube juts out from the bottom and cups the carrier group making a tight fit of the upper and lower receiver …
I think my receiver extension is steel…
I always heard Colt made the only forged RE.
V7 makes a stronger stainless steel alloy buffer tube that is nitrided.
C'mon man!
Caleb is losing credibility quickly with me….duck logos and numbered gradations…..REALLY?
"Stronger" — I have not heard of any "buffer tube catastrophic failures in the field".
However, if you think you NEED to have an "improved" receiver extension — take a look at the Aero Precision "Enhanced Buffer Tube".
Although without ducks and dual sided numbering — there are a couple of features on the AP product that are noteworthy.
And it too is 7075 Aluminum!
Caleb, here's a myth; You should use a 6160 charging handle because a 7075 charging handle will wear down your upper reciver.
Got one of the 9 position ones for a 308 build.
Another solution looking for a problem.
This is stupid. I have not in my entire life witnessed a broken buffer tube. Answer to a question never asked
Hasn't there been an improved version of this very item before this FC-duck product?
Ducks and dimples are just perfect for your modern ar15
Never had a problem with standard buffer tubes. In fact, I’ve never even heard of any problem with any buffer tube.
Like anything, one must decide what one can consider good quality with the limits of what one can afford. And for what purpose and how frequently it will be used.
There’s always going to be something better, but can I afford to build my AR for 15K or do I consider the 1K AR that I build acceptable for my uses?
If someone can afford many enhanced and improved AR parts, go for it, I’m happy for you. But if you decide that the milspec AR that you have meets your needs well, that is great too.
is it coated on the inside to reduce buffer tube "twang" ???
Have they done butt stroke test yet? lol
2:35♥️🔥💥💯🥊