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There's a decent argument that all carbine buffer tubes are basically the same. Forward Controls Design set out to prove that wrong with the REF, a mil-spec 6-position receiver extension that keeps the dimensions everyone expects but tightens up the details that actually matter when a rifle sees real use. It bolts right up to any standard AR-15/M4 carbine lower using your existing castle nut and end plate, no special tools or workarounds needed.
The REF is impact extruded from 7075 T6 aluminum rather than forged and machined like most tubes on the market, which gives it a bit more strength margin right where it counts. The threads are rolled instead of cut, and the interior gets a dry film lube treatment so the buffer and spring ride smoothly for the life of the part. It carries the mil-spec 1.146 inch outer diameter, so it plays nice with the huge range of adjustable stocks built to that standard. Just keep in mind this is the standard carbine version, not the longer A5 pattern, so it won't work with Vltor A5 stocks or buffers.
Most carbine tubes have one drain hole at the very back. The REF adds two more underneath, at the 2nd and 5th latch positions, so water clears out faster if the rifle ever takes a dunking. On the sides, at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, you'll find laser engraved numbers marking each stock latch position. That's a nice touch for anyone running a Magpul or similar stock that doesn't have the top-mounted witness hole some Colt and SOPMOD stocks use, since those setups otherwise leave you guessing exactly where the stock is locked in.
Instead of the usual hardcoat anodizing, the REF gets a Cerakote finish, which holds up well against scrapes and daily handling. Look closely and you'll spot the small Forward Controls Design duck logo stamped into the tube, a little bit of personality on a part that's otherwise all business. This is a standalone receiver extension, so you'll still need your own castle nut, end plate, buffer, and action spring to complete the install, but for the tube itself, this is about as solid a foundation as you'll find for a carbine build.
No, the REF is a standard mil-spec carbine receiver extension and is not compatible with the Vltor A5 system. If you're running an A5 length stock or buffer, you'll want Forward Controls Design's A5-specific extension instead. This tube is built for standard carbine-length adjustable stocks only.
No, the receiver extension ships on its own, so you'll need a castle nut and end plate to complete the install. Most standard mil-spec castle nuts and end plates will work fine here since the REF keeps mil-spec dimensions throughout.
Standard carbine tubes only have one drain hole at the very rear, which can leave water trapped inside if your rifle gets dunked or rained on hard. The REF adds two more drain holes underneath at the 2nd and 5th latch positions so water clears out faster, keeping the buffer and spring from sitting in moisture longer than they need to.
Colt and SOPMOD-style stocks have a hole on top for the lock release lever, which is where older designs put their position markings. Since a lot of popular stocks like Magpul's don't use that top-mounted lever, Forward Controls Design moved the laser engraved numbers to the sides at 3 and 9 o'clock so you can still get a quick visual check no matter which stock you're running.
| UPC | 688201997253 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | |
| Manufacturer Part Number | REF |
| Style | Rifle |
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