Recoil problem with new Vector S/A Mini Uzi Carbine

[bergun]

Hi!!

I purchased a new Vector S/A Mini Carbine a few months back and today, I finally took it to the range. First I fired several rounds out of my "tried and true" Uzi Model "B" Carbine without any noticeable recoil. Then I loaded up the Mini Uzi and.... WOW!!
The recoil was very-very sharp and noticeable!!! I was shooting Winchester 9mm "Silver Tips" JHP rounds and during the course of fire, I had a positive "cheek to Stock" hold.

This was the same type of ammo I was using with the Model "B" carbine without any issues. I then tried another magazine this time, I loaded it up with Winchester and some Remington NATO spec "FMJ" rounds. After firing 13 to 15 rounds, with the same recoil problem. I handed it to my friend, who was still laughing at me!! Well, he pulled the trigger and he wasn't laughing anymore!! He fired the weapon about 5 more times to confirm that there was a problem.

I unloaded the carbine to inspect it and everything seemed to be o.k. The first thing I checked was to see if the "factory" hard plastic recoil buffer was in place which it was, and I also ensured that the barrel was on tight. I couldn't figure it out at all!!

It almost felt like the bolt was slamming all the way to the rear making a metal on metal contact, which isn't possible (??).

Before someone or everybody figures it's the "WUSS" factor, I'm 6ft tall weighing in at 230lbs. I'm also veteran Law Enforcement Officer (13 years) assigned to a pro-active unit. Prior to that, I served 12 years in the Army on tanks (19E/19K) and was both Airborne and Air Assault qualified with assignments in the 1st, 2nd and 8th Infantry Divisions and also with the 82nd Airborne Division.

During the course of fire, there was no Failure to Feed, Fire or Eject. I just can't figure it out. I'm hoping it's not a quality control issue from Vector Arms since I'm (??) planning on purchasing one of their HK type weapons next.

Thanks for any advise in helping me to figure this one out!!

[RoverDave]

I've heard that Alaskans are wusses :D Ha! Just kidding.

The recoil springs should have a black buffer on the back like this:
http://files.uzitalk.com/reference/bolts/closedbolt/closedbolt6.jpg

In addition to that, there should be another thin buffer (about 1/4" or so) in the back of the receiver. Is it there? I've noticed a similar thing on my full auto Mini UZI. If I shoot it without the thin buffer in the back of the receiver it has a very sharp and unpleasant recoil.

[bergun]

Thanks RoverDave!!

I just checked the carbine out and it does have that second 1/4" buffer attached.

I did notice that the rear buffer was only about 1" thick. Could that be the problem??

What about adding a "third" after market buffer??

Thanks!!

[RoverDave]

No, you don't want a third buffer. I think that would be going the wrong way. A 1" buffer in the back of a closed bolt Mini UZI already sounds too thick. It should be more like 3/8". Definitely not more than 1/2". With that thick a buffer the bolt is probably hitting the buffer really hard rather than allowing the recoil springs to do their job. You should give Vector a call to verify what size buffer they're putting in the semi-auto Minis. They'll probably want to swap it for a smaller one.

[suka5168]

Do you have a pic of this second buffer? As i've never seen another buffer on any of the diagrams.

Is this Mini Uzi .25 " buffer similar to the full size Uzi 1.25 inch plastic buffer? This is in addition to the thin buffer already attached to the Recoil assembly., correct.?

[bergun]

Hey Suka 5168,

Sorry, I'm not able to post photos yet. You are correct, the "main" buffer which is located and mounted in the rear portion of the receiver is about 1.25". I just eye balled it for the measurements and it's over 1".

I'm sure that "Rover Dave" is correct when he stated that this buffer should be about 3/8", but no more then 1/2" instead of 1 to 1.25", which would explain the recoil problem.

I'm planning on sending Vector Arms an email today to confirm this. I just hope that they will just send me a new buffer instead of me having to ship the whole weapon back to them for the repair.

[suka5168]

did some reserch and the buffer should be .25 inch.
Its any old post between Roverdave & amphibian. way back in the begining.

[RoverDave]

Originally posted by bergun
I'm planning on sending Vector Arms an email today to confirm this. I just hope that they will just send me a new buffer instead of me having to ship the whole weapon back to them for the repair.

Vector is very good about that. They should send you a replacement buffer. I'm really surprised that a Mini UZI would run at all with a 1.25" buffer in it.

[amphibian]

Originally posted by suka5168
As i've never seen another buffer on any of the diagrams.


Look at part #13 in the exploded diagram from the Library.

http://www.uzitalk.net/reference/diagrams/mini-cb.jpg

[bergun]

Thanks for all the advise!!

I email Rex at Vector Arms and he stated that the correct replacement buffer is in the mail.

Last question(s), is that buffer piece wedged or glued in? Also, what is the best way to remove the buffer from the receiver, other then using a needle nose pliers??

Again THANKS!!

[RoverDave]

The buffer is just wedged into place - no glue. It's easier to get out of the full size UZI because the back of the receiver has a hole in it. With the Mini you have to pull it out from the front. Either a needle nose or a little hook tool that can grab a side or one of the little holes in the buffer. It's a pain with a thin buffer and the oversized one could be even more of a pain to get out.

[bergun]

Just want to say "thanks" for all the help!! I received a replacement buffer from "Rex" at Vector Arms after only waiting 3 days for it to arrive.... Thanks Rex!!!

Last night I replaced the old one that came with the carbine with the new one. I was very suprised that it came out with only a slight tug, with the new one going in with the same ease too. I'm glad that I was able to correct this problem without sending the carbine back to Vector Arms.

By the way, the buffer was too long and it looked like a "modified" full size Uzi carbine buffer, but cut to fit a mini. You can also see the impact area on the buffer where the bolt and "second" buffer pad met, which left an impression in the upper end of the buffer piece.

I'm planning to take it to the range this Sunday to see how she works now.

Again, thanks for all the help!!