Palette's Product Review: Tacticool Products' Buffer Cylinder

I have written previously about Tacticool Products' Sub-200 accessories: I have their Bolt Tube Cover and I love it a lot, despite having to engage in some jiggery-pokery to get it installed (more information on that procedure here). But have held off on buying their Recoil Reducing Buffer Cylinder ($9.50 and free shipping) for years because of its inherent "If I install this, I cannot lock the bolt open" drawback.

http://tinyurl.com/pc8rtkd

And then I shot 100 rounds through my Sub-2000 without a recoil pad, and my shoulder ached for several days afterward. It was at this point that I thought "Being able to lock the bolt open isn't worth this discomfort. Besides, it's just ten bucks; what can it hurt to try it out?"

I installed it in time for my "East vs. West" ammo review, and let me tell you: It is so worth the money. Shooting 100 rounds with the buffer resulted in no shoulder ache the next day. And yes, while this same effect can be gained with putting a Limbsaver pad over the stock of the Sub-2000,

1. You can't fully fold and lock the Sub-2000 with the recoil pad in place (but you can with the buffer cylinder);
2. A recoil pad adds length to the gun and friction when shouldering it;
3. The buffer cylinder is cheaper than a recoil pad to begin with.

My Subbie, which is already fun to shoot, has become an absolute pleasure with this new addition. It's inexpensive, it works well, and it's easy to install. I don't know how many cycles it will last, but per the website:

The expected service life exceeds the expected life of the SUB-2000, and the buffer cylinder has the same lifetime warranty as the SUB-2000. If the buffer cylinder ever fails, send us the buffer cylinder for analysis and we'll immediately ship a replacement.

In my opinion, all of this is well worth the ability to lock the bolt back, plus, there are workarounds to that:

• At the range? Fold the carbine in half. I've yet to find an RSO who will insist that the Sub-2000 is unsafe in that configuration. 
• Working on it at home? Pull the stock pin to release pressure on the recoil spring. 

Either way, your problem is solved. 

My Rating: A+
If you own a Sub-2000, get one of these. It's an inexpensive add-on that ranks right up there with with the Extended Operating Handle in terms of improving your shooting experience.

Obligatory FTC Disclaimer: I bought this with my own money. Go away.