Designed specifically for SIG’s SB15 (also works with the new SBX) Pistol Stabilizing Brace, ODIN Works’ SB-PT offers more than any of the competing buffer tubes on the market. “Length of brace” adjustment? Check. Locks in the orientation of the SB15? Check. Perfect diameter for the SB15? Naturally. I was excited to check it out, and now I’m happy to “endorse” it . . .
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not disparaging other SB15-specific buffer tubes out there. I’ve used a couple of them and they’re quite good. They’re all big improvements over standard tubes that leave the SB15 slammed right up against the receiver plate resulting in an extremely short “length of brace.” Until SB15-specific tubes really became available, most buffer tubes on the market were also too large in diameter for the SB15 to fit properly. Yet, there are a few features on the SB-PT here that set it apart from the pack.
Adjustable “Length of Brace”
Thanks to a locking collar on the shaft of the SB-PT, the end user can easily adjust where the SB15 “bottoms out.” This is handy when using the SB15 as designed — as an arm brace for your pistol — to accommodate different arm lengths. It’s more comfortable and more stable when the brace is strapped closer to your elbow than your wrist. This adjustment is also handy if you happen to misuse the SB15 by putting it to your shoulder (apparently illegal now). In that case, “length of pull” is adjustable from about 10.5″ all the way to 14.5″, which is a completely normal LoP for an adult-sized rifle.
A hex key bolt is responsible for tightening or loosening this locking collar, and the SB-PT ships with a hex wrench of the correct size.
Fixed Orientation
The little receiver plate extension protruding from the bottom, front of the SB15 brace has a unique, somewhat triangular profile on its top side. From what I’ve seen, ODIN Works is the only company that has attempted to fix the rotational orientation of the SB15 and it has done so by matching, in mirror image, that triangular profile on the SB-PT’s locking collar. The SB15 indexes with it and cannot spin out of whatever alignment you choose for it.
Mount
No castle nut is used. The SB-PT threads into your receiver until it torques against the included receiver end plate, which is a nice piece in and of itself with sling attachment points on both sides and a QD socket at bottom. Removable thread locker is included to ensure the buffer tube doesn’t back out.
Torquing the SB-PT was made particularly easy thanks to ODIN Works’ slick (as in “cool”) 3/8″ drive socket at rear.
Not only does your standard socket wrench or torque wrench fit in there, but it even locks in with its ball detent.
Diameter
It’s just right!
Legal Note:
Please review this post!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a buffer tube specifically for the SIG Tac SB15 brace, and lowest available price isn’t your top priority, look no further than the SB-PT.
Specifications: ODIN Works SB-PT Stabilizing Brace Pistol Tube
Fit: Designed for standard carbine buffer and spring
Material: aluminum
Finish: matte black type III hard coat anodized
Weight: 4.8 oz
MSRP: $79
Ratings (Out of five stars):
Fit: * * * * *
It was perfect on my receiver and perfect in the SB15.
Finish: * * * *
Matte anodizing tends to show scuffs, lube splotches, and scratches pretty easily in comparison to higher gloss options. At least from what I’ve seen. The SB-PT had a few minor finish imperfections, most of which can’t be seen when installed. Machining is very nice but not flawless. Somewhere between 4 and 4.5 stars here.
Function: * * * * *
Many novel and useful features and high quality materials make this the stand-out winner among SB15-specific buffer tubes.
Overall: * * * * *
Best in class.