Keeps eating Buffer Retainer
 

BushMaster keeps eating Buffer Retainer and Spring. It ends up clogging bolt and or trigger. When I don't install either it cycles a lot better but I haven't shot it without in place. Do they need to be in place ??

An AR will function just fine without a buffer retainer and spring. But the buffer wants to go flying when you open the action. :D

I would try to figure out what's wrong though. The carrier shouldn't be hitting the retainer. Is the receiver extension holding the retainer in properly?

Shot the gun today. It shoots good with out the Buffer Retainer, so If I don't have to have it-

you dont need one it just makes assembly/disassembly easier. you might check your buffer tube is tightened all the way down and all parts are present if you have a collapsable stock. collapsables have a few more parts than the fixed A2 style stock.

Well that's two votes to check the RE. Also be sure nothing is bent or deformed, the carrier flat out shouldn't hit the buffer retainer. If nothing is obvious try your upper and lower separately with another AR upper and lower. Don't damage the other gun but hand cycle and look for differences in clearance.