To solve the problem of the effective cushioning of fast-moving mechanical components in small ring-shaped spaces, the factors affecting the compression and energy absorption properties of small-sized hollow metal tubes were studied. Simulation models were constructed to analyse the influences of tube diameter, wall thickness, relative position, and number of stacked components on the compression and energy absorption properties. The correctness of the simulation method and its output were verified by experiments, which proved the effectiveness of compression and energy absorption properties of small-sized thin-walled metal tubes. The research provides support for the application of metal tube buffers in armament launch technology and engineering practice.