"Duffer" here in UK can mean an inefficient person [one who is 'duff' = sort of not-fit-for-purpose - a word which can also be used of inanimate objects, as in, eg, "You'll have to find another light-bulb, the one you put in was duff"]: like a poor golfer or whatever. But it is also defined by Partridge as meaning a dolt, or stupid person, which seems to be the more common meaning here; which is not shared with 'buffer' which means more a pompous old creature, except perhaps regionally, as in Lincolnshire according to Backwoodsman's claim 10 or so posts back that it is the local equivalent of 'buffer'.

Oh dear me, how all very confusing. Think I'll go back to bed...

~M~