When dally says that his ''heater sure dose help a buff...'' what does he mean the outsiders?

In "The Outsiders," when Dally refers to his "heater," he is talking about his gun. The phrase "sure does help a buff" implies that having a weapon gives him a sense of power and protection, particularly in a rough environment where violence is common. Dally feels that the gun enhances his status and ability to defend himself, reflecting the themes of toughness and survival in the novel.