Why we like these:
The A5 system has been a hit since it's release, and for good reason. While it may not seem like a huge difference at first glance, this slightly longer receiver extension and patented buffer design do a few big things:
- reduce felt recoil
- cycles more consistently
- extends length of pull
After years of exclusively running carbine buffer setups, what sold us on this system is the design of the buffer itself and the internal biasing spring. User u/AddictedToComedy has an excellent write up about it here on reddit, but in short there's and internal spring in the A5 buffer that creates a very consistent transfer of energy. Traditional buffers have sliding weights for the same purpose, but achieve this with less consistency.
6 position vs 7 position:
The standard RE-A5 is a 7 position buffer tube. So why did we choose to carry the 6 position RE-A5SR? I'm glad you asked.
If you are running the 7 position A5 with many of the more common carbine stocks like the B5 or Magpul that we prefer and sell, the stock can't actually lock into the first position when fully collapsed. You end up having to pull it back slightly to engage the second position, and we found that annoying.
So with the 6 position A5 tube, you can collapse it fully and it will engage the first position like normal. The tube is the same length and you'll still have that extra bit of length, but your standard carbine stocks will just work better with this model.
We recommend starting with the A5H2 buffer and either the Sprinco Green or VLTOR standard rifle spring. This is a good starting point for most shooters and what VLTOR recommends.
**NOTE: You MUST use an A5 Buffer with this buffer tube. Using a standard carbine buffer with this buffer tube can and will damage your lower, buffer tube, and gas key on your BCG.
