trying to shed some light on the vltor a5, BCM Inter, A2 rifle buffer

[corey4]

i have been doing some reading on the 3 buffer systems.

it seems to me that vltor came out with their proprietary system to allow collapsible stocks with a buffer system that mimics the rifle buffer system, but you have to use their parts only (buffer tube, buffer, stock), correct?

then it seems like BCM came out with their intermediate buffer tube to allow the use of non-proprietary collapsible stocks, but still have to use the vltor buffers? so the end user will be able to use any magpul/bcm/el cheapo stock they wish?

in the end, all 3 systems are near identical function, just a different approach?

so if i don't need a collapsible stock, rock on with the A2 stock/spring/rifle buffer and save some money.

if i want semi-proprietary parts, but like magpul/bcm/el cheapo stocks better, then get the bcm?

if i want full blown proprietary, get the vltor?

i am aware that the spring is the same for all 3, and bcm uses a lighter buffer than what the a5 comes with.

am i making sense of this correctly?

[Kain]

You can use any milspec stock on the Vltor. It just may not be able to to collasped flush with the end of the RE.

[17K]

You can use any mil-spec stock on the BCM and VLTOR tubes.

[wigbones]

The Vltor and BCM are very similar buffer tubes, but the BCM has 8 positions as opposed to 7 or 6 for the Vltor (depending on which one you get). Similarly, Magpul has come out with their own 10 position buffer tube that is compatible with the A5 system.

[nightchief]

You can also use whichever buffer (A5H0-4) and whichever rifle action spring you want with any of the A5 receiver extensions

[SomeOtherGuy]

As noted the VLTOR and BCM tubes are both compatible with mil-spec sized telestocks.

The A5 system is 99% the same, functionally, as a rifle setup and uses rifle springs. The functional difference is that you can buy various buffer weights for an A5. With a rifle buffer you can make the weight you want by opening the buffer and replacing steel weights with tungsten, but this is DIY vs. being able to buy an off-the-shelf product from major makers. However, the company Heavy Buffers offers almost any size and weight you could want, here:
http://heavybuffers.com/

I've found that A1 length fixed stocks are a nice setup for many uses. YMMV.

[hk_shootr]

A great buffer system for those who want a collapsible stock vs an A1 or A2
LMT’s buffer tube from their .308 guns work well with the A5.....my preferred tube for the A5

The key to the system is the rifle spring and the internal spring in the A5 buffer it’s self

[Iraqgunz]

Using the search feature will explain a lot about the A5. There are probably no less than 10 different threads including one that mentions the Vltor, BCM and Magpul versions.

[AR10TFn]

So bottom line - What actually is the difference/benefit between a vltor, bcm magpul setup with a properly restricted, or adjustable gas system? or a properly set up carbine gas system? meaning the right buffer with a properly adjustable gas block. and if you have a adjustable gas block, why or why not go to the vltor etc. setups?

Thanks to all.lr.

[Jmedic_]

So bottom line - What actually is the difference/benefit between a vltor, bcm magpul setup with a properly restricted, or adjustable gas system? or a properly set up carbine gas system? meaning the right buffer with a properly adjustable gas block. and if you have a adjustable gas block, why or why not go to the vltor etc. setups?

Thanks to all.lr.

It adds a wider operation range. While offering a smoother recoil impulse. Though some say it’s negligible, and a modification you forget you made after a few mags.

[GH41]

It adds a wider operation range. While offering a smoother recoil impulse. Though some say it’s negligible, and a modification you forget you made after a few mags.

I have said it before... For a new build I would use the A5 system but I wouldn't replace the parts in a rifle that runs.

[corey4]

thank you for the clarifications.

i don't mind pulling apart the buffer with the BCM to ad the tungsten weights but are they tough? the buffers i pulled apart that came with my DD Mk18s were a bitch. the other buffer that came with my RRA was easy.