12.5” BCM - Bother with A5 system?

[JediGuy]

Looking at a complete BCM lower to SBR and pair with the Kino currently residing on a PSA lower.

Is there a good reason to go with the A5 system, specifically for use with a 12.5”? I’m really not looking to tweak things as seriously as some do, at least not with this carbine. I consider this my rocksolid, any-purpose rifle that should always go bang with any ammo or situation. Are there advantages to running the A5 vs a standard carbine with an H2 or H buffer?

[MisterHelix]

As far as I can see, there's no disadvantage.

My 12.5 has an vltor a5 with the A5H4 buffer. It usually wears a can, so YMMV.

Somewhere on here there's a couple of long, informative threads about the A5 system. Here's a couple

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?190748-The-Vltor-A5-System

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?188566-A-Tale-of-the-Fives-A5-that-is

[JediGuy]

Thanks for the links. I’d read through one previously and did look through some of the other links within these threads.

I went ahead and grabbed a complete ‘regular’ lower once I found it discounted at Primary Arms. The difference between a $420 A5-equipped upper and $350 non-A5 was more noticeable that when priced at $395.

[Hmac]

I have one on one of my 11.5 inch SBRs. I like it.

[JediGuy]

I’m not going to switch over at this time, but for my reference... What buffer do you use?

[sidewaysil80]

My general rule of them is:
A5H3 for 10.5-12.5 with mixed suppressed/unsuppressed
A5H4 for 10.5-12.5 mostly suppressed
A5H2 for 14.5/16 carbine and mid-lengths

YMMV

[Henry Porter]

A5H3 has worked perfectly in my 12.5 Kino, mixed suppressed/unsuppressed

[Jmedic_]

A5H3 on my Colt lower with BCM upper is nice, got an SLR AGB I’m going to throw on there shortly to tame the gas to the face a bit. Runs 100% suppressed/unsuppressed. However, when I throw my Colt 11.5 FBI HRT upper on that lower. Let me tell you, it is the SOFTEST, SMOOTHEST, and NICEST AR I’ve ever shot. I honestly didn’t believe it would make that much of a difference. But, with proper gas porting, and an A5 setup, you just can’t go wrong. And, I’d imagine the A5 would be awesome on a 12.5 gun. Go with the A5 and never look back!