The VLTOR A5 thread - what doesn't it work with?

[Eurodriver]

Ive been using the A5 RE since it was released years ago. During that time I have Used every type of upper under the sun on it and it functioned amazingly well with all of them .

I was most surprised to achieve reliable function with the following four uppers:

20" BCM A4 Upper with 5.56mm and .223
10.3" Small gas port (.068) upper with 5.56mm ammo unsuppressed and LMT E Carrier
9" AAC 300BLK with subsonic Gemtech ammo unsuppressed
12.5" BCM Suppressed Using 5.56mm

It appears to me that not only do all common AR platform uppers function with this buffer, they do so reliably. Given that, are we safe to recommend the A5 RE in every situation where a collapsible stock is wanted?

[BufordTJustice]

Ive been using the A5 RE since it was released years ago. During that time I have Used every type of upper under the sun on it and it functioned amazingly well with all of them .

I was most surprised to achieve reliable function with the following four uppers:

20" BCM A4 Upper with 5.56mm and .223
10.3" Small gas port (.068) upper with 5.56mm ammo unsuppressed and LMT E Carrier
9" AAC 300BLK with subsonic Gemtech ammo unsuppressed
12.5" BCM Suppressed Using 5.56mm

It appears to me that not only do all common AR platform uppers function with this buffer, they do so reliably. Given that, are we safe to recommend the A5 RE in every situation where a collapsible stock is wanted?

I'm obviously biased because i have not yet encountered a setup that didn't run with the A5 system......but I'm going to say that, yes, the categorical recommendation of the A5 system is not only acceptable......It's preferred.

[CoryCop25]

I have rifles in every barrel length from 10.3 to 18.5 and all use A5 systems with various buffer weights. All run smooth and function flawlessly.

[krichbaum]

Ive been using the A5 RE since it was released years ago. During that time I have Used every type of upper under the sun on it and it functioned amazingly well with all of them .

I was most surprised to achieve reliable function with the following four uppers:

20" BCM A4 Upper with 5.56mm and .223
10.3" Small gas port (.068) upper with 5.56mm ammo unsuppressed and LMT E Carrier
9" AAC 300BLK with subsonic Gemtech ammo unsuppressed
12.5" BCM Suppressed Using 5.56mm

It appears to me that not only do all common AR platform uppers function with this buffer, they do so reliably. Given that, are we safe to recommend the A5 RE in every situation where a collapsible stock is wanted?

Are you saying that the exact same buffer weight was used with all of those? If so, which one?

[samuse]

Will any of those not run with a carbine spring and H or H2 buffer?

[Zane1844]

An SR-15 with a Vltor A5, standard buffer, but a Springco Green spring would not lock back on the last round.

The standard rifle spring, however, runs like a dream.

[1911-A1]

I also have an SR15E3 and an A5 stock, but with the stock A5 spring. Weak .223 is sluggish, but runs fine. The A5 also works flawlessly on my BCM 11.5", Colt 6920, and BCM 16" midlength. I can't think of any issues I've had that the A5 was responsible for.

[Iraqgunz]

Thus far, the following uppers have proven to work reliably with good ammo and the A5H3 with green Sprinco.

20" FN MILSPEC barrel with LMT enhanced carrier.

16" Colt M4 upper with standard carrier.

12.5" BCM Kino upper with enhanced carrier.

11.5" BCM upper with enhanced carrier.

16" SIONICS Midlength upper with standard carrier.

18" SIONICS SPR barrel with standard carrier.

11.5" SIONICS upper with enhanced carrier.

10.5" Sabre Defense upper with standard carrier.

[Clint]

Most configurations will run with just an H buffer.

However, the A5 will not only run, but it is extremely consistent with different loads.

Whereas with standard buffers you will see the ejection change and feel the cycle change with hotter and weaker loads, with the A5 it seems much less sensitive to this and seems to cycle about the same no matter what.

Will any of those not run with a carbine spring and H or H2 buffer?

[tom12.7]

Let's say I'm playing devils advocate, as I know the A5 has a wider array of function. The H2 carbine can induce less wobble and 100% reliability or an intended load that runs 100% for an intended use.
What would the A5 offer?
Does the margin of reliability counter the reduction in wobble that the carbine action system could offer? The argument has been made that the that the carbine H2 would be the choice for faster engagements over the A5 type of system. Not saying that proper "follow through" was done incorrect.