Which would you pick, 10.5" sbr with A5 or 11.5 with standard carbine buffer?

[JG007]

Both are said to increase reliability, but if you could only have the extra inch in front or in back, which would you choose (no jokes unless they are A+)

[SteveL]

Is this a hypothetical question, or are you looking to build a rifle one way or the other?

[JG007]

Hypothetical, I went with a chf bcm 11.5 and vltor A5

[Ryno12]

I have an 11.5" (BCM) with an A5 & a 10.3" (Colt) with a carbine RE. The 11.5" has HD duty but I'd have no reservations using my 10.3". It's a toss up IMO; both of mine are reliable & fun to shoot.
I've heard some 10.5 can finicky with certain ammo; depending on the brand, GP size, etc. so with that, I'd say go with the 11.5".

[El Cid]

I can't think of any reason to choose a 10.5" over an 11.5" regardless of the receiver extension. There are only a few companies I'd trust to make a reliable 10.5 and I'd still choose their 11.5 if I had a say in it.

For the record my 11.5 uses the Vltor A5 and I can't think of a reason to use anything else back there either. Now if agency restrictions are affecting things, then that's a different matter.

[BillBond]

I went with an 11.5 and an H buffer.

[SteveL]

I also went with a BCM 11.5" with A5 system. As I don't shoot with the stock completely collapsed the extra length of the RE is a non-issue.

[BufordTJustice]

Hypothetical, I went with a chf bcm 11.5 and vltor A5

No reason. I choose what you chose.

[SomeOtherGuy]

11.5" with A5 system. If carry is an issue, choose the smallest possible stock. The VLTOR original modstock (not imod) is as short as it gets - collapsed it's no longer than the end of the buffer tube - and there are a few similar options. That will take out part of the length difference collapsed, even compared to something that seems short like a MOE or a B5 Bravo. You can also make a big, BIG difference by choosing a short muzzle device, instead of the 2-3" long super-ultra-wow devices that may work but are way too big and heavy. Even if you need a suppressor mount, an A2 is an option.

[Iraqgunz]

11.5" with A5H4 buffer.