
Originally Posted by
MikeCLeonard
I'm very interested in the A5 system...but I'm having a real hard time wrapping my head around why the same effects of the A5 can't be duplicated by just using a heavier buffer in the carbine system like some of you are saying.
The bolt carrier goes back and encounters counter-force imparted by the weight of a buffer, and the force of the spring. If a particular carbine buffer/spring combo imparts an equal amount of resistance as the A5 combo on the moving bolt carrier...then what is the difference? The only thing I can think of is having the resistance from the buffer/spring applied in a more linear and consistent fashion with the A5...but even Mr. Silver's numbers show that there isn't much, if any difference.
I posted the answer to this earlier in this thread with a link as well. The rifle action spring is more consistent than the carbine RE. This means the carrier will be traveling at a much more consistent velocity from shot to shot.
With a carbine RE there will be much more variance in carrier speed from shot to shot. If it's already on the edge, a little bit faster than the time before can cause issues with extraction, for example.
I can't get into the technical aspects of this. I have a very vague understanding at this point, but not enough to try to explain it.
I understand Ron's explanations, but I don't think it can take into account consistency and variation in carrier velocity. The rifle system (and A5) has shown to be a more reliable system in the Marines testing, Vltor's testing and even in my own experience, which is nothing in comparison. I've run it on many different rifles and pretty much all showed sme improvement.
Now, someone posted earlier that either the A5 or rifle system wasn't as snappy as the carbine RE felt. I've noticed that too, as I'm sure most users of a rifle system have. I understand that, we'll all have different experiences by the gas systems we use, barrel lengths, weight of components, ammunition, weight of the buffer, etc.
For now, I've decided I'll run it n every rifle I own except my 14.5" mid length. My 14.5" mid length BCM has been 100% reliable in a couple thousand rounds with the A5, but a carbine RE and H buffer just feels better to me as the A5, even with one tungsten replaced with a stainless, feels sluggish and on the verge of short stroking with weaker ammo and even 223 75gr TAP. It feels great with all 5.56 from 55gr 193 to 75gr TAP 5.56.
Last edited by jonconsiglio; 01-06-12 at 18:04.
Reason: Spelling - iPad coming up with words that don't exist
Proven combat techniques may not be flashy and may require a bit more physical effort on the part of the shooter. Further, they may not win competition matches, but they will help ensure your survival in a shooting or gunfight on the street. ~ Paul Howe
Bookmarks