Can’t find a VLTOR A5 RE and stumbled onto the BCM A5 RE and was excited if it was the same thing, just manufactured by BCM… but… its not the same thing and I’m not sure what the reasons are…
VLTOR A5H2 buffer weighing 5.3oz and rifle spring, seven position receiver extension
For all practical purposes I think both receiver extensions are the same. The BCM tube doesn’t have the position markings on the top side. I don’t know why BCM chose to ship their A5 kit with the H0 buffer (The H0 they ship is genuine Vltor though). Genuine Vltor A5 buffers are available and can be used with the BCM A5 tube. The BCM may be 8 position because they thought more stock positions make it more marketable. (That was their reasoning for using 6 positions on their carbine tubes instead of the USGI 4 position.) The BCM A5 tube is also extruded 7075-T6 Aluminum, Type 3 class 2 anodizing - everything to be desired.
Abnak has as good of an explanation as anyone can give, except someone from BCM maybe.
I have a couple BCM’s and they work as advertised. Lately I have been buying Magpuls A5 tube. Link below. But here’s another option you missed. Vltor’s 6 position A5 tube. At DSG Arms:
ETA: Mack posted another good reason for why it’s different.
One thing I recall noticing with the Magpul, is that my Vltor Emod stocks fully collapse on the tube, all the way to the castle nut. On the Vltor tubes it doesn’t collapse all the way to the castle nut. On one discrete bag I use, this helps me zip the bag easier and doesn’t leave my muzzle device putting pressure against the zipper from the inside.
I found myself in similar sitch in the past when BCM first started selling these. (Difficult to find the Vltor A5 REs…)
I just bought the BCM A5 RE by itself and got the A5H2 buffer separately (maybe somewhere else I can’t remember.)
The BCM A5 RE is gtg but I did not want the H0 buffer so avoided the package deal. It would be lovely if BCM had a drop-down menu and allowed you to select buffer weight (w/ obvious price diff) but they don’t so you just have to decide if you can work with that buffer.
I don’t use the rifle spring (Sprinco Green instead) or end plate (QD instead) so I don’t buy either the Vltor or BCM kits.
BCM uses the A5H0 because it is the same weight has a standard H buffer which they recommend for their 14’5" mid-lengths to run with all ammo choices, even the weak 223 crap. Most prefer a heavier buffer and start with an A5H2.
I do the same. Usually. Either green spring or I’ve also had good luck with Tubb’s flat wire springs, but usually just go with an H2 right from the start. The only exception is a 14.5 mid that needs an H4.
I wound up with the green sprinco as well, but I don’t think the BCM combo had an end plate when I looked at it. I could be wrong. Either way the RE is gtg.
For the timing of events, it’s hard to argue against the Colt rifle spring with an A5H2 for a combination ported for that over others for dedicated purposes.
Tom I hate to ask the obvious but you are referring to a Colt branded rifle length spring right? I’m not having much luck tracking that down. Every other name but Colt it seems. Thanks RTT