I’ve got 2 A2 lowers needing a change to CTR stocks.
Where is a good place to order good quality buffer tubes, or a place to order a stock and buffer set.
I’ve seen Magpul has new versions of the CTR so I’ll go that route, but it might be nice to get the buffer tube’s in advance(before parts going out of stock).
All my tubes are Mil-spec, so I’ll buy more of them vs a commercial tube.
Tks
I bought my last one from here http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=M4RE
Get the Vltor A5. Rifle system in a carbine package
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Vltor-A5-Receiver-Extension-Tube-p/vltor%20re-a5.htm
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Vltor-A5-Spring-and-Buffer-Kit-p/vltor%20sp-a5.htm
LMT receiver extension is 7075 forged aluminum. It’s good quality and almost impossible to install wrong.
A5 receiver extension is good too but on my middy I have not felt or noticed any difference in operation. It’s a new system where as the standard carbine extension and buffer have been out and tested for many years. I installed this based on the benefits of the rifle spring in order to hopefully do every thing in my power to have a reliable rifle.
If I was to go back and do it again with another middy I would go with the LMT, a colt 17-7 action spring, and an H Buffer.
I’ve bought the $40 big name tubes and last go round I bought a $20 DSA tube, it works the same and looks identical.
I tried the VLTOR A5 getup and didn’t notice a difference in felt recoil, sold it and put the carbine buffer back on. If it aint broke…
A5 uses the same travel and spring length as the rifle which has been in use for more years than the carbine
This is what I did. :thank_you2:
OP
If you want a RE, why not just get one from SAW?
If it costs $20, I’ll bet its not Forged 7075, so it may look the same, but it’s not. Are you sure you are on the right AR forum? Very little tolerance for “But it’s the same as…” around here.
I have a $20 DSA exstension and a $33 7075 extruded exstension and they are NOT the same, sure similar in look but the color is not the same. The DSA tube seems softer. The DSA tube will suffice but you’re only talking generally a $12-$15 difference in price between that and and a LMT, DD, BCM or COLT exstension.
I’ve used DSA (before I knew the difference), CMT, and LMT.
LMT, to me, is the best carbine tube. What sets it apart is great threads, dry-film lube, and a tab that keeps the tube straightly aligned.
The variable which is still questionable to me is the buffer. The spring is fine a standard rifle length as a poster stated above.
So far it has been reliable with various types of ammo at a round cou t of around 3k. This includes when I used to shoot brown bear and Tula ammo. Now I’m sticking to all brass stuff like PMC and various m193.
Hopefully one day we will see the A5 fielded by a broad variety of users and we will have more data.
Careful bud, almost spilled your kool aid.
I’ve yet to see a rash of buffer tube failures. It’s survived being slammed on the deck.
You guys ROCK,
lots of good links.
I bought a Tube from a forum member, I got a good deal on a LMT tube. I should have it next week!!
Thanks again, and I didn’t know how different some tubes are from others.
Because you can get the same RE from G&R for less than half of the price? I’m sorry, I know SAW is well respected but their parts prices can border on ludicrous.
This isn’t TOS, so stop it with the Kool-Aid bullshit. There is a lot of value added in the quality of materials for that $20. If that doesn’t matter to you then why even get involved in the conversation? A $20 difference in something a crucial to function as a buffer tube should not even be questioned.
The A5 buffer is a rifle buffer. For some reason, a lot of people are having a hard time with this. I guess it’s one of those cases where it’s so simple, it’s confusing.
The A5 is basically a rifle RE with a rifle action spring and a rifle buffer. The difference is the buffer does not have the rifle buffer’s spacer (or whatever it’s called) and the extension itself is 3/4" shorter, the same amount shorter as the buffer.
The rifle system has been around longer than the carbine RE and is proven. It’s more tolerant in most cases than a carbine RE. The 14.5" mid length is really the only one that may have issues using the standard A5 buffer. Lighten it and you’re good to go.
Another issue is people assume the A5 is needed to lessen recoil. Sure, it’s a positive side effect, but it’s not the primary purpose. The rifle system is more tolerant and should make most rifles more reliable. Remember, you give something to get something. In the case of the carbine RE with a collapsible stock, you give up a little tolerance for compactness and adjustability. The A5 gives you both.
It’s not a bandaid for existing problems and it’s not made to lessen recoil.
I just purchased a PWS lower that came with a PWS enhanced buffer tube… Haven’t shot it yet… But it feels solid, one thing that’s different is there is no castle nut just two built in locking Allen head set screws. Going out this weekend to put it through the paces for my self… It’s a little more than $20 though, it’s also CBC machined out of 7075
