Quick Tip: Benefits of an A5 Buffer in Your AR-15

Sometimes we all need a buffer from life's problems, and today Brownells Gun Tech™ Steve Ostrem talks to Mike Mihalski, founder and owner of Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), about how an A5 buffer system can solve functional problems on an AR-15 carbine. The A5 does for the rear of the AR-15's operating system what the mid-length gas system did for the front end. As Mike explains it, the original M16 with a 20" barrel was a balanced "algebra equation" in the form of a smooth-operating rifle. Once folks started shortening the platform, the operating cycle became more abrupt and reliability problems ensued. Also called an "intermediate" operating system, the A5 restores much of the balance of the original AR-15 rifle. The A5's slightly longer receiver extension (aka "buffer tube") accommodates a longer buffer spring and a longer, heavier buffer. The heavier buffer reduces carrier speed and provides extra mass to return the bolt to battery. Extra buffer weight also makes the gun more forgiving of "hot" ammo and shooting with a suppressor, so an AR-15 with an A5 buffer can handle a wider variety of ammo. The longer buffer spring results in smoother cycling rifle. Bonus: felt recoil is reduced AND there's less risk of a broken extractor. Give the A5 a try!