Advanced Marksmanship A-5 advantage over A-3

[coleridge]

About to order another A-series & trying to make a decision. Looking between the 3 & 5.

I have an A-3 McMillan that I have become very fond of. I do not own a A-5 stock but have sit behind several but no extended experience with one.

I realize the main differences are the A-5 wider forearm & the butthook. Other than the wide forearm (especially for larger barrels) can anyone explain why the A-5's are so much more popular?

With a bi-pod in front (pretty much the way they are ment to be used) I actually find the A-3 to be more friendly. It's much easier to get elevation "help" from the drop on the A-3 by pushing/pulling the gun over the bag. I did find the butthook on A-5 comfortable when shooting with hand only in the back but not largly better than the A-3. The A-5 was OK with a squeeze bag but not as "quick" it seemed. With an owl-ear bag it was dang right aggrevating (elevation adjustment).

Am I missing something with the A-5??? Were is the advantage? I see 10-1 A-5's over the A-3's.

 

[PhrogDriver]

Re: A-5 advantage over A-3

I think the only real advantage is the wider forearm, and some would say that's not much of an advantage. I think it's more popular for two reasons: it's comfortable (at least for most people) and some think it's the best because it's the "latest and greatest."

You should check out the A3-5. It has the forearm of the A-3 with an A-5 butthook. It only comes with the adjustable cheek piece, and if you end up getting one I recommend getting the KMW "Loggerhead" cheek piece instead of the standard thumb screw and thumb wheel options.

 

[Emilio]

Re: A-5 advantage over A-3

+1 on the A3-5. I just ordered one this week. I can't wait to get it.

 

[dlklamfo]

Re: A-5 advantage over A-3

+1 for A3-5 it has the best of both worlds!

 

[264win]

Re: A-5 advantage over A-3

I like the 3-5 as well. What I dont like about the 3 is the tapered butt stock. When I shoot a rifle with any recoil the back movement often shifts my view up rather than on the target.
A flat or square notched back like on the 5 is better for me

 

[cducati]

Re: A-5 advantage over A-3

I have an A5 and love it.
But I feel that the A3 butt stock would suit me better.
Look at the Manners MCS-T2A AND T2
http://mannersstocks.com/tactical/

 

[9H_Cracka]

Re: A-5 advantage over A-3

Simple - order an A3-5. It has a shortened A3 forend with an A5 butt. The butt of the A5 is what makes the stock. The forend is along for the ride for most of the shooting discussed on this site. The hook with the elongated (compared to the A4) flat behind it allows you to quickly change the elevation of the muzzle to various heights with a tube type (Redman*) bag. Stand the bag on end/under the flat, stand the bag on end/under the hook, lay it down/on the flat, put it at an angle under the hook, you get the idea.

The sloped bottom of the A1, A2, and A3 just don't work as well in this application. Yes they work well, but not AS well as the A4 and A5 butts. Yes I have the A1 and A1-3 too... sold my A3 not that far back.

Oh and have an A3-5 on my #1 field match rifle that was previously in an AICS 1.5.

 

[Quigley77]

Re: A-5 advantage over A-3

I have both, and my favorite is the A3-5.