Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats McMillan A3 vs. A5

A while back I posted a question about the differences between McMillan's A5 and A3 and asked for opinions on the A3. I currently have two A5s but had never even handled an A3. Anyway, I still haven't shot the A3 so I can't comment on it that much, but I thought I'd post a few side-by-side pictures.













[img]http://dnjclark.smugmug.com/photos/453893895_HDbNa-L.jpg[/img]

[img]http://dnjclark.smugmug.com/photos/453894153_3SbcL-L.jpg[/img]

[img]http://dnjclark.smugmug.com/photos/453894699_QLehs-L.jpg[/img]

I like the beefy fore-end of the A5 for shooting off a rest, and I like the design well enough to have three of them. I'd be interested in your opinions on the A3 after you shoot with it. It's trimmer, but I figure the wider and shallower fore-end of the A5 just helps so much with stability up front. Nice stocks, though. It looks like GAP Camo and Desert Camo. One of my A5s is in Campfire Camo.

What is the weight difference?

Well, it's not a true apples-to-apples comparison. The A3 is "sniper fill" and comes in at 3lb 6.1oz. The A5 is "standard fill" and comes in at 3lb 2.1oz. I'd guess with standard fill the A3 would be lighter, but I have no idea how much lighter.

A3 guy here.

Thanx for posting the comparison, though.

I need to spend some time behind it, but I definitely like the feel and look of the A3.

Oh, I forgot to mention earlier. They are both inletted for Remington 700 short actions with Sendero/PSS contours. The only difference in letting is that one is inletted for Seekins DBM and the other for the older Williams BM.

-Dan

My GAP build is using an A3 - it will be my first tactical style stock.

Thanks for the pics - it really shows the difference between the two.

Clark,

Thanks for posting the pictures. I think the A3 would be more to my liking, though I really wish they would sell this one aftermarket...



John

I agree with you Hondo, that is a nice stock that blends a hunting and tactical stock together. I wish McMillan would offer that model as an aftermarket stock!!

I have both the A3 and the A5 on GAP builds.
JSTOR is correct that the A5 rides better on the bags with the wider forend but the A3 isn't too bad there either.

What makes me an A3 fan is in the carrying. With the thinner forend I think it makes a more versatile walking around/hunting piece.

I also like the A3's more rounded comb/cheek for comfort over the A5's more angular comb. The A3 fits my cheek better.

Can't go wrong with either, but give me just one and it will be an A3!!

FWIW
Wes in AZ

Will a #5 contour such as Krieger's look balanced in an A3? I like the look of a 22-24" barrel but will a #5 contour be too small or just right? I don't want it to look like the gun is over stocked with this contour. What are your thoughts?

Here's an #5 in an A-3:

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek095.html

One of my rifles is wearing a Broughton 5.5 contour.

That A3 looks mighty fine. I've got iron that will drop right in. Ship it to me and I'll give 'er a whirl. I promise to return it.....sometime.....maybe....I think

Very nice clark98ut. What is the color mix on that one?

I like the looks of the A-3. The A-5 feels like a really big stock to my hands.

There is also the new A-3 Sporter as an option. It is pictured at the end of this thread

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth..._Thoughts_on_McMillan_s_Remi#Post4023495

You sure you don't want me to send the barreled action and scope as well?



40% Woodland Beige, 30% Medium Tan, and 30% Black



Interesting looking stock. I wouldn't mind fondling one sometime, but it's going to be tough to pull me away from the A3. I've got my 3rd A3 due any day now, and will probably order the fourth here shortly.

Nice A5.....

I too am a fan of the A3. I have one in the same GAP camo on my 300WM. Haven't had the chance to get the A5 to the range yet so the jury is still out on it.

hangunnr

Look familiar?

I'm slowly moving everything to A3s. The one I just ordered I had them install flush cups instead of swivels so it would ride the rest/bags better.

-Dan