Did the Tippmann A-5 Cocking Handle Change?

[Maxwell]

I bought the following product from ANS:
Tippmann A-5/X7 Cocking Handle (02-13) - ANSgear.com

The charging handle doesn't fit though the associated cutout in the clamshell. Not only that, the bottom portion that would catch the bolt doesn't appear to be correct. Did the Tippmann A-5 change over time, did I receive the wrong part, or am I being incredibly stupid and missing something super obvious?

[Chappy]

When was the A5 you are trying to install the part in made? I’m not sure on specifics but there were changes when TPI became tippmann USA(2005ish) , and this is definitely a Tippmann USA part as it also fits in the X7. Can’t say for certain that past is different tho, hopefully someone else can clarify.

[Maxwell]

Serial number is 045506, I'm not the original owner so I can't be 100% sure unless there's a serial number lookup.

Some basic research leads me to believe this was a "Gen 2" because it has the safety (Gen 1 I guess didn't have one) and anything 525k (Gen 3) and over was made in 2011 or after and features a selector switch.

[Reflex0283]

I've definitely held an A5 with a functioning MP5 style charging handle before

Trbo323 probably knows a whole lot more

[Maxwell]

Some old vs new photos.

[Chappy]

Do you have a pic of the a5? Or just the grip frame?

[Maxwell]

Chappy Yes, and thank you for the help.

[Chappy]

I gotta say I don’t remember them not having a safety. Im no expert but that seems strange. That looks like an early model to me. What does the stamp say?

[Maxwell]

Chappy 045506. Looks like clues are leading toward this being an earlier model and an adjustment was made to the cocking handle at some point making it thicker. Which, makes alot of sense considering the reason I need a new one. 😂

[Chappy]

I will say this, all the A5 charging handles I see look like yours on the “bolt nub” portion, not the new ones. They seem to have the simple square nub.

[Maxwell]

Chappy The only other thing I could think of is if a PCS US-5 charging handle got snuck in there instead of an A5/X7 (not even sure that they are different). I can't find a good image of one of those though. I'm going to wait to find out 100% before I just sand this one down to fit it through. If it's the wrong part, I can return it and get the proper part.

[trashcollector]

Just stick a screw in it
I swear I got mine in ‘07. Idk.

[Maxwell]

Might be the way to go!

[nerdcore]

Just stick a screw in it
I swear I got mine in ‘07. Idk.

Then the cocking knob could be anything. It could even be a knob!

Or a 3D printed finger, or something better. Or worse.

[AnarchicArctic]

I’m pretty sure the cocking handle is larger on the new gens (2011+). These have the selector switch safety instead of the push button from the previous 2 generations

[Maxwell]

Thanks for the info, seems to be the most logical answer. Just my luck! Lol

[Trbo323]

Can't say I know for sure. A majority of the ones I've dealt with are gen2 so like 2005-2011 maybe? And they all have the square bolt nub rather than that triangular thing on that one.

I know I've had a few of the more recent ones through with the selector switch safety but not enough to remember the charging handle bolt nub shape

If it were me I'd be taking a flat file to the body cutout so I could use the thicker charging handle

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