Fashionably late!
Gen 2 and Gen 2 A1 use the same conversion kits and both have the monopod option.
Gen 2 has full machined aluminum rails, Gen 2 A1 has short plastic removable rails.
Gen 2 no adjustable cheek rest, Gen 2 A1 has adjustable cheek rest.
Gen 2 has a more pronounced safety vs lower profile safety selector on the Gen 2 A1.
Gen 2 has harder butt pad with shorter LOP, Gen 2 A1 softer butt pad with longer LOP.
I would not hesitate to buy a Gen 2 over a Gen 2 A1 if the price is right.
I much prefer the full aluminum rails over the plastic. More durable banging around in the cold for sure. Custom aluminum rails for the A1 are very pricey but worth it to me if you plan to hunt.
Most don't need and adjustable cheek rest on this platform but if required a sorbothane pad of the correct thickness will resolve the issue and be more comfortable. Some late Gen 2's were machined for the cheek rest and if so can easily be upgraded if necessary.
Neither safety is difficult to operate with gloves but the Gen 2 A1 is more difficult to operate with thick gloves or seal skin mitts but who shoots with thick gloves or seal skin mitts...mine are on the ground in -40. lol
Now the butt pad. I hate to say it but I prefer the old to the new. Perhaps I'd change my mind if I was shooting 338 but for 300WM and down I've not noticed a big difference in felt recoil thanks to the balance/weight of the chassis and a good muzzle break. What I have noticed is that the longer LOP and softer/stickier butt pad of the Gen 2 A1 can be a problem with a Snow Goose or similar bulky parka when trying to shoulder quickly. Gen 2's harder rubber with shorter LOP will slide into place where as with the Gen 2 A1 I have to press it out and pull it into the shoulder. With repetition I'll get better but it's not intuitive for me yet and could be a problem if a bear unexpectedly pops out from behind a piece of sea ice. That last comment was a joke because I never stop by sea ice without looking behind it first. lol
None of these differences would stop me from purchasing either as they are minor and in my case more personal preference. If you can get a Gen 2 for a good price then you won't be disappointed and will have some $ left over for reloading equipment or extra conversion kits.
