My lady's AR15 has a Brownells lightweight bcg, superlative arms adjustable gas block, and a JP Enterprises silent capture spring with, I think, the 95% spring. It also has a Faxon pencil barrel and muzzle brake, as well as a few other lightweight components. An I have to say it's awesome. Lightweight and light recoiling.
I seen a light weight pistol shown on Demonstrated Concepts and he was rocking a cheek held AR-15 which had very little recoil. It's great that you provided feedback on the components that worked to mitigate the already light recoil.
I have a similar setup for my son. I use the KE Arms polymer lower for extra weight reduction. Just under 5 lbs with a red dot. However, I have a full-weight BCG for now because I haven't spent for the low weight option yet.
I have a very very similar setup but after 3 trips to the range I can't get the bolt to consistently stay back on the last round. First the gas block moved/slid so I dimpled the barrel, then I thought maybe the anti seize added to the agb screw as recommended might've been a restriction (didn't seem that was the issue), then I found the ambi bolt catch I was using had a couple of bits of slag that might've been hanging up on it's slot in the lower. Hoping next trip to the range is finally on point. Can I ask how many clicks out from closed you are on the adjustable gas block? While I was trying to resolve the problems my results were inconsistent on the last round lock back but I had to be up at 16 clicks (18=standard) for decent reliability. I was recording about half of that. It'd be nice to have a reference from your setup to know if I'm finally in the ball park. Thanks!
I like to use the lightweight BCG's with the folding adapters. The little plug that goes into the back of the BCG to interact with the buffer extension makes the total weight of the lightweight BGC the same as a regular BCG. They run really smooth.
Cool to see the Riflespeed tool-less gas block getting more air time. I have one on my 16" mid-gas Aero with a 15" quantum handguard. I had to cut out a piece of aluminum between two of the 12oclock mlok slots because the block was contacting the inside of the handguard, but that was just a few minutes careful work with a dremel and it's barely noticeable. Little hard to work the knob with the longer handguard because of my stupid thick fingers, but the cutouts on the extended version give me something to push against. Great product.
I originally got an aero handguard for my 9" 300 blk and the rifle speed block and it didn't come close to fitting and even with the little B.A.D. handguard, I can put mlok in certain spots with it. Other than it being tight under there, going from subs to supers with perfect gas is so quick and easy
Built a sub 4 pound AR for the wife 2 years ago, and I am glad Caleb and Brownells addressed this. Light weight was the name of the game for my wife's build. I am glad I asked about every product I bought because it would've been light weight build that shot like crap.
I kept the stock carbine spring,buffer weight, and use an Aero adjustable gas block. I have this BCG, but I had to let in a tad more gas, to have my setup function correctly.
100% Agreed I have a lite weight dissipator build. Adams arns rifle length gas piston Adjustable gas block Voodo pencil barrel. The lightest bcm buffer. Vg6 gamma brake. Absolutely a pleasure to shoot. Recoil is different. Kinda like a break barrel pellet gun than a 22lr if that makes any sense.
Couldn't get the bolt to lock back on the actual bolt catch instead of just the magazine on my 300blk using subsonic 200gr ammo even with my Superlative Arms AGB set to wide open. Waiting on a YHM Resonator R2 to clear since May 2022 but if I can run less gas all the better either way. so I ordered the faxon Titanium Nitride lightweight BCG and I'll make sure to NOT mess with the buffer weight lol.
Did it work? I'm in the exact same boat and getting ready to drill the gas port... 16 inch pistol gas and the same block your running. I'm running a huxwrx... It cycled fine with the old direct thread 45 pistol can but will barely cycle super now!
@@breckfreerideyep with that lightweight BCG it's now one of the most reliable guns in my collection with the R2 living on it full time. Subs from multiple brands eject as perfect as you could ask 3-4 o'clock... Supers are closer to 1 o'clock ejection so slightly Overgassed but zero cycling issues or stoppages so I live with it
I use that same Brownell Light Wt BCG in Caleb's hands. I use them in carbine and mid length uppers, but not on rifle length gas barrels. Adj Gas Blocks are a must. I think Lt BCGs particularly shine in regards to the carbine length gas type uppers. I have found that once I have the gun running fine, I seldom need to do any further gas block adjusting.
I was planning on running this BCG with my Wilson combat barrel but it Rifle length gas... I was going to install it with a JP buffer and adjustable gas block. Why doesn't it work well for a rifle length system?
I will note that the new SIG rifles for the military both have adjustable gas blocks (and many LMG, AKs, etc have adjustable gas inherent to the platform to low gas for suppressors, etc). The new guns have just two settings (basically normal and "Adverse" for dirty guns to power through carbon buildup), not as fine as most of the civilian-hobby versions. I think there is some quality difference, and certainly many of the civilian quick adjust versions have a larger failure point. Most "tunable" blocks (that aren't quick adjustable, but can still constrict gas) are probably not much different than a solid block since they're just using a counter-rotating pair of set screws to obstruct the gas.
I used my LW BCG with fixed gas and an H3 (recip mass ends up identical to a M16 BCG with a carbine buffer), to shift the mass of the weapon farther back to the rear of the gun, to improve balance and handling.
Good, information. However I do see in some situations why someone would then use a light weight bcg and a heavier buffer weight. And it would be that in an extremely light setup, it could point of balance just enough for someone to enjoy it more.
Doubt it. Heavier buffers are only an ounce or so lighter than a carbine buffer. One extra ounce in an 80oz rifle is almost negligible, especially when that weight is already behind both hands.
This is nothing but a waste of time. In no way does this increase anything besides cutting weight by a few ounces . And then to get it to cycle and not beat itself to death you will have to tune it down very. Increasing chances of unreliability due to getting dirty faster or having a much smaller window of acceptable carbon buildup to function. Then your going to have to tune it to the ammo so if your shooting 62gr good 556 ammo and someone hands you a mag of some 55gr 223 you will have problems. This isn’t something you should do To a duty gun or something you want to trust your life to. This is something you do to a range toy that is going to be cleaned after every outing and constantly adjusted everytime you take it to the range and tinker with it. Go standard toocraft BCG get a good quality phosphorus or nitride BCG and try to go as close to mil spec as possible with gas port , block , buffer spring and weight. Depending if your going carbine,mig length,or rifle. Mid and rifle or the best as far as soft shooting and still very reliable even with non adjustable gas blocks. Carbine with non adjustable gasblock and standard carbine buffer is the most reliable for sure it will have slightly more recoil.(this is a 223 intermediate cartridge the recoil even in a fixed breach bolt action isn’t enough to even keep a 10 year old from staying in the scope) . If you were shooting a 308 then sure go rifle or mid length and adjustable gas block but for a 556/223 ar15 the tried and true standard setup is the most reliable and is very useable. Once you have a good mil spec or better duty gun then worry about tinkering with this marketing bullshit of lwbcg and adjustable gas blocks aftermarket springs and shit. It’s a lot of money for very little gain in the end though as someone who has built a bunch of ARs … I’d go very basic in AR15 … when you build a dpms lr308 ar10 then maybe do some research and get some of the before mentioned options.
@@JoeWayne84 Which is why everyone prefers direct blowback operation and its heavier bolt over a delayed blowback system, right? Lowering the cycling mass means less rocking between shots. If you can lower the mass and keep the cyclic rate down, that translates to less felt recoil and less wear on the parts. The problem is most people don't know all the variables to track in the gas system, so when they start changing parts just because they heard it was good, they often throw something out of whack. A lighter BCG is easier to accelerate, so it can bounce back and forth faster, causing problems. You have to compensate for this by either lowering the gas or strengthening the recoil spring. But a stronger spring also means you might over run the magazine before the next round fully comes up. Yes, you can tune the gas system to be ultra picky and only work for one particular load. You can also tune it to operate within a fairly broad window, allowing a good variety of loads.
@@JaronActual I have no idea what your talking about I haven’t said anything about direct blowback or delayed blowback. Also delayed blowback for sure isn’t a superior system I’ve shot a HK ptr91 a 556 gun of a buddy’s and I still have a hk ptr109 in 308 and I for sure don’t believe it feels any less recoil than the DI options they or for sure heavier though. As far as pistols calibers I still have my mp5 I’ve had for a decade are more now but since I built a good AR pistol in 300acc it’s stayed in the safe… Worrying about adjustable gasblocks and light weight carriers and crazy buffer springs weight combos to build a 556 AR15 just seems like a waste to me in all honestly I mean you can build a AR15 to already be 7 pounds using mil spec hardware it’s a very light gun already cutting it down to 6 pounds and removing the bullet proof reliability is a waste of money and time. If you already have a good duty grade rifle though and you or building a range toy Instagram photo object then go skeletonized frame and the works by all means , but it’s not gonna be any better than a good rifle length gas system 18” or longer barrel AR15 with a good compensator as far as shooting smooth. If holding up a 8pound gun is super heavy for you though I mean you got to do what you got to do . Haha
Yes! Happy to see someone else get it. Get a recoil spring that's just strong enough to strip the next round and lower the gas. A lightweight BCG cycling slowly is not only soft shooting, it lowers the wear on the internals.
What kind of spring are you using typically? If you cared more about racing and less about reliability in adverse conditions, would you also go with a softer spring (yellow or white) and then just tuning the gas down farther?
A lightweight BCG like the Faxon Gunner BCG is 3 Oz less, but still has the ridge on the back of the carrier to trip full-auto sears. Rate of fire would be faster.
What would be the reason to not use a stiffer spring? You mentioned there would be several reasons; but did not elaborate. I'm working with this exact bolt carrier on a new build as I write this.
Playing with spring tension is more complicated long-term and means buying multiple springs. Adj. Gas blocks simplify the whole process and let you adjust very simply and easily.
@@MultiSycorax Im using an adjustable gas block; but was also planning in using a 1.7oz buffer (3 aluminum weights, vs steel and a springco medium (blue) spring to slow down the action; but still allowing me to drop as much weight as possible. I used a similar set up on another rifle built for my wife (she shoots PRS) and it did take some finagling; but it's an insanely soft shooter and very reliable now that I've got it all tuned. Thanks for the reply.
A stiffer spring would allow for a faster cycle rate in theory at the expense of some recoil as the bolt moves forward faster. But since most of us can't pull the trigger that fast - the lower recoil of a normal/softer spring, lower mass system is ideal until you hit the wall of cyclic speed. A stiffer spring would also likely merit a slightly heavier buffer against a low mass BCG (more momentum for the buffer to eat to stop bolt bounce). I've had great success for 3-gun with low mass bcg, low-mass buffer (all aluminum weights), and a normal carbine spring. I've tried to out-shoot the action, precision be damned, and cannot with a 3.5lb trigger.
I've run this combo in my 300 BLK for years. The JP SCS can also come with a spring kit, which lets you change the spring strength for extra tuning capabilities. Using the lightest spring lets you turn the gas down more and still reliable cycling.
It's really just for comfort, faster followup shots, and keeping your rifle lighter in general. Lightweight ARs happen to be really handy....and pricy to assemble.
"Extremely light recoil" is subjective to different people. Largely it's a comfort thing. But soft recoil generally means less wear and tear on the action too.
You need to sell light weight BCG for DPMS 308. They are unnecessarily heavy when gas can be controlled by adjustable gas block. Sell them in a package
@@CalebSavant it does have to be as light as 15 bcg. Stronger spring can help out as well. Has to be complete solution. Polished metal mag lips, maybe.
Sounds like going in circles, to make the wallet lighter. Allot of work to shave a few ounces, on parts that ( I would rather function well), seem important, vs. handrails, furniture, sighting etc.
Agree, just get a Minimalist stock, carbon wrapped barrel, lightweight hand guard. Christen Arms does this well and the bcg is just black and hard, nothing fancy. If it ain’t broke, don’t mess with it! They come out to 6.5#
So i have a adams piston kit in my upper woth their lighter weight bcg. What buffer weight and spring weight should i go with? Im having to run it wide open on the adjustable block which kinda defeats the purpose of it being adjustable. I like that i dont have near as much gas in the face when suppressed. Im a lefty.
You almost had the full LWBCG equation completed but you failed to mention a key element which is the ejection pattern of a properly gassed AR. Ideally, the brass should eject at 4 O'clock regardless of the ammo used. (Lower pressure 223 commercial or NATO spec 5.56 stuff.) As others have mentioned, tuning an AR is a fine balance between BCG weight, gas adjustment and a carefully selected buffer system.
Already did several full videos on that and am doing another in the gas tuning video. No point in making a video longer by mentioning stuff I already covered extensively.
My 16" mid-length upper won't cycle while using an H2 buffer, and I am forced to use a carbine buffer. Does this sound normal, or should I investigate?
Perfectly normal. Heavier buffers require more gas tapped off the barrel to cycle. To get more gas, you either need to use stouter ammo or open up the gas block. Or, switch down to a lighter buffer and see how it works.
You can also do that. However, a stiffer spring will also turn the BCG around quicker, and send it back into battery faster. This can run the risk of sending the BCG home before the magazine can fully raise the round. The super fast cycling also makes for sharper felt recoil. Slowing down the cyclic rate gives everything time to do what it's supposed to and lowers the wear on the internals. Everyone's happy.
I might add that this is not recommended for a defensive use type rifle. Range or competition, go for it...but for anything that your life depends on, you might be better off just running standard gas with a standard BCG for the reliability benefits across ammo types and weather conditions.
I might add that for DEFENSIVE use you should be highly practiced with your specific weapon of choice and using the same exact ammunition every time. Pretty much makes your opinion null
Im building an 18" SPR and I want it is soft/flat shooting as possible.... I planned on getting the JP Silent buffer, a lightweight BCG and the Riflespeed gas block (also have a muzzle brake) - is this all OK? Is any of it unnecessary....or overkill? I assume the Adj gas block and LW BCG are enough to mitigate most recoil....the JP Silent I also got bc I hate that twang sound of the normal buffer Anyway....advice is appreciated. This is my 1st build.
I just installed this BCM and it drags during dry fire and doesn't slam shut as needed. Everything was working just fine with my Sharps BCM. I switched back and forth (sharps works) but I cant get your low mass BCM to function. What next, is it bent or out of spec.? Running a standard carbine spring and 2.4 oz buffer. on my 300 blackout
@vettelover2009 Oh jeez I incorrectly used a term and you're over here . . . Using triple dots. . . for commas or something. My B.King upper also fit the bcg very well so I can't say enough good about it.
Did you get an agb and reduced power spring? What weight buffer? I'm currently collecting parts to assemble a lightweight AR and I'm looking for all the helpful info I can get.
How about upgrading an AR10 buffer? I have a PSA PA10 in .308 and it has a light buffer in it. Would it help recoil to put a standard buffer in the gun?
Felt recoil comes from a few things. First is the mechanical push from the cartridge igniting and pushing the bullet down the barrel. Until the bullet passes the gas port, that pressure also pushes the brass against the bolt face, ultimately transferred to the receiver, then stock, then you. When the BCG starts cycling back, it compresses the recoil spring which pushes against the buffer tube, stock then you. How that impulse feels depends on the weight of the cycling mass ( BCG and buffer ) and how fast it's cycling. Faster cycling will be a shorter but sharper push. Slower cycling will be a softer push spread over a longer time. The more mass that's cycling, the larger the total push will be, due to its greater inertia. Tthe usual reason to use a heavier buffer is to increase the cycling mass in order to slow down the action cycling. So it's a great total recoil, but it happens slower so it's less unpleasant. If the gun is really overgassed, the buffer will bottom out in the buffer tube, and you'll get an additional sharp impact in the recoil. If you lighten the cycling mass, that often allows it to cycle faster, which can feel sharper on your shoulder. However, if you lower the gas pushing back, it won't send the BCG as hard. then you get a light cycling mass cycling slowly, which can drastically lower the felt recoil. It can only do so much, though, since you're already firing high-powered rounds.
would you advise against a setup like this for a defensive rifle? i want a really light rifle but not sure if bcg is a good place to cut weight. im not informed enough in this topis, but i do want to know if you can be just as reliable with this setup as a full weight bcg. my concern is not having enough inertia to strip the next round from the mag.
A properly tuned gas system will be perfectly reliable. There's a lot of variables in the cycling action and a lot of people don't understand them all. How much gas is tapped off the barrel determines how much total force back can go into the BCG. The cycling mass ( BCG and buffer mass combined ) and the strength of the recoil spring resist the gas pushing back. Heavier cycling mass is also harder for the recoil spring to stop and then send back forward. You are correct that the lighter BCG has different inertia going forward to strip the next round. However, as it's lighter, the recoil spring also accelerates it quicker. Easy way to check: lock the bolt back, put in a fully loaded mag, then release the bolt. It's the same action as when the bolt is normally cycling. Unless you have a REALLY weak recoil spring, or REALLY tight mags, you won't have a problem. I have a light BCG in my BLK and there's no problem stripping rounds from full mags. My advice is to slow the cycling down. Light BCG, carbine buffer, adj gas block turned down, and a slightly weaker recoil spring. Soft shooting, perfectly reliable, and less wear on the action internals.
There are lots of "tunable" gas blocks (ie: ones requiring just a small wrench) that aren't any heavier than a simple gas block (or if they are heavier, it's by 2 thread-lengths on an M2.5 screw - probably far less than 0.1 oz). Getting a gas block that allows you to tune gas on the fly is overkill unless you're swapping on/off suppressor, so i think the demonstrated product in the video is a bit over-kill for a lightweight build.
Anyone have issues with it being out of spec? Just received one today from brownells. The body of carrier under gas key is rubbing hard with resistance on the upper tried with 3 uppers same issue.
The BCG is only one small of the total gas system. You have to factor in the ammo you shoot and how much gas and pressure it produces. The longer the gas system, the lower the pressure at the point gas is tapped off the barrel. How much gas can be tapped off the barrel ( gas port size and gas block itself ). What kind of buffer are you using and how strong is the recoil spring? When done right, you could theoretically use a light BCG in any of them. Use an adj gas block so you're not overgassing the system, then check to make sure the recoil spring isn't too strong to return the BCG too fast. Some gas system lengths are easier to tune than others.
A Stupid Question. Since you don't have a means to measure the speed of the bolt inside the rifle, how do you go about determining if the gas tube has been properly tuned? Do you look at the ejection pattern? Do you tune the Adjustable Gas Block to the point that the action no longer cycles then add more gas? This would be a great follow up video.
Why do you need to have a super-charger on a race-car engine? The car goes fast already, right? The beauty of the AR-15 platform is its customizability and ability to tune components on it to achieve different goals. If your goal is to shoot fast and accurate - every bit of reduced recoil helps. Muzzle compensator + well balanced gun + low mass BCG + tuned buffer = even softer shooting. Each one of those elements provide a small element of recoil reduction - that when put together have a very noticeable impact versus all milspec/M4 components. What you're giving up with the light weight components is an ability to reliably cycle in adverse gun conditions or with a large variance of ammo. (however, I have yet to find ammo that won't run in my fairly tightly tuned, low-recoil AR15 and I don't shoot more than a few hundred rounds between relubing)
Pilgrimlost I understand the principle, but I’ll take reliability over speed any day. If you have a good rifle and practice with it regularly with decent ammo, accuracy shouldn’t be a problem. Lots of practice and knowing how to use what you have will get you accuracy and eventually speed.
@@shooter31m "Soft shooting" is relative to the shooter. And just because you've tuned a gas system doesn't mean you have to take it to extremes to be extra picky. If you know the physics behind the gas system, you can soften out the recoil while still having flawless reliability.
Great info as always man but I swear, it's like listening to a block of wood spew rifle facts Haha You seem so far past bland it's an insult to say you're "Bland" Lol I guess having two lumps on a log distract from the other, never noticed how monotone you are. Again, GREAT info!!! Just hard to pay attention Haha
@@brownells you're not wrong but still what are we really shaving off here. Plus this bcg will probably wear down quicker and more likely to break during an activity where you want to reduce issues as much as possible.
My lady's AR15 has a Brownells lightweight bcg, superlative arms adjustable gas block, and a JP Enterprises silent capture spring with, I think, the 95% spring. It also has a Faxon pencil barrel and muzzle brake, as well as a few other lightweight components. An I have to say it's awesome. Lightweight and light recoiling.
I seen a light weight pistol shown on Demonstrated Concepts and he was rocking a cheek held AR-15 which had very little recoil. It's great that you provided feedback on the components that worked to mitigate the already light recoil.
I have a similar setup for my son. I use the KE Arms polymer lower for extra weight reduction. Just under 5 lbs with a red dot. However, I have a full-weight BCG for now because I haven't spent for the low weight option yet.
I have a very very similar setup but after 3 trips to the range I can't get the bolt to consistently stay back on the last round. First the gas block moved/slid so I dimpled the barrel, then I thought maybe the anti seize added to the agb screw as recommended might've been a restriction (didn't seem that was the issue), then I found the ambi bolt catch I was using had a couple of bits of slag that might've been hanging up on it's slot in the lower. Hoping next trip to the range is finally on point.
Can I ask how many clicks out from closed you are on the adjustable gas block?
While I was trying to resolve the problems my results were inconsistent on the last round lock back but I had to be up at 16 clicks (18=standard) for decent reliability. I was recording about half of that. It'd be nice to have a reference from your setup to know if I'm finally in the ball park.
Thanks!
Does it run everything pretty good? I’m setting up a system for my wife. First time building.
My WWSD is going in this direction. I need the lightweight BCG still, and I use the 80% spring in mine to lock open reliably.
I like to use the lightweight BCG's with the folding adapters. The little plug that goes into the back of the BCG to interact with the buffer extension makes the total weight of the lightweight BGC the same as a regular BCG. They run really smooth.
I bought a lightweight BCG plug and buffer for my law foldy 300 blackout. Wasn't sure the plugs would work well with a lightweight BCG.
Suppose to get the light weight version of the bolt extensions whether your law folder or sylvan arms user
Cool to see the Riflespeed tool-less gas block getting more air time. I have one on my 16" mid-gas Aero with a 15" quantum handguard. I had to cut out a piece of aluminum between two of the 12oclock mlok slots because the block was contacting the inside of the handguard, but that was just a few minutes careful work with a dremel and it's barely noticeable. Little hard to work the knob with the longer handguard because of my stupid thick fingers, but the cutouts on the extended version give me something to push against. Great product.
I originally got an aero handguard for my 9" 300 blk and the rifle speed block and it didn't come close to fitting and even with the little B.A.D. handguard, I can put mlok in certain spots with it. Other than it being tight under there, going from subs to supers with perfect gas is so quick and easy
Built a sub 4 pound AR for the wife 2 years ago, and I am glad Caleb and Brownells addressed this. Light weight was the name of the game for my wife's build. I am glad I asked about every product I bought because it would've been light weight build that shot like crap.
I kept the stock carbine spring,buffer weight, and use an Aero adjustable gas block. I have this BCG, but I had to let in a tad more gas, to have my setup function correctly.
Caleb got that old "get out of my city!" hair cut, great video btw
100% Agreed
I have a lite weight dissipator build.
Adams arns rifle length gas piston
Adjustable gas block
Voodo pencil barrel.
The lightest bcm buffer.
Vg6 gamma brake.
Absolutely a pleasure to shoot.
Recoil is different. Kinda like a break barrel pellet gun than a 22lr if that makes any sense.
Yup, nailed it again..
Correct information
Very informative, well done vid.👍
You have recently covered polymer lower. And now this.
Could you show a preferred, build of all light weight? And what you save in weight?
Wwsd rifle
Couldn't get the bolt to lock back on the actual bolt catch instead of just the magazine on my 300blk using subsonic 200gr ammo even with my Superlative Arms AGB set to wide open. Waiting on a YHM Resonator R2 to clear since May 2022 but if I can run less gas all the better either way. so I ordered the faxon Titanium Nitride lightweight BCG and I'll make sure to NOT mess with the buffer weight lol.
Did it work? I'm in the exact same boat and getting ready to drill the gas port... 16 inch pistol gas and the same block your running. I'm running a huxwrx... It cycled fine with the old direct thread 45 pistol can but will barely cycle super now!
@@breckfreerideyep with that lightweight BCG it's now one of the most reliable guns in my collection with the R2 living on it full time. Subs from multiple brands eject as perfect as you could ask 3-4 o'clock... Supers are closer to 1 o'clock ejection so slightly Overgassed but zero cycling issues or stoppages so I live with it
@@tonybailey89 fan fughin tastic!
I use that same Brownell Light Wt BCG in Caleb's hands. I use them in carbine and mid length uppers, but not on rifle length gas barrels. Adj Gas Blocks are a must. I think Lt BCGs particularly shine in regards to the carbine length gas type uppers. I have found that once I have the gun running fine, I seldom need to do any further gas block adjusting.
I was planning on running this BCG with my Wilson combat barrel but it Rifle length gas... I was going to install it with a JP buffer and adjustable gas block. Why doesn't it work well for a rifle length system?
I use these in all my Sharps Bros AR builds. Love these bolts! Tin has held up very well
As I have been told, doesn't an adjustable gas block essentially add another failure point
I will note that the new SIG rifles for the military both have adjustable gas blocks (and many LMG, AKs, etc have adjustable gas inherent to the platform to low gas for suppressors, etc). The new guns have just two settings (basically normal and "Adverse" for dirty guns to power through carbon buildup), not as fine as most of the civilian-hobby versions. I think there is some quality difference, and certainly many of the civilian quick adjust versions have a larger failure point. Most "tunable" blocks (that aren't quick adjustable, but can still constrict gas) are probably not much different than a solid block since they're just using a counter-rotating pair of set screws to obstruct the gas.
I used my LW BCG with fixed gas and an H3 (recip mass ends up identical to a M16 BCG with a carbine buffer), to shift the mass of the weapon farther back to the rear of the gun, to improve balance and handling.
Thats like eating dog shit because you hate broccoli. Buy a lighter barrel and hand guard instead.
Excellent was wondering why my light weight bolt was slamming back so hard 😅
I hear ya!
Lightweight bcg, light spring, adjustable gas block and a bufffer with all the weights removed and filled with silicone. Has never had a hiccup.
just other day saw a guy using 4oz buffer while he had adjustable gas blcok witih this bgc. threw me for a loop.
Interesting sir, thanks for the information.
Good, information. However I do see in some situations why someone would then use a light weight bcg and a heavier buffer weight. And it would be that in an extremely light setup, it could point of balance just enough for someone to enjoy it more.
Doubt it. Heavier buffers are only an ounce or so lighter than a carbine buffer. One extra ounce in an 80oz rifle is almost negligible, especially when that weight is already behind both hands.
Often reduced component mass (for example, less 8620 Tool Steel) will adversely impact durability. Why isn;t this a concern with a lightweight BCG?
@vettelover2009
Thanks, makes sense.
@vettelover2009 what’s the name of the book exactly?
Good info!
Yeah...im just gonna go with a standard bcg, since i run an A2 front sight
Caleb. What is the benefit of this and does it affect longevity and reliability? Thanks and nice hair!
This is nothing but a waste of time.
In no way does this increase anything besides cutting weight by a few ounces . And then to get it to cycle and not beat itself to death you will have to tune it down very.
Increasing chances of unreliability due to getting dirty faster or having a much smaller window of acceptable carbon buildup to function.
Then your going to have to tune it to the ammo so if your shooting 62gr good 556 ammo and someone hands you a mag of some 55gr 223 you will have problems.
This isn’t something you should do
To a duty gun or something you want to trust your life to. This is something you do to a range toy that is going to be cleaned after every outing and constantly adjusted everytime you take it to the range and tinker with it.
Go standard toocraft BCG get a good quality phosphorus or nitride BCG and try to go as close to mil spec as possible with gas port , block , buffer spring and weight. Depending if your going carbine,mig length,or rifle.
Mid and rifle or the best as far as soft shooting and still very reliable even with non adjustable gas blocks.
Carbine with non adjustable gasblock and standard carbine buffer is the most reliable for sure it will have slightly more recoil.(this is a 223 intermediate cartridge the recoil even in a fixed breach bolt action isn’t enough to even keep a 10 year old from staying in the scope) . If you were shooting a 308 then sure go rifle or mid length and adjustable gas block but for a 556/223 ar15 the tried and true standard setup is the most reliable and is very useable.
Once you have a good mil spec or better duty gun then worry about tinkering with this marketing bullshit of lwbcg and adjustable gas blocks aftermarket springs and shit.
It’s a lot of money for very little gain in the end though as someone who has built a bunch of ARs … I’d go very basic in AR15 … when you build a dpms lr308 ar10 then maybe do some research and get some of the before mentioned options.
@@JoeWayne84 Which is why everyone prefers direct blowback operation and its heavier bolt over a delayed blowback system, right?
Lowering the cycling mass means less rocking between shots. If you can lower the mass and keep the cyclic rate down, that translates to less felt recoil and less wear on the parts.
The problem is most people don't know all the variables to track in the gas system, so when they start changing parts just because they heard it was good, they often throw something out of whack. A lighter BCG is easier to accelerate, so it can bounce back and forth faster, causing problems. You have to compensate for this by either lowering the gas or strengthening the recoil spring. But a stronger spring also means you might over run the magazine before the next round fully comes up.
Yes, you can tune the gas system to be ultra picky and only work for one particular load. You can also tune it to operate within a fairly broad window, allowing a good variety of loads.
@@JaronActual I have no idea what your talking about I haven’t said anything about direct blowback or delayed blowback.
Also delayed blowback for sure isn’t a superior system I’ve shot a HK ptr91 a 556 gun of a buddy’s and I still have a hk ptr109 in 308 and I for sure don’t believe it feels any less recoil than the DI options they or for sure heavier though.
As far as pistols calibers I still have my mp5 I’ve had for a decade are more now but since I built a good AR pistol in 300acc it’s stayed in the safe…
Worrying about adjustable gasblocks and light weight carriers and crazy buffer springs weight combos to build a 556 AR15 just seems like a waste to me in all honestly I mean you can build a AR15 to already be 7 pounds using mil spec hardware it’s a very light gun already cutting it down to 6 pounds and removing the bullet proof reliability is a waste of money and time.
If you already have a good duty grade rifle though and you or building a range toy Instagram photo object then go skeletonized frame and the works by all means ,
but it’s not gonna be any better than a good rifle length gas system 18” or longer barrel AR15 with a good compensator as far as shooting smooth. If holding up a 8pound gun is super heavy for you though I mean you got to do what you got to do . Haha
Wife uses an adjustable gas block. With a lightweight BCG and 1.5 oz buffer. (Strike industries adjustable. Take all the weights out.
THANKS :
Is the brownells LW BCG made by toolcraft?
To keep the gun as reliable as possible you also need to run a low-powered recoil spring 🚫🤷🔥🔥🔥
Yes! Happy to see someone else get it. Get a recoil spring that's just strong enough to strip the next round and lower the gas. A lightweight BCG cycling slowly is not only soft shooting, it lowers the wear on the internals.
What kind of spring are you using typically? If you cared more about racing and less about reliability in adverse conditions, would you also go with a softer spring (yellow or white) and then just tuning the gas down farther?
I'd be curious to see how they perform under full auto fire.
Not recommended. There's a reason why full auto profile BCGs exist.
@@CalzaTheFox That profile is just to trip the sear. The lightweight carrier has a bridge that would trip the sear
Not sure you could. I think you need a M4 bolt for auto..
A lightweight BCG like the Faxon Gunner BCG is 3 Oz less, but still has the ridge on the back of the carrier to trip full-auto sears. Rate of fire would be faster.
If it's light and moves faster does it also shoot faster?
Yeees sir
It can increase cyclic rate, yes. Some competitive shooters go that route. The faster cycling can also make the recoil feel sharper.
Thanks Alabama Special Teams coach.
What would be the reason to not use a stiffer spring? You mentioned there would be several reasons; but did not elaborate. I'm working with this exact bolt carrier on a new build as I write this.
Playing with spring tension is more complicated long-term and means buying multiple springs. Adj. Gas blocks simplify the whole process and let you adjust very simply and easily.
@@MultiSycorax Im using an adjustable gas block; but was also planning in using a 1.7oz buffer (3 aluminum weights, vs steel and a springco medium (blue) spring to slow down the action; but still allowing me to drop as much weight as possible. I used a similar set up on another rifle built for my wife (she shoots PRS) and it did take some finagling; but it's an insanely soft shooter and very reliable now that I've got it all tuned. Thanks for the reply.
@@boss350z5 sounds like a lot of work but hey it's your time
A stiffer spring would allow for a faster cycle rate in theory at the expense of some recoil as the bolt moves forward faster. But since most of us can't pull the trigger that fast - the lower recoil of a normal/softer spring, lower mass system is ideal until you hit the wall of cyclic speed. A stiffer spring would also likely merit a slightly heavier buffer against a low mass BCG (more momentum for the buffer to eat to stop bolt bounce). I've had great success for 3-gun with low mass bcg, low-mass buffer (all aluminum weights), and a normal carbine spring. I've tried to out-shoot the action, precision be damned, and cannot with a 3.5lb trigger.
@@pilgrimlost Very cool, did you notice any effect on reliability between different types of ammunition?
Is there any added benefit to running the JP silent captured system with the adjustable gas block and lightweight bcg?
No twang sound from a spring rubbing in the tube, it’s worth the money!
You would have a smooth running AR with less felt recoil especially with that low mass light bcg and jp spring
Geissele super 42 braided spring is even better...
I've run this combo in my 300 BLK for years. The JP SCS can also come with a spring kit, which lets you change the spring strength for extra tuning capabilities. Using the lightest spring lets you turn the gas down more and still reliable cycling.
Have you done a video about lighter barrels?
This might be a Smyth Busters topic, but could you go into the benefits of reducing the already extremely light recoil of an AR?
It's really just for comfort, faster followup shots, and keeping your rifle lighter in general. Lightweight ARs happen to be really handy....and pricy to assemble.
"Extremely light recoil" is subjective to different people. Largely it's a comfort thing. But soft recoil generally means less wear and tear on the action too.
You need to sell light weight BCG for DPMS 308. They are unnecessarily heavy when gas can be controlled by adjustable gas block. Sell them in a package
Yup, but remember, more force is required to strip a 308 round from a magazine, force supplied by the momentum of that extra weight.
@@CalebSavant it does have to be as light as 15 bcg. Stronger spring can help out as well. Has to be complete solution. Polished metal mag lips, maybe.
Sounds like going in circles, to make the wallet lighter. Allot of work to shave a few ounces, on parts that ( I would rather function well), seem important, vs. handrails, furniture, sighting etc.
Agree, just get a Minimalist stock, carbon wrapped barrel, lightweight hand guard. Christen Arms does this well and the bcg is just black and hard, nothing fancy. If it ain’t broke, don’t mess with it! They come out to 6.5#
Most recoil impulse comes from the bolt...
Correct info. 🤌👌
So i have a adams piston kit in my upper woth their lighter weight bcg. What buffer weight and spring weight should i go with? Im having to run it wide open on the adjustable block which kinda defeats the purpose of it being adjustable. I like that i dont have near as much gas in the face when suppressed. Im a lefty.
You almost had the full LWBCG equation completed but you failed to mention a key element which is the ejection pattern of a properly gassed AR. Ideally, the brass should eject at 4 O'clock regardless of the ammo used. (Lower pressure 223 commercial or NATO spec 5.56 stuff.) As others have mentioned, tuning an AR is a fine balance between BCG weight, gas adjustment and a carefully selected buffer system.
Already did several full videos on that and am doing another in the gas tuning video. No point in making a video longer by mentioning stuff I already covered extensively.
Will this help a subsonic 300 Blackout cycle?
My 16" mid-length upper won't cycle while using an H2 buffer, and I am forced to use a carbine buffer. Does this sound normal, or should I investigate?
Perfectly normal. Heavier buffers require more gas tapped off the barrel to cycle. To get more gas, you either need to use stouter ammo or open up the gas block. Or, switch down to a lighter buffer and see how it works.
Cool
I don’t understand why using a stiffer spring isn’t the first thing you would do?
You can also do that. However, a stiffer spring will also turn the BCG around quicker, and send it back into battery faster. This can run the risk of sending the BCG home before the magazine can fully raise the round. The super fast cycling also makes for sharper felt recoil.
Slowing down the cyclic rate gives everything time to do what it's supposed to and lowers the wear on the internals. Everyone's happy.
I might add that this is not recommended for a defensive use type rifle. Range or competition, go for it...but for anything that your life depends on, you might be better off just running standard gas with a standard BCG for the reliability benefits across ammo types and weather conditions.
I might add that for DEFENSIVE use you should be highly practiced with your specific weapon of choice and using the same exact ammunition every time.
Pretty much makes your opinion null
Im building an 18" SPR and I want it is soft/flat shooting as possible....
I planned on getting the JP Silent buffer, a lightweight BCG and the Riflespeed gas block (also have a muzzle brake) - is this all OK? Is any of it unnecessary....or overkill?
I assume the Adj gas block and LW BCG are enough to mitigate most recoil....the JP Silent I also got bc I hate that twang sound of the normal buffer
Anyway....advice is appreciated. This is my 1st build.
Mine wouldn’t run steel case out of a 16 in Hanson barrel. Just a heads.
Steel case ammo is hard on extractors. Perhaps the lack of mass when unlocking causes FTE.
Yes, that’s my guess…with a law or sylvan model folder with the added mass for the bolt extension the problem happens less frequently
I just installed this BCM and it drags during dry fire and doesn't slam shut as needed. Everything was working just fine with my Sharps BCM. I switched back and forth (sharps works) but I cant get your low mass BCM to function. What next, is it bent or out of spec.? Running a standard carbine spring and 2.4 oz buffer. on my 300 blackout
Are these safe to use with a surpressed ar?
I've had this exact bolt for a few years in a midlength 14.5 and it's a dream to shoot and does indeed shave a few pounds off.
@vettelover2009 I'm glad it doesn't matter to you. I also only paid like 90$
@vettelover2009 Oh jeez I incorrectly used a term and you're over here . . . Using triple dots. . . for commas or something. My B.King upper also fit the bcg very well so I can't say enough good about it.
@vettelover2009 Ya I'm gonna take advice from some autist in the UA-cam comment section. I know what an ellipsis is, I just chose to make fun of you.
Did you get an agb and reduced power spring? What weight buffer? I'm currently collecting parts to assemble a lightweight AR and I'm looking for all the helpful info I can get.
@@flcl69 Nope, standard carbine buffer and spring with mid length gas on a 14.5 Hansen profile.
Who else is out here considering a LMOS BCG because they’re running 300blk subs with a low backpressure can they won’t LRBHO? Just me?
👍🏾
One question. I have an H1 buffer from Geissele
is it any good with a low mass bcg?
Can It Run in Full Auto AR’s ? Or Would It Self Destruct The Rifle 😮
As long as it's not over gassed it should run beautifully, and increase your rate of fire.
@@lostonpurpose3734 Thank You For The Answer 😊👍🏼
How about upgrading an AR10 buffer? I have a PSA PA10 in .308 and it has a light buffer in it. Would it help recoil to put a standard buffer in the gun?
Felt recoil comes from a few things. First is the mechanical push from the cartridge igniting and pushing the bullet down the barrel. Until the bullet passes the gas port, that pressure also pushes the brass against the bolt face, ultimately transferred to the receiver, then stock, then you. When the BCG starts cycling back, it compresses the recoil spring which pushes against the buffer tube, stock then you. How that impulse feels depends on the weight of the cycling mass ( BCG and buffer ) and how fast it's cycling.
Faster cycling will be a shorter but sharper push. Slower cycling will be a softer push spread over a longer time. The more mass that's cycling, the larger the total push will be, due to its greater inertia. Tthe usual reason to use a heavier buffer is to increase the cycling mass in order to slow down the action cycling. So it's a great total recoil, but it happens slower so it's less unpleasant. If the gun is really overgassed, the buffer will bottom out in the buffer tube, and you'll get an additional sharp impact in the recoil.
If you lighten the cycling mass, that often allows it to cycle faster, which can feel sharper on your shoulder. However, if you lower the gas pushing back, it won't send the BCG as hard. then you get a light cycling mass cycling slowly, which can drastically lower the felt recoil. It can only do so much, though, since you're already firing high-powered rounds.
would you advise against a setup like this for a defensive rifle? i want a really light rifle but not sure if bcg is a good place to cut weight. im not informed enough in this topis, but i do want to know if you can be just as reliable with this setup as a full weight bcg. my concern is not having enough inertia to strip the next round from the mag.
A properly tuned gas system will be perfectly reliable. There's a lot of variables in the cycling action and a lot of people don't understand them all. How much gas is tapped off the barrel determines how much total force back can go into the BCG. The cycling mass ( BCG and buffer mass combined ) and the strength of the recoil spring resist the gas pushing back. Heavier cycling mass is also harder for the recoil spring to stop and then send back forward.
You are correct that the lighter BCG has different inertia going forward to strip the next round. However, as it's lighter, the recoil spring also accelerates it quicker. Easy way to check: lock the bolt back, put in a fully loaded mag, then release the bolt. It's the same action as when the bolt is normally cycling. Unless you have a REALLY weak recoil spring, or REALLY tight mags, you won't have a problem.
I have a light BCG in my BLK and there's no problem stripping rounds from full mags. My advice is to slow the cycling down. Light BCG, carbine buffer, adj gas block turned down, and a slightly weaker recoil spring. Soft shooting, perfectly reliable, and less wear on the action internals.
So add the weight back in the adjustable gas block... gotcha.
🤣🤫fucking genius! Right, add a 1/4 pounder way out far from where you support the weight of the firearm. Pay $400 to make it shoot into the dirt🤡
There are lots of "tunable" gas blocks (ie: ones requiring just a small wrench) that aren't any heavier than a simple gas block (or if they are heavier, it's by 2 thread-lengths on an M2.5 screw - probably far less than 0.1 oz). Getting a gas block that allows you to tune gas on the fly is overkill unless you're swapping on/off suppressor, so i think the demonstrated product in the video is a bit over-kill for a lightweight build.
Anyone have issues with it being out of spec? Just received one today from brownells. The body of carrier under gas key is rubbing hard with resistance on the upper tried with 3 uppers same issue.
👍
how would a 450 bushmaster or 6.5grendel respond to a light weight carrier?
The BCG is only one small of the total gas system. You have to factor in the ammo you shoot and how much gas and pressure it produces. The longer the gas system, the lower the pressure at the point gas is tapped off the barrel. How much gas can be tapped off the barrel ( gas port size and gas block itself ). What kind of buffer are you using and how strong is the recoil spring?
When done right, you could theoretically use a light BCG in any of them. Use an adj gas block so you're not overgassing the system, then check to make sure the recoil spring isn't too strong to return the BCG too fast. Some gas system lengths are easier to tune than others.
Light weight bolt carrying group
Caleb needs more rehearsal time
A Stupid Question. Since you don't have a means to measure the speed of the bolt inside the rifle, how do you go about determining if the gas tube has been properly tuned? Do you look at the ejection pattern? Do you tune the Adjustable Gas Block to the point that the action no longer cycles then add more gas? This would be a great follow up video.
Just start low and turn it up until it cycles reliably.
Ejection pattern, will be doing a full gas block tuning video.
Just put your wallet in the blender if you want to spend money to carry less weight😜
It’s an AR-15… why are folks trying to reduce recoil on an already soft shooting platform?
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Why do you need to have a super-charger on a race-car engine? The car goes fast already, right?
The beauty of the AR-15 platform is its customizability and ability to tune components on it to achieve different goals. If your goal is to shoot fast and accurate - every bit of reduced recoil helps. Muzzle compensator + well balanced gun + low mass BCG + tuned buffer = even softer shooting. Each one of those elements provide a small element of recoil reduction - that when put together have a very noticeable impact versus all milspec/M4 components. What you're giving up with the light weight components is an ability to reliably cycle in adverse gun conditions or with a large variance of ammo. (however, I have yet to find ammo that won't run in my fairly tightly tuned, low-recoil AR15 and I don't shoot more than a few hundred rounds between relubing)
Because 5.7x28 is really expensive 😆
Pilgrimlost I understand the principle, but I’ll take reliability over speed any day. If you have a good rifle and practice with it regularly with decent ammo, accuracy shouldn’t be a problem.
Lots of practice and knowing how to use what you have will get you accuracy and eventually speed.
@@shooter31m "Soft shooting" is relative to the shooter. And just because you've tuned a gas system doesn't mean you have to take it to extremes to be extra picky. If you know the physics behind the gas system, you can soften out the recoil while still having flawless reliability.
my comment is ....
..... we need more dancing Caleb
Noted
Naaa i got a dremmel ill just shave my psa bcg down to lightweight my dern self
Great info as always man but I swear, it's like listening to a block of wood spew rifle facts Haha You seem so far past bland it's an insult to say you're "Bland" Lol I guess having two lumps on a log distract from the other, never noticed how monotone you are. Again, GREAT info!!! Just hard to pay attention Haha
Lightweight bcg’s...A great way to make a reliable gun unreliable
Only if you do it wrong and don't understand how the gas system works.
@@JaronActual 😂 ok
I don't think you could tell me what a woman's touch feels like
Why not also have a regular BCG there to compare. Fail.
What can you do about the weight issue? Go to the gym so you can carry your weapon like a man.
Just switch to the 5.7x28 like us girls🤣
@@melissasmess2773 No way. They'd never be able to shave enough weight off of that. 👍
Don’t see the point. Eat your spinach and man up. Hoorah
Meh kinda pointless on a rifle that is already light.
Light is subjective.
@@brownells you're not wrong but still what are we really shaving off here. Plus this bcg will probably wear down quicker and more likely to break during an activity where you want to reduce issues as much as possible.
What about for a 11.5 in shooting suppressed ?