I'm a Quality Manager for a gun manufacturer which produces thousands of BCG's. You're video was the only one which I've watched which mentions good quality control. There are defects in the BCG which people have no clue about, but should really be checked for other than what you mentioned. For instance missing internal gas grooves on the carrier itself. People must remember that these are machined parts and you have no idea the crazy things that happen during the machining process. Also keep in mind that the gun manufacturing industry isn't regulated, so there's no real standards enforced when it comes to selling defective products. So check your components well. It could save your life.
I have tons of BCMs and only 2 are alike. Some have serial numbers on them too... odd. I have a few PSA premium models and some say MP/HP, others just MP (that's why I was looking for it in the video, then realized I grabbed the wrong one!).
I have no doubt that both are good to go but whether or not they're an actually improvement in terms of durability vs. a proper mil spec bolt is what I have some reservations on. Many AR bolts go 15,000 rounds or more (depending on firing cycle and many other factors obviously) so I'm not sure they're worth the extra money vs. a standard one.
You must've read my mind when you posted this video. I'm almost finished buying parts for my 300blk build and the BCG was my last purchase I had questions about. This video answered all of them. Thanks you for posting!!
I have never had an issue but have heard several stories like FriendofCat said. I lubricate mine as normal for what it's worth. The only real advantage I see is that it wipes clean easily. That said, the only reason I bought it is that it was on sale and cheaper than a regular BCG at the time.
It's a Northeast Tactical which is really great if you want a single point. For single/double point I recommend the Magpul MS3. I've got a video on it here if you're looking for more info.
Great video Brother. You were clear, concise and conveyed all the information in Layman’s terms that are easy to understand , digest and remember. Thank You for your candor and clarity. Keep the videos coming Brother !!!
I just bought a complete BCG from AIMsurplus for 80 bucks with free shipping today. I plan on getting a AB Arms nickle boron bolt down the road. The AIM bolt is shot peened and MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected) inspected, also the extractor O-Ring has been upgraded with Black Insert.
I do have experience with them but they were the very first models SIG released. They were both unreliable and 1 of the 2 has gone back to SIG several times and is there right now again. It'll hopefully be replaced this time. Word is they're much better now than when they first came out but I have no way of verifying that. If you have the option of getting a different quality gun in the same price range (Colt/PSA/Spikes/ect....) I'd go that route but if the only lead you have is a
Did not mention shrouded vs. non shrouded firing pins. Shrouded firing pins have a larger diameter collar than a non shrouded firing pin. Discovered this the hard way on a used Stag Arms lower and a Rock River upper. Hammer was hitting larger diameter shrouded firing pin collar which was installed into a non shrouded bolt carrier. Installed proper firing pin and rounded the hammer. Thanks for the video.
It's also and mainly as an over pressure release if you have an over charged rd. The holes allow the excess gas to blow by the bolt without damaging the chamber or bolt. Try it, as the gas blows the carrier to the rear the carrier moves back, as the bolt unlocks and the gas rings move to the rear those holes allow any excess gas to escape thus automatically regulating the system. Eugene was pretty damn smart.
Thank you very much! This helps tremendously. I just started building my first AR. There is so many options and knowing what is what is harder than I thought it would be.
I'm not saying they're bad or no good.... but there are more proven options/specs out there for the same money or less. I personally would look elsewhere but it'll probably work fine if you go that route. RRA has good CS should you ever need it.
Ah.... I didn't realize you were referring to piston driven guns. Well, I'm not a big piston AR guy but Adams Arms seems to be a decent piston system if that's what you're into.
I like the idea of that little bit of extra weight on the M16 style carriers. Aside from the theoretical slowing down of the extraction process, the weapon itself has very little reciprocating mass. Sometimes more mass is better in the reliability department when it comes to overcoming extended fouling. One of the reasons AKs are so stupidly reliable is all that reciprocating mass. I see guys running those light weight carriers and laugh inside.
I can see a competitor wanting a lighter-weight bolt carrier for less recoil. You can always go to a lighter buffer if it makes the gun less reliable, and those competition guys probably clean their rifles every time they shoot anyway.
A light weight bcg doant make the rifle any less reliable. So long as it's tuned correct. I run an extremely light AP rhino LW BCG with a light weight buffer. I run a 14.5 barrel and middy gas. Adjustable gas block and once tuned it shoots like a 22lr and very low gas in the gun. It has not had a malfunction in over a few thousand rounds now.
I think the one thing you didn't talk about in this is finish. Nickle Boron, Chrome or Phosphate? Which do you prefer? Great video! I am in the middle of the 3 AR Builds so I need to make some decisions on where I want to go. Thanks!
Thanks... I'm goin to replace the bcg and buffer accordingly with bcm products for that extra piece of mind and then eventually look into BCM EAG tactical... I work in a filed where I'm willing to pay extra for that confidence in the tools of my trade
BCM BCG's are all I'm running lately and they've been great for me. My bcm bolts don't have the bcm logo on them though, just on the carrier. I do have a PSA BCG sitting in the safe that I haven't used yet.
Soooo, what are the two holes on the carrier for? They are visible through the ejection port, are in the indentation that causes the port cover to open and you can see the gas rings though them. I know but for the benefit of this discussion/video could you comment. Thanks!
Lol. No, 9310 is cheaper than 158c . Thats the only reason its being used by so many companies. Its not an upgrade. There's a reason the military uses 158c and not 9310 or S7. You want a bolt thats not too hard or too soft. (158c)
You gotta get your wife a Vltor A5 buffer & tube. It would make a good review video too. I know, It's JUST a buffer tube & buffer but that extra inch in length with a heavier buffer & a rifle spring makes a huge difference. It really does make a carbine feel like a full length rifle buffer system & it's only an inch longer overall than a standard buffer tube. lol I have been accused of working for Vltor but I don't, I just really like my system. I think their buffer system is a great product that is getting overlooked.
Do you have any experience with Young Manufacturing BCG, particularly their NM carriers? Yes they don't stake their carriers, but they claim to increase accuracy because of it's increased surface area leading to better lock up. Truth or BS?
Do you notice a huge difference between a standard forearm and one that is free float in terms of accuracy. I am considering a carbine rifle build for defensive use out to say 150 yards. I will not be adding lights or laser, just some troy battle sights and an aimpoint. it will be a budget rifle strictly for the bug out bag.
thanks for the response. I was originally thinking colt le6920 or LMT defender I guess I will look towards something already equipped with a free float. Again thank you.
question...i have a AR-10 and was wondering if it helps the BCG move foward easier without the stock being extended all way out far as buffer and spring go...??
I'm ordering a BCG an A.P. and one is nitride and one is phosphate with chrome lined carrier and gas key..... with both having a lifetime guarantee and both having all those tests done.... which one would you get??? Or is better???
My bolt says AL M 02 It's an armalite m15. Do you know what that code means? And did you make a video about the armalite boltcarrier? If not can you please when you have the time? Thanks for any help
Question: I have a crbine gas system w. An enhanced BCG, now if I were to chng that to a full auto BCG would I need to change the buffer and spring? My buffer has no markings on it.
yeah I cant believe what ar15`s and accessories are going for right now! I saw a bushmaster carbon 15 go for $1800! Looks like I got my ar just in time. I went with a core 15, seems like its really well made. BCG is really nice too....got it a week after the election right b4 everything went crazy....
Thank you for a great video, Ares Armor seems to produce a great nitride coated BCG as well at a reasonable price. Thanks again for all the great vids!
The company I saw is called Adams Arms. They have a one piece carrier. I can't post a link to it here. There are pictures of it on the AR15.com message board. They look nice, but I am new to the AR-15 platform. Thanks again for your videos.
have you ever used any bolts from Cryptic Coatings? I have a BCG and very pleased with its performance. rapid fire or single shot accuracy. Very easy to clean and seems to be very well built.
M400 then you may want to just bite the bullet and pick it up as long as it's priced reasonably. But, short answer--I wouldn't recommend one but these aren't normal times.
I understand what you're saying. However, I've seen a 30,000 round LMT e-bolt and a 60,000+ round KAC bolt. Those are physical impossibilities from a std AR bolt. Whether they are improvement and whether the cost-to-benefit ratio are two different questions....though both valid. I use a std LMT bolt, for the record, and have no plans to change from it. But I also use their E-carrier and the Vltor A5 recoil system, so my bolt life will necessarily be longer than otherwise.
Is it unusual for the bolt to wear on one side instead of all the way around? I have a colt LE6920 and I noticed a couple days ago that on the bolt it is wearing on the "nipple" that goes in to the bcg on one side.
What do you think about spikes tacticool?? You don't hear much about bcm around the water cooler, yet that is my pick for sure. they only rank 7ish on the tacticool sliding scale
What is your honest opinion about the 9310 bolts? I just bought a nickel boron bcg with a 9310 bolt. The company I bought it from uses the same company fall zero uses for their nickel boron. After shipping with a 11 percent discount it was $149.
I've seen some decently priced BCGs meeting all the specs in your video, with the exception of Nitride instead of chrome lined bolt&gas key ports. thoughts on nitride?
Can you elaborate a little further on The PSA premium BCG, from what I looked up, they all show as premium. Am I missing something? I am going with your recommendation. Thanks for the great reviews.
I'm a Quality Manager for a gun manufacturer which produces thousands of BCG's. You're video was the only one which I've watched which mentions good quality control. There are defects in the BCG which people have no clue about, but should really be checked for other than what you mentioned. For instance missing internal gas grooves on the carrier itself. People must remember that these are machined parts and you have no idea the crazy things that happen during the machining process. Also keep in mind that the gun manufacturing industry isn't regulated, so there's no real standards enforced when it comes to selling defective products. So check your components well. It could save your life.
As soon as you said "pounding pounding pounding over and over again" my wife gave me the look. Thanks
She does like a good pounding 👌
tack driver 63 you are one of the few who can put out a no BS video nothing but the facts and very educational. My hat is off to you sir.
Indeed. It's getting tougher and tougher though. Companies are not disclosing sources and often times not disclosing specs.
I have tons of BCMs and only 2 are alike. Some have serial numbers on them too... odd. I have a few PSA premium models and some say MP/HP, others just MP (that's why I was looking for it in the video, then realized I grabbed the wrong one!).
Anything but Tul/Tula. I shoot mostly Wolf and Bear ammo and have always been happy with it.
I have no doubt that both are good to go but whether or not they're an actually improvement in terms of durability vs. a proper mil spec bolt is what I have some reservations on. Many AR bolts go 15,000 rounds or more (depending on firing cycle and many other factors obviously) so I'm not sure they're worth the extra money vs. a standard one.
You must've read my mind when you posted this video. I'm almost finished buying parts for my 300blk build and the BCG was my last purchase I had questions about. This video answered all of them. Thanks you for posting!!
Indeed. I thought you were asking what they were used for by the user but yes, you're correct on the design aspect.
This is the best video I've came across about bolt carrier groups on UA-cam. Thx
I have 3; they're excellent BCGs in terms of specs and build quality. As to whether they're worth the extra $, only you can say.
I have never had an issue but have heard several stories like FriendofCat said. I lubricate mine as normal for what it's worth. The only real advantage I see is that it wipes clean easily. That said, the only reason I bought it is that it was on sale and cheaper than a regular BCG at the time.
It's a Northeast Tactical which is really great if you want a single point. For single/double point I recommend the Magpul MS3. I've got a video on it here if you're looking for more info.
Great video Brother.
You were clear, concise and conveyed all the information in Layman’s terms that are easy to understand , digest and remember.
Thank You for your candor and clarity.
Keep the videos coming Brother !!!
It's probably fine. I'm not a big SIG rifle fan so I'm sort of biased but I don't know of bolt failure being an issue for the rifles....
Excellent. I realize it's kind of a boring/dry subject but lots of guys have questions on these parts and there's a ton of mis-information out there.
as a newbie to ARs, great video. not a lot of stuttering, had useful info with examples, not 20 minutes long. THANK YOU!
xxxKillaKalixxx Thanks.
I like it when you make my decisions easy. It’s like getting the answers ahead of the pop quiz.
I just bought a complete BCG from AIMsurplus for 80 bucks with free shipping today. I plan on getting a AB Arms nickle boron bolt down the road. The AIM bolt is shot peened and MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected) inspected, also the extractor O-Ring has been upgraded with Black Insert.
I do have experience with them but they were the very first models SIG released. They were both unreliable and 1 of the 2 has gone back to SIG several times and is there right now again. It'll hopefully be replaced this time. Word is they're much better now than when they first came out but I have no way of verifying that. If you have the option of getting a different quality gun in the same price range (Colt/PSA/Spikes/ect....) I'd go that route but if the only lead you have is a
8 years later, and still watching these.
Glad it helped. Good luck finding one; times are tough.
Did not mention shrouded vs. non shrouded firing pins. Shrouded firing pins have a larger diameter collar than a non shrouded firing pin. Discovered this the hard way on a used Stag Arms lower and a Rock River upper. Hammer was hitting larger diameter shrouded firing pin collar which was installed into a non shrouded bolt carrier. Installed proper firing pin and rounded the hammer. Thanks for the video.
Joe Bobs has their BCGs in now in NIB and standard I believe.
It's also and mainly as an over pressure release if you have an over charged rd. The holes allow the excess gas to blow by the bolt without damaging the chamber or bolt. Try it, as the gas blows the carrier to the rear the carrier moves back, as the bolt unlocks and the gas rings move to the rear those holes allow any excess gas to escape thus automatically regulating the system. Eugene was pretty damn smart.
Thank you very much! This helps tremendously. I just started building my first AR. There is so many options and knowing what is what is harder than I thought it would be.
***** you're welcome
I got a nice basic one from PSA, sold it them got one in 2 pieces. Upper and a lower for 600 . Learned from watching videos
I'm not saying they're bad or no good.... but there are more proven options/specs out there for the same money or less. I personally would look elsewhere but it'll probably work fine if you go that route. RRA has good CS should you ever need it.
You're quite welcome. Good luck finding one.
Depends on the gas system and barrel length.
I was really blown away by WMD GUNS Nickel Boron bcg, dry NO oil 4,000 rounds without cleaning no problems. awesome!
They're good to go. If you like a coated one they're a good choice.
Glad you liked it.
AWESOME VID! Highly informative, quick and to the point and it wasn't 30 min video with a bunch of filler. SUBBED!
ssslllooowww ssslllooowww Thanks
Indeed they are. Thanks.
Ah.... I didn't realize you were referring to piston driven guns. Well, I'm not a big piston AR guy but Adams Arms seems to be a decent piston system if that's what you're into.
I think they MAY have. I've seen mixed reports on them in terms of durability.
Glad it could help.
I like the idea of that little bit of extra weight on the M16 style carriers. Aside from the theoretical slowing down of the extraction process, the weapon itself has very little reciprocating mass. Sometimes more mass is better in the reliability department when it comes to overcoming extended fouling. One of the reasons AKs are so stupidly reliable is all that reciprocating mass. I see guys running those light weight carriers and laugh inside.
I can see a competitor wanting a lighter-weight bolt carrier for less recoil. You can always go to a lighter buffer if it makes the gun less reliable, and those competition guys probably clean their rifles every time they shoot anyway.
A light weight bcg doant make the rifle any less reliable. So long as it's tuned correct. I run an extremely light AP rhino LW BCG with a light weight buffer. I run a 14.5 barrel and middy gas. Adjustable gas block and once tuned it shoots like a 22lr and very low gas in the gun. It has not had a malfunction in over a few thousand rounds now.
How important is the is it to get a heavy duty extractor spring or insert I had an issue with an FTE ?
If you're having that problem I'd get the BCM extractor upgrade kit---it's cheap and has everything you'd need and will eliminate variables.
Nice...
Just found you while looking to replace my bcg. Excellent work here. Thank you!
I think the one thing you didn't talk about in this is finish. Nickle Boron, Chrome or Phosphate? Which do you prefer? Great video! I am in the middle of the 3 AR Builds so I need to make some decisions on where I want to go. Thanks!
Great info. Thanks. I'm building an AR-15 right now and needed information on choosing a BCG.
Thanks... I'm goin to replace the bcg and buffer accordingly with bcm products for that extra piece of mind and then eventually look into BCM EAG tactical... I work in a filed where I'm willing to pay extra for that confidence in the tools of my trade
I haven't seen any like that. Seems interesting though. Let me know if you find out the brand.
Will do.
They're on the way. They just take time; stay tuned.
BCM BCG's are all I'm running lately and they've been great for me. My bcm bolts don't have the bcm logo on them though, just on the carrier. I do have a PSA BCG sitting in the safe that I haven't used yet.
Soooo, what are the two holes on the carrier for? They are visible through the ejection port, are in the indentation that causes the port cover to open and you can see the gas rings though them. I know but for the benefit of this discussion/video could you comment. Thanks!
another outstanding video as old as the video is it still stands up ....
thank you; only difference is they've figured out how to properly heat treat 9310 now
Mrgunsngear Channel what about aero bolts
They're great. Whether or not they're worth the money is your call.
So if PSA has a Carpenter 158 and 9310 bolt for the same price, get the 9310?
Lol. No, 9310 is cheaper than 158c . Thats the only reason its being used by so many companies. Its not an upgrade. There's a reason the military uses 158c and not 9310 or S7. You want a bolt thats not too hard or too soft. (158c)
@@ebhsports6251 you are wrong and a simple google serch will prove it
You gotta get your wife a Vltor A5 buffer & tube. It would make a good review video too.
I know, It's JUST a buffer tube & buffer but that extra inch in length with a heavier buffer & a rifle spring makes a huge difference. It really does make a carbine feel like a full length rifle buffer system & it's only an inch longer overall than a standard buffer tube. lol I have been accused of working for Vltor but I don't, I just really like my system. I think their buffer system is a great product that is getting overlooked.
+shananagans5 I have one; thanks
shananagans5 OR you could just get an adjustable gas block.
Appreciate the video you made so I can learn about BCG and Carrier...
Allan Toy you're welcome
Do you have any experience with Young Manufacturing BCG, particularly their NM carriers? Yes they don't stake their carriers, but they claim to increase accuracy because of it's increased surface area leading to better lock up. Truth or BS?
All the info I've been looking for! Great video! Thanks
My honest opinion is just what I said in the video. They may well be fine but a lot more research has been done on 158c bolts.
AL is for ArmaLite. M is for magnetic particle inspected. The 02---no clue.
FWIW I've got good luck with the AIM BCG's. But the best staking I've seen has been from a rock river hard chrome BCG. It has been excellent so far.
Edit: I've had good luck...
+Sneakywakiki thanks
Do you notice a huge difference between a standard forearm and one that is free float in terms of accuracy. I am considering a carbine rifle build for defensive use out to say 150 yards. I will not be adding lights or laser, just some troy battle sights and an aimpoint. it will be a budget rifle strictly for the bug out bag.
ritesideofthefence 58 Yes.
thanks for the response. I was originally thinking colt le6920 or LMT defender I guess I will look towards something already equipped with a free float. Again thank you.
ritesideofthefence 58 $90 WILL GET YOU A TRLS1 STREAMLIGHT... NOT A BAD ADDITION..
Great vid. Now if only there were any BCG's available. AR parts are like unicorns at this point, lol.
Happy Holidays! Keep up the great vids!
Shoot---maybe. A BCM went for $490 on gunbroker yesterday!!! Nuts....
question...i have a AR-10 and was wondering if it helps the BCG move foward easier without the stock being extended all way out far as buffer and spring go...??
no
lol nice. My BCM bolts are the same but my carriers do seem to have a couple of different finishes on them, one is blacker.
I’ve been trying to decide if I wanna do a ballistic advantage build. They use 9310 bolts
Glad it helped you.
1.Spike's Tactical
2.Palmetto State Armory (premium ones)
3.Colt
4.Bravo Company
These are the companies He recommends at 8:05
What's the best steel for the bolt carrier group. Also how would you rank nib fail zero, aim surplus nib , and bcm. from 1st to 3rd?
Daniel Defense has a great rep in the BCG arena (they just ask a premium on them)...as well as their rifles
Knights Armament has also addressed the bolt issue as had LWRC.
A BCG is pretty difficult to find these days huh
Great video!
I've heard that as well.
I'm ordering a BCG an A.P. and one is nitride and one is phosphate with chrome lined carrier and gas key..... with both having a lifetime guarantee and both having all those tests done.... which one would you get??? Or is better???
Thanks; will do.
My bolt says AL M 02
It's an armalite m15. Do you know what that code means? And did you make a video about the armalite boltcarrier? If not can you please when you have the time? Thanks for any help
Always love your videos man. Keep it up
will do
thank you, I want to build an ar from scratch. this video helped.
...but does NiB or the new nitride last longer before surface needs to be re-treated???
Great video. I hope you do more comparison videos like this one .
Question: I have a crbine gas system w. An enhanced BCG, now if I were to chng that to a full auto BCG would I need to change the buffer and spring? My buffer has no markings on it.
yeah I cant believe what ar15`s and accessories are going for right now! I saw a bushmaster carbon 15 go for $1800! Looks like I got my ar just in time. I went with a core 15, seems like its really well made. BCG is really nice too....got it a week after the election right b4 everything went crazy....
Thank you for a great video, Ares Armor seems to produce a great nitride coated BCG as well at a reasonable price. Thanks again for all the great vids!
snakeub9 awesome.
Great video, i took notes.. building my first ar
I haven't but that's a good idea; just put it on my viewer request list (that's where this one came from).
The company I saw is called Adams Arms. They have a one piece carrier. I can't post a link to it here. There are pictures of it on the AR15.com message board. They look nice, but I am new to the AR-15 platform. Thanks again for your videos.
have you ever used any bolts from Cryptic Coatings? I have a BCG and very pleased with its performance. rapid fire or single shot accuracy. Very easy to clean and seems to be very well built.
M400 then you may want to just bite the bullet and pick it up as long as it's priced reasonably. But, short answer--I wouldn't recommend one but these aren't normal times.
I understand what you're saying. However, I've seen a 30,000 round LMT e-bolt and a 60,000+ round KAC bolt. Those are physical impossibilities from a std AR bolt. Whether they are improvement and whether the cost-to-benefit ratio are two different questions....though both valid.
I use a std LMT bolt, for the record, and have no plans to change from it. But I also use their E-carrier and the Vltor A5 recoil system, so my bolt life will necessarily be longer than otherwise.
Is it unusual for the bolt to wear on one side instead of all the way around? I have a colt LE6920 and I noticed a couple days ago that on the bolt it is wearing on the "nipple" that goes in to the bcg on one side.
+dpmontg yes.
awesome video, a must see before buying a bcg.
+gnittillc thanks
Solid choice
everyone!!! the Premium Palmetto state bolt carriers are on sale for $69!!! I just ordered 3!! it is one of there daily deals...
🇺🇸
What do you think about spikes tacticool??
You don't hear much about bcm around the water cooler, yet that is my pick for sure. they only rank 7ish on the tacticool sliding scale
What do you mean by "tacticool" in relation to spikes? Is it a specific product?
lol it is tacticool, spike's in general.
Spikes makes great stuff; top notch.
What is your honest opinion about the 9310 bolts? I just bought a nickel boron bcg with a 9310 bolt. The company I bought it from uses the same company fall zero uses for their nickel boron. After shipping with a 11 percent discount it was $149.
I was looking at a WMD NibX BCG w/ NibX hammer. JUst wondering what you view was on these if you have heard anything about them.
I've seen some decently priced BCGs meeting all the specs in your video, with the exception of Nitride instead of chrome lined bolt&gas key ports. thoughts on nitride?
i wonder how many rounds the avg. military issued rifle has through it to have a bolt lug shear off.
+shihster88 I'd imagine 10-25k
Can you elaborate a little further on The PSA premium BCG, from what I looked up, they all show as premium. Am I missing something? I am going with your recommendation. Thanks for the great reviews.
Great video. Any recommendation for a piston bolt carrier group?
Thanks in advance
+Itchy Fingers no, sorry
Your opinion on a nitrided BCG..and inside the gas key and the carrier cylinder wall not being chrome lined..but are nitrided instead? Good or bad?
Indeed.