So, I'm wondering, since it feels like each piston gun I've shot has sort of a.... slow feel to the recoil, would a lightweight Bolt Carrier Group, like the one Adams makes, speed up the recoil and allow for a faster cyclic rate?

A lighter carrier will give a faster cycle rate, provided that the buffer, gas settings and main action spring remain the same. But there's no free lunch and faster cycle rates usually translate to diminished shooter recovery/control and faster part wear of critical items such as bolts, cam pins, carrier, upper and barrel extension due primarily to impact loading. And when considering the mass equation, don't forget that all recoiling parts that are connected contribute to mass. In other words, on a DI or short stroke tappet design, the carrier and buffer combined will equal the total mass, and on a long stroke system such as PWS, the op-rod & piston also contribute to total mass in addition to the carrier and buffer.

In my opinion and experience, more mass is generally a good thing.

This is the cheapest way to speed up the cyclic rate. Taccom Ultra Lightweight Carbine Buffer This will increase recoil and wear, slightly, if an adjustable gas system is not used.

I would prefer to lose mass in the BCG and keep it in the buffer's reciprocating mass. The buffer helps keep a pause at the rear of the stroke along with a tap at the close of the stroke to keep the BCG from bouncing open.



I'm running an AP Custom low mass BCG for cyclic purposes as my rifle is consistently functioning between 750 and 1000rpm. Since it's a semi auto and does not have an auto sear I have to ensure the bolt cycles faster than the hammer gets dropped or I will get a hammer follow event. I've moved to a Sprinco Orange spring with the low mass BCG and it's been working great.



ETA: Here is more info on the AP low mass BCG and why I wanted it.



http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/655109_BumpSAW_Bump_IAR_Picture_Video_and_theoretical_discussion_thread_.html



http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/669835_AP_Customs_Rhino_Low_Mass_5_56_Bolt_Carrier_Group_Picture_Review_and_POF_Roller_Cam_installation.html

As a follow up to my earlier post, here's a video of our GXR-4 (unreleased yet). Note the really slow cycle rate, even WITH a suppressor and the high mass carrier has a lot to do with it. Part wear on this platform is minimal and controllability is excellent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZiwAwQQ8iw