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BCA bolt action upper for $350? (Page 10 of 21)
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Originally Posted By D_Man: I'm considering using one of these to make something silly.  https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/157876/Screenshot_2025-04-22_181334-3523558.png That's pretty much what I am doing with mine. Except a Strike folding brace and 4.5" 300blk barrel for a dedicated sub stick. That fell apart as I couldn't get the barrel to shoot any sub very well. 190-225 bullet weights and powders aa1680, cfeblack, and some testing with titegroup. Barrel was a budget 1-5 twist. Need to test subs in my nicer barrels to see if I'm expecting too much from subs. Had high hopes for the titegroup since its so quiet and very low sds. Still need to cut my carrier down. Dedicated lower and pic adapter is inbound. Already justifiying picking up the BC-10 version to play with other left over barrels. Probably end up folding stocking that one too. Bonus Pro tip: The adjustable cheekpiece for Strike Industries folding stock fits the single folding brace. |
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| I'm in a quandary. I've got a buddy that is going to build a 300 blackout. In his diligence he made it a bad buy and bought a semi-automatic. So here's my quandary. They've got the receiver bolt for $189, or you can buy an AR-15 upper for about $30 more and get a handguard or gasport cover and a barrel. And I could just basically do a barrel swap to get him up and running in 300 blackout. |
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Originally Posted By TNRonin: I'm in a quandary. I've got a buddy that is going to build a 300 blackout. In his diligence he made it a bad buy and bought a semi-automatic. So here's my quandary. They've got the receiver bolt for $189, or you can buy an AR-15 upper for about $30 more and get a handguard or gasport cover and a barrel. And I could just basically do a barrel swap to get him up and running in 300 blackout. A full kit for that price is a good deal. On a few occasions I have saved on bundles than I would've by sourcing individual parts. |
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Value this as you will. |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: Thanks for the compliment. It makes me happy if it's useful to anyone. Anyone that has feedback or suggestions on the BCA Bolt-Action Upper Guide, please let me know. I am very open to constructive criticism, whether it's the info, the phrasing, typos, the order info is presented, what pictures I chose, etc. My big to-do list includes improving the details (e.g.: specify screw specs, other measurements including weights), getting a few better pictures/diagrams, and adding a section explaining the unlocked-firing safety concern. Wow, this was a lot of work, and really helpful. Thanks for doing all of this! Lots of good information! I think you've become the authority on these things... 
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Originally Posted By ELittlefield: I done did it. I disassembled the factory x39 upper, found a spare 5.56 bolt, and spun on the Can Cannon/golf ball launcher. https://i.imgur.com/GswN0lj.jpeg" target="_blank">https://i.imgur.com/GswN0lj.jpeg https://i.imgur.com/755iM5Q.jpeg" target="_blank">https://i.imgur.com/755iM5Q.jpeg That’ll be fun! |
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If anyone wants to 3D print a spacer for the bolt handle that pushes it out enough to stop the metal-on-metal contact, here you go: https://odysee.com/BCA-Bolt-Handle-Spacer:e It will require two M5x20mm screws. |
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First, awesome for sharing the spacer file! Originally Posted By D_Man: It will require two M5x20mm screws. ??? From all my work and testing, these are not M5 screws, but are #10-32. M5 are tighter than they should be. M5 and 10-32 are VERY close in dimensions, but the M5 are about .24mm/.009" wider in diameter (#10 - 4.76250mm - .1875" vs. M5 - 5mm - .19685") and slightly fewer teeth per inch (31.496 tpi for .8 mm pitch vs 32 tpi). You can get M5s and #10-32s in the each other's threaded holes, but it's very tight and will cause damage to the softer threads if the engagement is more than a handful of threads deep. |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: First, awesome for sharing the spacer file! ??? From all my work and testing, these are not M5 screws, but are #10-32. M5 are tighter than they should be. M5 and 10-32 are VERY close in dimensions, but the M5 are about .24mm/.009" wider in diameter (#10 - 4.76250mm - .1875" vs. M5 - 5mm - .19685") and slightly fewer teeth per inch (31.496 tpi for .8 mm pitch vs 32 tpi). You can get M5s and #10-32s in the each other's threaded holes, but it's very tight and will cause damage to the softer threads if the engagement is more than a handful of threads deep. |
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I just pulled out my thread pitch gauge, and the BCA screws are definitely 32 TPI, which rules out metric. BCA doesn't use the most expensive bolts/screws. If the valleys are cut a bit wide and the tops of the threads are rounded off a bit, they would easily fit. With only 1/2 a tooth difference over an inch of shaft combined with tolerance issues, they are close enough that using spec one nut with the other spec screw is possible. |
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The pocket sniper. Just got the bolt cut. Still have way too big of a scope on it for accuracy testing and will probably try a better barrel. Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By bendigo78: The pocket sniper. Just got the bolt cut. Still have way too big of a scope on it for accuracy testing and will probably try a better barrel. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/26018/20250503_130454_jpg-3532159.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/26018/20250503_130440_jpg-3532161.JPG Excellent....that is similar to the idea I have...nice to see it in real life..so to speak. |
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Originally Posted By bendigo78: The pocket sniper. Just got the bolt cut. Still have way too big of a scope on it for accuracy testing and will probably try a better barrel. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/26018/20250503_130454_jpg-3532159.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/26018/20250503_130440_jpg-3532161.JPG 
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Originally Posted By TNRonin: This is my final iteration, waiting on the bolt handle relocation. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/13145/IMG_20250423_142353_jpg-3524622.JPG @TNRonin What buffer tube adapter are you using? Curious about the removable function. Thanks |
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Originally Posted By sparkchaser774: @TNRonin What buffer tube adapter are you using? Curious about the removable function. Thanks To connect the BS you insert into the keyway and twist. Too remove, press the protruding button, twist counter clockwise. It can be used wish semiautomatics. Attached File |
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In the beginning, BCA created their bolt upper action ... and didn't sell upper kits. They said they weren't going to sell them. Then people already doing custom builds by taking apart their uppers started asking for the kits. Now they sell them. I notice BCA isn't selling pistol length bolt uppers. Now that a bunch of people here are doing it, how long do you think it is before BCA starts? I really don't care if BCA sells short uppers, but the thought made me laugh, for some reason. If they do start selling them, I'll chuckle some more. Nice compact pistols there. @D_Man , what's that brace? And lower, for that matter -- is that 3d printed? |
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Originally Posted By D_Man: Nice. I just finished putting mine together as well, same idea but a bit longer barrel. If it performs well enough I'll invest in a MD for one of my cans. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/157876/6c7d9o0-3532531.png Dude, that's cool. Are you doing 300 or 556? I'm struggling to get any decent accuracy from my subs. Granted most were loaded just to cycle in a semi and I didn't think about actually grouping them. They didnt do well in my 9". Of course the subx had 4 around an inch then a flier went 4" left. The titegroup subs I played with sound amazing in these. I'm kinda stuck until I figure the accuracy out. |
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Originally Posted By bendigo78: Dude, that's cool. Are you doing 300 or 556? I'm struggling to get any decent accuracy from my subs. Granted most were loaded just to cycle in a semi and I didn't think about actually grouping them. They didnt do well in my 9". Of course the subx had 4 around an inch then a flier went 4" left. The titegroup subs I played with sound amazing in these. I'm kinda stuck until I figure the accuracy out.
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Originally Posted By Uys: A couple of the 5.56 bolt uppers are down to $220. Have to try one out for that price. Originally Posted By Uys: A couple of the 5.56 bolt uppers are down to $220. Have to try one out for that price. Yep. Wish I had waited a little longer as I when I ordered my first in February, they were $299.95 plus shipping and tax. Still no regrets as I am really enjoying this platform being in a ban state. My recent post from page 9: Originally Posted By thederrick106: A few different 556 and one 7.62x39 complete uppers (16") are down to $219.95. I couldn't get a coupon code to work but after $10 shipping and tax I was right around $250. I probably didn't need another one but ordered a 556 for future build use anyways. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/140266/Screenshot_2025-04-30_080842_jpg-3529492.JPG |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Originally Posted By bendigo78: The pocket sniper. Just got the bolt cut. Still have way too big of a scope on it for accuracy testing and will probably try a better barrel. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/26018/20250503_130454_jpg-3532159.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/26018/20250503_130440_jpg-3532161.JPG What handguard is that? |
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Originally Posted By Normlizer: What handguard is that? I don't remember. Cheap. Found it OhHunt |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: In the beginning, BCA created their bolt upper action ... and didn't sell upper kits. They said they weren't going to sell them. Then people already doing custom builds by taking apart their uppers started asking for the kits. Now they sell them. I notice BCA isn't selling pistol length bolt uppers. Now that a bunch of people here are doing it, how long do you think it is before BCA starts? I really don't care if BCA sells short uppers, but the thought made me laugh, for some reason. If they do start selling them, I'll chuckle some more. It's a funny paradigm that bca stepped into. On one hand you're like why would anyone want the bolt action equivalent of an ar and on the other there's already a precision rifle market doing the exact same thing. It's a $500 rifle (or pistol) that does what several bolt action companies are already doing (ie ruger rpr, SIG cross, and Q fix) while being 95% ar parts compatible for a quarter the price. I already started gathering the parts for an Ar10 version. It's a perfect platform to accuracy test barrels without having to deal with gas and cycling variables. Theres a woa 308 barrel in my parts bin that I spent $480 on 20 years ago that's going to get a second look. |
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Originally Posted By bendigo78: It's a funny paradigm that bca stepped into. On one hand you're like why would anyone want the bolt action equivalent of an ar and on the other there's already a precision rifle market doing the exact same thing. It's a $500 rifle (or pistol) that does what several bolt action companies are already doing (ie ruger rpr, SIG cross, and Q fix) while being 95% ar parts compatible for a quarter the price. I already started gathering the parts for an Ar10 version. It's a perfect platform to accuracy test barrels without having to deal with gas and cycling variables. Theres a woa 308 barrel in my parts bin that I spent $480 on 20 years ago that's going to get a second look. Not to slam military members or the military, but I feel like the "if it's not mil-spec"/"that's now how the military does it" comments are VERY common here as justification for avoiding new products. There's many good reasons to want a bolt-action AR upper, but they are so far outside the mil-spec thought-box, they are hard to see from under the bright marquee of "AR15.com". I hadn't really expressly considered it a platform for testing a barrel. Great call on that. I'll make sure it's on the list next time it comes up. |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: Not to slam military members or the military, but I feel like the "if it's not mil-spec"/"that's now how the military does it" comments are VERY common here as justification for avoiding new products. There's many good reasons to want a bolt-action AR upper, but they are so far outside the mil-spec thought-box, they are hard to see from under the bright marquee of "AR15.com". I hadn't really expressly considered it a platform for testing a barrel. Great call on that. I'll make sure it's on the list next time it comes up. Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: Originally Posted By bendigo78: It's a funny paradigm that bca stepped into. On one hand you're like why would anyone want the bolt action equivalent of an ar and on the other there's already a precision rifle market doing the exact same thing. It's a $500 rifle (or pistol) that does what several bolt action companies are already doing (ie ruger rpr, SIG cross, and Q fix) while being 95% ar parts compatible for a quarter the price. I already started gathering the parts for an Ar10 version. It's a perfect platform to accuracy test barrels without having to deal with gas and cycling variables. Theres a woa 308 barrel in my parts bin that I spent $480 on 20 years ago that's going to get a second look. Not to slam military members or the military, but I feel like the "if it's not mil-spec"/"that's now how the military does it" comments are VERY common here as justification for avoiding new products. There's many good reasons to want a bolt-action AR upper, but they are so far outside the mil-spec thought-box, they are hard to see from under the bright marquee of "AR15.com". I hadn't really expressly considered it a platform for testing a barrel. Great call on that. I'll make sure it's on the list next time it comes up. Very true. For me living in a ban state it's a great alternative to the kali key in the form of its own upper. I never cared much for the abomination stock options so for the last many years have not bothered with the AR platform. I am right back to it now and really enjoying it. I consider ammo to be pretty expensive now compared to when I first got into it. Running a bolt each round slows me way down which isn't a bad thing for punching paper. It's also more natural than running the rear charging handle to cycle the action. Waiting for this weather to clear up so I can put some rounds through my 20" 556 bolt action that I topped with a Vortex Diamondback Tactical 3-9x40mm. I have the same scope on my Remington model 700 30-06 budget-built target rifle. |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: Not to slam military members or the military, but I feel like the "if it's not mil-spec"/"that's now how the military does it" comments are VERY common here as justification for avoiding new products. There's many good reasons to want a bolt-action AR upper, but they are so far outside the mil-spec thought-box, they are hard to see from under the bright marquee of "AR15.com". I hadn't really expressly considered it a platform for testing a barrel. Great call on that. I'll make sure it's on the list next time it comes up. Instead of looking at it from an Ar15 down, pretend the ar15 semiauto doesn't exist. You want to assemble some version of a specific bolt action, whether compact pistol or precision long gun. You have a bolt action (upper) and your options for the front of the stock, rear of stock, grip, trigger, every interface component are almost limitless. With your standard bolt action you have to find the particular stock that encompasses all of your wants from front to rear and the feeding system. Your options are going to be limited and it's going to be expensive. With this system and the aftermarket you're only limited by your wallet and imagination. Forget building a compact bolt action pistol for $600 on a traditional action. With the BC10 project I want to see how close you can come to a Sig Cross type precision rifle with the platform and premium barrel. Can you slap together a precision rifle with leftover ar10 parts, a $200 action, and a good barrel. There's an 8.6blk upper headed my way. I don't do 8.6 but I didn't need anymore 6.5 or 308 cheap barrels and may end up playing with it in the future. If the 308 test barrel does well I may end up doing an accuracy comparison of one of my good shooting 10's. Group the barrel in semi auto form then group it in the bolt action config and see if there's a difference. |
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Originally Posted By bendigo78: Instead of looking at it from an Ar15 down, pretend the ar15 semiauto doesn't exist. You want to assemble some version of a specific bolt action, whether compact pistol or precision long gun. You have a bolt action (upper) and your options for the front of the stock, rear of stock, grip, trigger, every interface component are almost limitless. With your standard bolt action you have to find the particular stock that encompasses all of your wants from front to rear and the feeding system. Your options are going to be limited and it's going to be expensive. With this system and the aftermarket you're only limited by your wallet and imagination. Forget building a compact bolt action pistol for $600 on a traditional action. With the BC10 project I want to see how close you can come to a Sig Cross type precision rifle with the platform and premium barrel. Can you slap together a precision rifle with leftover ar10 parts, a $200 action, and a good barrel. There's an 8.6blk upper headed my way. I don't do 8.6 but I didn't need anymore 6.5 or 308 cheap barrels and may end up playing with it in the future. If the 308 test barrel does well I may end up doing an accuracy comparison of one of my good shooting 10's. Group the barrel in semi auto form then group it in the bolt action config and see if there's a difference. You're going for precision, yes? How do you bed your barrels? Shimming or green locktite? It seems like the only onerous part of this would be bedding it on each platform only to take it apart afterward. That conceptual view of this upper is a good one. Call me a Fudd, but what drew me to the AR platform was the customizability, including the ability to replicate the performance of other classic cartridges including the .30-30 and .45-70, and the ability to emulate other platforms, like pistol caliber guns including the MP5 and other sub-machineguns. Given an AR-15 box of thought, my brain is and always has been outside looking in. It kinda starts with how I've held the opinion for decades that while deadly and effective for the military, the 5.56 / .223 chamberings were either anemic or suboptimal for my desires, whether for hunting or home defense. |
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Originally Posted By TNRonin: As long as there's space to allow the tail of the bolt to retract into. The 1913 adapter from Evolution Weapons Systems that's designed for their buffereless bolt carrier group gives about 3/4" (estimation only) of retraction space within the buffer tower. The adapter is currently out of stock and not cheap, but it's probably about the right depth. |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: You're going for precision, yes? How do you bed your barrels? Shimming or green locktite? It seems like the only onerous part of this would be bedding it on each platform only to take it apart afterward. Every project has an expectation of precision, especially when it's a bolt action. I want to see what the cheapest bolt action from the very bottom of budget tiers is capable of. I think it's going to be surprising. The ar15 version surprised me with a barrel of questionable heritage and a hodgepodge of leftover low end parts. I prefer thermal fit bedding with 1 or 2 thou stainless shim stock but if I can't get atleast a half wrap of 1 thou on it, I'll give it some green loctite. If it's snug but not thermal fit snug it'll get a couple drops of green. The 8.6 Bc-10 hit the porch today. Just tore it down and shimmed the .308 barrel to it just to figure out that the gas collar is .875 and I'm out of leftover low profile gas blocks. Had the 4.5" back out today with some random subs I found I'd loaded with Lil gun that didn't cycle an auto. Showed more promise with less than an inch of vertical dispersion but 2-4" of horizontal. |
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I think it'll be as accurate as you barrel can be. I have a theory that any given barrel will be more accurate in bolt action form than semi. It's just a theory based on a sample of one though. Maybe all the tolerances stacked in my favor. Maybe I'll pull random barrels out of the parts bin and see what they can do on my sunday trips to the range while I figure out what to do with the 300b. |
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Originally Posted By bendigo78: Maybe I'll pull random barrels out of the parts bin and see what they can do on my sunday trips to the range while I figure out what to do with the 300b. When in doubt, walk around holding it like a scepter, and act like you're the type of person who's supposed to be holding a scepter. If you play the part right, your scepter being a barrel will not be what is noticed. |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: When in doubt, walk around holding it like a scepter, and act like you're the type of person who's supposed to be holding a scepter. If you play the part right, your scepter being a barrel will not be what is noticed. The scepter of disappointment and despair. It has been reborn into 223 wylde 5r Rainer Intermediate (shmedium or something lightish weight) for some accuracy testing. Don't really remember what this barrel did but being somewhere between a pencil and lightweight probably meh. The 300 did give me one more middle finger on the way out in the muzzle device being stuck on and between the gas block, barrel nut, and being 4 and 1/2 inches long, there's no way to get a good grab on the barrel to break it loose. The 8.6 manbun has transitioned to a 308. |
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Originally Posted By AL1EN: I did something today. Went and changed my setup a little bit. FM ranch lower with a 350 legend barrel. https://i.imgur.com/JzSAFjw.jpeg I want to say I really like it ... but my wood-stocked soul chills ever so slightly as I start to. The furniture/frame two-tone aesthetic brings more of the modern sporting rifle feel to the build, despite it using the 870 stock. The ergonomics are a nice feel, right? I've shot 870s since I was able to bird hunt, and I like the feel of the bolt upper + ranch lower. Besides, this upper just screams bufferless lower. Do you like the scope at that height using that stock? I ended up using lower rings as I reflexively treat it like a Remington 870 and my head/eye wants to drop to the receiver top, as with a shotgun. I found the lower I got the scope mounted, the more comfortable I was. |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: I want to say I really like it ... but my wood-stocked soul chills ever so slightly as I start to. The furniture/frame two-tone aesthetic brings more of the modern sporting rifle feel to the build, despite it using the 870 stock. The ergonomics are a nice feel, right? I've shot 870s since I was able to bird hunt, and I like the feel of the bolt upper + ranch lower. Besides, this upper just screams bufferless lower. Do you like the scope at that height using that stock? I ended up using lower rings as I reflexively treat it like a Remington 870 and my head/eye wants to drop to the receiver top, as with a shotgun. I found the lower I got the scope mounted, the more comfortable I was. Ergo feels great, by no means does it feel like a traditional rifle like my rem 700. For that reason I ruled out wood plus I’m not a huge fan of the new trend of putting wood on a modern rifles. Scope hight is perfect, with a quick shoulder your looking down the scope right of the rip. I did go FDE for the color scheme to nod to the tactical side but also to just not have another black rifle. Think it makes you look at it more and see it’s truly a unique build. Just waiting on my flash hider to show and I’m off to the range to sling lead… expensive lead, I did not know 350 legend was so pricey I just wanted another caliber to the collection. |
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Originally Posted By AL1EN: I just wanted another caliber to the collection. While I personally love the wood furniture on the modern rifles, I can relate to wanting to add another caliber. I'm certain the ultimate goal of building an ARs with different caliber uppers is the same as that of saving the whales: to have one of each. |
BCA bolt action upper for $350? (Page 10 of 21)
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