Help me choose a BCG

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Help me choose a BCG

Posted: 10/26/2020 8:00:07 PM EDT

I'm building my dream AR and want to outfit it with the absolute best BCG. I have a few questions though. How good is titanium? And what's the best coating? I've always thought that DLC was undoubtedly the best, but I would gladly welcome the experience from people more knowledgeable than me. Also, please refrain yourself from saying things like "A BCM will do just fine" or "A basic mil-spec lower works great". I don't want it to be good enough or to do just fine, I want the best of the best. These are some of the options I researched but any other one that's better is welcomed. Also whatever it is I end up choosing, is it recommendable to swap the bolt for the Sharps Relia-bolt?

-Walker Defense titanium BCG. Titanium BCG coated with DLC on the carrier and NiB on the bolt.
-Battle Arms Development titanium BCG. Titanium BCG with armorTI coating.
-V Seven titanium BCG. Titanium BCG coated with DLC on the carrier and NiB on the bolt.
-Toolcraft Diamond DLC BCG. 8620 TPAQ steel with DLC coating.
-Sharps Xtreme Performance DLC BCG. S7 tool steel BCG coated in black DLC.

Posted: 10/26/2020 8:16:49 PM EDT

[#1]

If money is no object, I'd go with an LMT Enhanced Bolt along with LMT's standard carrier...

https://lmtdefense.com/product/l7fb3/

...and if you have an over gassed carbine, I'd suggest their enhanced carrier...

https://lmtdefense.com/product/l7q3/

LMT makes a very high quality product and I've never heard of/read about a broken LMT Enhanced Bolt.

Posted: 10/26/2020 8:27:28 PM EDT

[#2]

The best is the LMT Enhanced BCG. Apart from that one, I use BCM BCG's.

ETA: The reason BCM is recommended is because it is that good.

Posted: 10/26/2020 8:27:28 PM EDT

[#3]

LMT e-bolt , Geissele REBCG, Microbest Chrome BCG or Daniel Defense Chrome BCG. Right at the moment you will pay out the rear for an LMT e-bolt.

Posted: 10/26/2020 8:30:32 PM EDT

[#4]

I put together a few BCG’s I consider to be bombproof.
KAC Sandcutter with LMT enhanced bolt.

Attached File

Posted: 10/26/2020 8:35:05 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
I put together a few BCG’s I consider to be bombproof.
KAC Sandcutter with LMT enhanced bolt.
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/236598/D87F2A5A-D348-446B-8F7B-33BED04D8DFD_jpe-1655468.JPG

View Quote

I like chrome carriers with my ebolts also.

Attached File

Posted: 10/26/2020 9:40:27 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
I'm building my dream AR and want to outfit it with the absolute best BCG. I have a few questions though. How good is titanium? And what's the best coating? I've always thought that DLC was undoubtedly the best, but I would gladly welcome the experience from people more knowledgeable than me. Also, please refrain yourself from saying things like "A BCM will do just fine" or "A basic mil-spec lower works great". I don't want it to be good enough or to do just fine, I want the best of the best. These are some of the options I researched but any other one that's better is welcomed. Also whatever it is I end up choosing, is it recommendable to swap the bolt for the Sharps Relia-bolt?

-Walker Defense titanium BCG. Titanium BCG coated with DLC on the carrier and NiB on the bolt.
-Battle Arms Development titanium BCG. Titanium BCG with armorTI coating.
-V Seven titanium BCG. Titanium BCG coated with DLC on the carrier and NiB on the bolt.
-Toolcraft Diamond DLC BCG. 8620 TPAQ steel with DLC coating.
-Sharps Xtreme Performance DLC BCG. S7 tool steel BCG coated in black DLC.

View Quote

Personally, I would take a toolcraft mil spec phosphate over every single one of those.

Otherwise, pair an LMT e-bolt with a KAC sand cutter or a JP full mass carrier and call it a day.

But if you want the best.......

Attached File

Posted: 10/26/2020 10:56:18 PM EDT

[#7]

BCM

Posted: 10/26/2020 10:59:02 PM EDT

[#8]

OP - you are overthinking this. Most all reputable brands have BCGs that are just plain fine. Tookcradt and two othe brands make military BCGs. Yes. I think LMT makes the best. Yes, BCM and DD make damn good BCGs. Geissele has a fine BCG that fixed a problem that did not exist, but marketed it well.

PSA purchased Tookcraft. They have have done BCGs, as does Rock River and Stag and FN and Colt.

I would not spend money on anything else that adds costs fir marketed phones baloney.

Posted: 10/26/2020 11:45:46 PM EDT

[#9]

Tool craft will deliver the goods, bottom line. If you want a "mil spec" carrier group that you'll never, ever have to worry about, DD is the way. I have two DD bolts with close to 15k rounds on them that would probably be good for another 15k. Would have zero reservations about putting them back into any of my rifles.

If you want an enhanced carrier, LMT, KAC, and JP make some really nice kit with functional improvements to the standard design. How much those improvements matter is up for debate, but whether they are an improvement in absolute terms is definitely answered in the positive.

Posted: 10/27/2020 12:41:50 AM EDT

[#10]

Depends on what you want to spend. Best to me means LMT enhanced bolt, Sionics NP3 carrier and cam pin, BCM firing pin and retaining pin. I have several of them and not only do they work great, they clean up easy. My second choice would be a DD hard-chrome BCG followed by BCM. After that, Toolcraft or Aero works well. My wife did break a Toolcraft bolt and she shoots like a girl!

Parkerized or Nitride. IMO and experience, NiB sucks.

Posted: 10/27/2020 9:11:26 AM EDT

[#11]

I use Colt

Posted: 10/27/2020 10:22:26 AM EDT

[#12]

Probably an LMT Enhanced bolt, I've got a couple. But I'm starting to buy JP Bolts, cheaper and they are the nicest machined bolts I've personally seen.

Posted: 10/27/2020 10:31:15 AM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:

Personally, I would take a toolcraft mil spec phosphate over every single one of those.

Otherwise, pair an LMT e-bolt with a KAC sand cutter or a JP full mass carrier and call it a day.

But if you want the best.......

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/6045/D9905E46-80EF-4341-9A87-9265C01BE8D2_jpe-1655618.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/6045/36CB8524-ED2E-4F05-91B6-BF8FCB3CD670_jpe-1655626.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/6045/F8EBC44B-F327-4F2A-9DBD-0110A6615EA3_png-1655633.JPG

View Quote

@Marksmen14
Who’s chrome gas keys did you install on your Kac sandcutter’s?
I’ve been debating about installing YM chrome gas keys on mine.

Posted: 10/27/2020 2:04:33 PM EDT

[#14]

Only 4 I would ever consider are...

LMT Enhanced - for function

KAC Sandcutter - for looks

Bootleg Adjustable - for gas problems

Milspec BCG - for $

Posted: 10/27/2020 10:13:59 PM EDT

[#15]

I’ve got tens of thousands of rounds through the following with no issues.

Colt, BCM, Toolcraft and LaRue

Other than my duty rifle (cleaned after every training) I’m not meticulous on cleaning.

Usual wipe them down and bore snake a rifle after 2-3 training days.

Keep them lubed and they run fine dirty.

Just watched a video on SOLGW bolt carrier group... may have to grab one

Posted: 10/27/2020 11:18:57 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:

@Marksmen14
Who’s chrome gas keys did you install on your Kac sandcutter’s?
I’ve been debating about installing YM chrome gas keys on mine.

View Quote

YM, with OCKS and a MOACKS

Posted: 10/28/2020 1:14:06 AM EDT

[#17]

Unless you're shooting a ridiculous number of rounds, I find it unlikely an average user would wear out a name brand BCG from a company like Colt, LMT, DD, KAC, Larue, BCM, ect.

Any of these BCGs should be flawless for thousands upon thousands of rounds of ammo. I understand wanting the best, but you're really reaching the point of diminishing returns trying to outperform name brand bolt carrier groups.

For what it's worth, I've yet to see one of my agency's Colt BCGs fail. I'm sure it has happened, but it's such a rare occurrence as to almost not be a consideration. I'd venture a guess that the barrel may be shot out by the time the BCG fails.

Posted: 10/28/2020 7:39:57 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
I'm building my dream AR and want to outfit it with the absolute best BCG.

Also, please refrain yourself from saying things like "A BCM will do just fine"

-Walker Defense titanium BCG. Titanium BCG coated with DLC on the carrier and NiB on the bolt.
-Battle Arms Development titanium BCG. Titanium BCG with armorTI coating.
-V Seven titanium BCG. Titanium BCG coated with DLC on the carrier and NiB on the bolt.
-Toolcraft Diamond DLC BCG. 8620 TPAQ steel with DLC coating.
-Sharps Xtreme Performance DLC BCG. S7 tool steel BCG coated in black DLC.

View Quote

BCM is definitely above those you listed. Don't fall for these weird coatings and gimmicks.

You want the best I'd say piecing each individual part is your best bet

LMT enhanced bolt
KAC sand cutter
Forward controls coated cam pin (w' dot)
Not sure about firing pin and retaining maybe BCM

Geissele REBCG ilis pretty nice and seems like a better version of the gimmicks you listed

Or you can really have the best and convert the chamber to the E3 from kac (if you really want the so called best)

Posted: 10/28/2020 7:41:43 AM EDT

[#19]

The "Best"...JP.

Attached File

Posted: 10/28/2020 7:57:59 AM EDT

[#20]

Toolcraft works for me!

Does PSA really own them?

Posted: 10/28/2020 8:27:41 AM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
Toolcraft works for me!

Does PSA really own them?

View Quote

No.
Never happened.

Just ask PSA

Posted: 10/28/2020 8:52:38 AM EDT

[#22]

I wouldn’t wast the cash on a Gucci BCG right now. Buy ammo instead. Unless you’re running full auto or suppressed you won’t be justifying the cost and even then, an AO, microbest, or toolcraft with a good C158 bolt will serve you just fine.

I have run a couple different “Enhanced” carriers and personally only see any benefit when I use the LMT carrier when suppressed- my 2 cents: if it’s not suppressed, don’t pursue “solutions in search of a problem”.

Posted: 10/28/2020 1:39:00 PM EDT

[#23]

I have never had an issue with any BCG, ever. That includes all my time in the military too. I have tried like a dozen different flavors of enhanced and adjustable. Now, I just run Colt and BCM. SAC has new unmarked Colt BCGs for $100 shipped.

Posted: 10/28/2020 1:47:05 PM EDT

[#24]

Phosphate: Colt, BCM, DD, Centurion, Sionics

Coated: DD chrome, Geissele REBG, Sionics NP3, JP enhanced

LMT ebolt if you don’t mind proprietary extractor and springs

KAC sandcutter for a carrier only

Posted: 10/28/2020 1:58:24 PM EDT

[#25]

Honestly I'm pretty impressed with the PSA Fathers of Freedom bcg I snagged this summer. Since it's basically the SOLGW BCG ripped off and sold without their logo that shouldn't be surprising. Not bad for $135.

Good staking, tight tolerances, sprinco springs, and the machining and chrome lining are both really smooth. Running it in my new 10.3 build so it's taking a bit of a beating.

Posted: 10/28/2020 4:33:45 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
Phosphate: Colt, BCM, DD, Centurion, Sionics

Coated: DD chrome, Geissele REBG, Sionics NP3, JP enhanced

LMT ebolt if you don't mind proprietary extractor and springs

KAC sandcutter for a carrier only

View Quote

That's an excellent group of carriers. I'd have absolutely zero reservations about putting any of those in a hard use gun and running them for tens of thousands of rounds.

Posted: 10/28/2020 6:27:15 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:
Honestly I'm pretty impressed with the PSA Fathers of Freedom bcg I snagged this summer. Since it's basically the SOLGW BCG ripped off and sold without their logo that shouldn't be surprising. Not bad for $135.

Good staking, tight tolerances, sprinco springs, and the machining and chrome lining are both really smooth. Running it in my new 10.3 build so it's taking a bit of a beating.

View Quote

Microbest is one of the best out there. I wish I snagged one of those

Posted: 10/28/2020 6:41:04 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:

Microbest is one of the best out there. I wish I snagged one of those

View Quote

At one time.

Seen quite a few posts lately of some fuckery regarding chromed bolts/carriers.

Posted: 10/28/2020 6:56:23 PM EDT

[#29]

I don't see any mention of FN. I thought they were on par with Colt and BCM?

Posted: 10/28/2020 7:25:58 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
Tool craft will deliver the goods, bottom line. If you want a "mil spec" carrier group that you'll never, ever have to worry about, DD is the way. I have two DD bolts with close to 15k rounds on them that would probably be good for another 15k. Would have zero reservations about putting them back into any of my rifles.

If you want an enhanced carrier, LMT, KAC, and JP make some really nice kit with functional improvements to the standard design. How much those improvements matter is up for debate, but whether they are an improvement in absolute terms is definitely answered in the positive.

View Quote

^^^ pretty much

Posted: 10/28/2020 7:49:17 PM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
I don't see any mention of FN. I thought they were on par with Colt and BCM?

View Quote

Colt/FN......apples to apples comparison.

Almost all that I run anymore, solid.

Posted: 10/28/2020 7:57:20 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:

Colt/FN......apples to apples comparison.

Almost all that I run anymore, solid.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I don't see any mention of FN. I thought they were on par with Colt and BCM?

Colt/FN......apples to apples comparison.

Almost all that I run anymore, solid.

Same here. Good to know.

Posted: 10/28/2020 8:47:20 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:

At one time.

Seen quite a few posts lately of some fuckery regarding chromed bolts/carriers.

View Quote

Yeah, that is limited to chrome only and outsourced the application I am sure.

I have pakerized one from PK and it is super tight tolerances. The bolt going in the carrier is crazy tight fit. CM stamped bolt interestingly