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Posted: 2/15/2021 4:04:31 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Molon]
Bravo Company 14.5” ELW Accuracy: A Quick Look
ELW stands for enhanced light-weight. This barrel is from Bravo Company’s cold-hammer forged series of barrels. The barrel has a “continuous taper” design with a smooth shoulder at the gas block journal, which reportedly improves barrel harmonics. This barrel has a mid-length gas system and a 0.625” gas block journal. According to Bravo Company, this barrel has a stripped weight of 1 pound, 5 ounces. For comparison, a Colt 14.5” M4 barrel has a stripped weight of 1 pound, 9 ounces. BCM 14.5” ELW  Colt 14.5” M4 barrel. (not stripped)  I purchased this barrel as part of a BCM factory assembled upper receiver group with the MCMR 13” free-float hand guard. The barrel has BCM’s pinned and welded A2X flash hider. Shooting off-the-bench at a distance of 100 yards (using a high magnification scope), this barrel produced a 10-shot group that has an extreme spread of 0.946” with a mean radius of 0.33”.    …. 
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Posted: 2/15/2021 4:09:12 PM EDT
[#1]
Good to see you back.
Looking forward to more testing. |
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USA
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Posted: 2/15/2021 4:12:50 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Switchback_Arms]
[#2]
I appreciate this.
I have a 11.5" ELWF but haven't tested the accuracy much. Thanks! ETA: Interesting the ELW barrels are listed as Cold Hammer Forged but the ELWF barrels are not. |
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TN, USA
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Posted: 2/15/2021 4:23:33 PM EDT
[#3]
Glad to have you back and hope you've been well.
Great results/data as always. I feel like BCM has fallen by the wayside of late and I'm not quite sure why. My (anecdotal) sense is that their reported QC issues are more a function of sample size than issues per 100 units (or whatever denominator you want). Perhaps they just aren't seen as the new kid on the tacticool block anymore. The only BCM barrel I've owned was perfectly good and lasted well north of 10k rounds. It still sits in the spare parts bin, grouped fine, was reasonably gassed, etc. I'd stick it back in an upper without reservation if the need arose. |
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Posted: 2/15/2021 4:35:28 PM EDT
[#4]
Thanks for posting.
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MO, USA
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Posted: 2/15/2021 6:02:13 PM EDT
[#5]
That one sure shoots. I have had some BCM barrels that shot really well and some that were not impressive at all.
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CAN
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Posted: 2/15/2021 6:22:59 PM EDT
[#6]
Interesting.
Really casts doubt on the classic “average” accuracy claims generally associated with BCM. |
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Posted: 2/15/2021 8:03:59 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Donster_125: Interesting. Really casts doubt on the classic “average” accuracy claims generally associated with BCM. The only reason they’re average is because some shoot really good, and some suck. I’ve had enough of both that I pretty much stick with Colt barrels anymore. Whatever they do, they always shoot. |
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CAN
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Posted: 2/15/2021 8:13:12 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By samuse: The only reason they’re average is because some shoot really good, and some suck. I’ve had enough of both that I pretty much stick with Colt barrels anymore. Whatever they do, they always shoot. Fair enough. I was a DD guy until my country banned all AR15s 
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Posted: 2/15/2021 8:15:10 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Donster_125: Interesting. Really casts doubt on the classic “average” accuracy claims generally associated with BCM. Would like to know more about OPs ammo. |
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CAN
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Posted: 2/15/2021 8:23:03 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CPT_CAVEMAN: Would like to know more about OPs ammo. Valid point! Using 69 or 77gr SMKs would really make one wonder and provide a good benchmark reference for its capabilities. |
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USA
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Posted: 2/15/2021 9:06:55 PM EDT
[#11]
I'm trying to get some clarity from BCM. They list this barrel as Cold Hammer Forged, but not the Enhanced Lightweight Fluted.
I asked and they said they're both button rifled and the only difference between them is the fluting... Not sure what I'm missing. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 2/15/2021 9:23:13 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ArizonaRifleman]
[#12]
@Molon, any chance that you might have a Criterion Core to test at all?
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Posted: 2/15/2021 9:26:58 PM EDT
[#13]
Awesome write up...thanks
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Posted: 2/15/2021 9:58:05 PM EDT
[#14]
Welcome back Molon. Good write up.
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Posted: 2/15/2021 10:00:38 PM EDT
[#15]
Moon is back!
I agree I have a 14.5 elw that's probably my most accurate and softest shooter. |
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Posted: 2/15/2021 10:50:39 PM EDT
[#16]
Good to hear from you!
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Posted: 2/15/2021 11:01:14 PM EDT
[#17]
Nice to see this again. This is what Tech should be
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Posted: 2/15/2021 11:39:15 PM EDT
[#18]
@Molon
I’m glad to see your back man, keep the faith, the world needs your science. |
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Posted: 2/16/2021 3:01:50 AM EDT
[#19]
Glad to see you back. Missed your science.
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Posted: 2/16/2021 3:07:05 AM EDT
[#20]
Hot damn Molon is back. Finally some good news in 2021. Great write up, looking forward to more.
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TN, USA
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Posted: 2/16/2021 8:01:31 AM EDT
[Last Edit: BCOWANWHEELS]
[#21]
i bet bcm really dony mfg. about anything............. there like all the rest buy from some specific mfg. with bcm branded on it. there just like the rest now days. even colt is doing this now.............. everybody sees the writing on the wall with the biden admin. in office
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Posted: 2/16/2021 8:04:49 AM EDT
[#22]
Glad you're posting again. Good shooting and looking rifle.
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Posted: 2/16/2021 8:50:34 AM EDT
[#23]
great to see you posting! looking forward to seeing no BS science!
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Posted: 2/16/2021 9:10:30 AM EDT
[#24]
Bought time you get your ass back here...Hope the dog is doing well...
 I missed him.
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Posted: 2/16/2021 10:25:28 AM EDT
[Last Edit: cgrant26]
[#25]
Another great Molon thread! Thanks!
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Posted: 2/16/2021 11:38:27 AM EDT
[#26]
Thanks Molon! Great to see you back
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USA
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Posted: 2/16/2021 12:23:18 PM EDT
[#27]
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Posted: 2/16/2021 1:29:35 PM EDT
[#28]
Welcome back.
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Posted: 2/16/2021 3:52:55 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Jonny1904: @Molon, any chance that you might have a Criterion Core to test at all? Funny you should ask. I've been waiting for months for Criterion to have a 16" CORE barrel in stock so that I can do an accuracy evaluation of one. Their website says "ON BACK ORDER, ETA APRIL/MAY 2021".  .. |
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Posted: 2/16/2021 4:00:29 PM EDT
[#30]
I think I can speak for the entire AR15.com community when I say, YOU WERE MISSED!
Welcome home. |
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Posted: 2/16/2021 4:11:02 PM EDT
[#31]
Great thread. Thanks for sharing.
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Posted: 2/16/2021 5:51:17 PM EDT
[#32]
Thanks for posting, OP.
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Posted: 2/16/2021 9:00:54 PM EDT
[#33]
@Molon , seeing a post from you is like a breath of fresh air.
Excellent precision ! And .... I sure like those 10round groups !!! You taught me the need to fire 10rd groups , so I could see the real potential ( or lack off ) in a barrel. IM sent. |
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Posted: 2/16/2021 9:03:41 PM EDT
[#34]
Thanks @Molon for posting again and sharing your data...welcome back!
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MD, USA
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Posted: 2/17/2021 10:10:46 AM EDT
[#35]
Awesome post! Been thinking about an upper with one of these.
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Posted: 2/17/2021 10:15:47 AM EDT
[#36]
Thanks and welcome back.
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Posted: 2/17/2021 11:03:16 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bfoosh06: @Molon , seeing a post from you is like a breath of fresh air. Excellent precision ! And .... I sure like those 10round groups !!! You taught me the need to fire 10rd groups , so I could see the real potential ( or lack off ) in a barrel. IM sent. Every time I get lazy or in a hurry and start shooting 3-5 round groups when sighting in a gun the spirit of MOLON comes around and makes me feel guilty. 
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Posted: 2/17/2021 12:56:18 PM EDT
[#38]
Welcome back!
that's a very respectable group for a lightweight duty barrel. Did you use hand loaded or factory ammunition? and I'm very glad to see you posting again |
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Posted: 2/17/2021 1:33:28 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Molon: Funny you should ask. I've been waiting for months for Criterion to have a 16" CORE barrel in stock so that I can do an accuracy evaluation of one. Their website says "ON BACK ORDER, ETA APRIL/MAY 2021". .. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Molon: Originally Posted By Jonny1904: @Molon, any chance that you might have a Criterion Core to test at all? Funny you should ask. I've been waiting for months for Criterion to have a 16" CORE barrel in stock so that I can do an accuracy evaluation of one. Their website says "ON BACK ORDER, ETA APRIL/MAY 2021". .. I ordered that same barrel a couple months ago. Hoping to get it in March. 
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Posted: 2/17/2021 2:13:22 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By samuse: Every time I get lazy or in a hurry and start shooting 3-5 round groups when sighting in a gun the spirit of MOLON comes around and makes me feel guilty.
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VA, USA
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Posted: 2/17/2021 3:20:20 PM EDT
[#41]
Excellent write up after seeing the other thread trashing BCM accuracy. I appreciate both perspectives.
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Posted: 2/17/2021 3:44:05 PM EDT
[#42]
@molon
My 12.5 core shoots sub moa. If you are around michigan I could figure something out with you. |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 2/17/2021 4:19:13 PM EDT
[#43]
Sharp looking rifle and it’s great to see more Molon threads. I’d love to see a comparison to the 13.9 or 14.5 criterion core barrel.
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Posted: 2/17/2021 4:31:20 PM EDT
[#44]
It looks a little different now, but here is mine with the same barrel. I love the way it shoots. This one is very light and a joy to carry.
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Posted: 2/17/2021 5:22:18 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Molon]
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By samuse: Every time I get lazy or in a hurry and start shooting 3-5 round groups when sighting in a gun the spirit of MOLON comes around and makes me feel guilty. Mission accomplished! .. |
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Posted: 2/17/2021 5:23:53 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRW: Did you use hand loaded or factory ammunition? Match grade hand-loads topped with the Sierra 52 grain MatchKing. .. |
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Posted: 2/17/2021 5:42:37 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Molon: Match grade hand-loads topped with the Sierra 52 grain MatchKing. .. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Molon: Originally Posted By MRW: Did you use hand loaded or factory ammunition? Match grade hand-loads topped with the Sierra 52 grain MatchKing. .. @Molon it is good to see you back. Hope life is treating you well. |
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OR, USA
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Posted: 2/19/2021 11:33:08 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Glock9mm1990]
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RDH10: Excellent write up after seeing the other thread trashing BCM accuracy. I appreciate both perspectives. Most of those complaints are because they use shit ammo and wonder why their accuracy is meh. Or they just can’t shoot for shit and blame the rifle. |
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OR, USA
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Posted: 2/19/2021 12:04:51 PM EDT
[#49]
Also welcome back Molon!
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Posted: 2/20/2021 12:16:01 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Glock9mm1990: Most of those complaints are because they use shit ammo and wonder why their accuracy is meh. Or they just can’t shoot for shit and blame the rifle. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Glock9mm1990: Originally Posted By RDH10: Excellent write up after seeing the other thread trashing BCM accuracy. I appreciate both perspectives. Most of those complaints are because they use shit ammo and wonder why their accuracy is meh. Or they just can’t shoot for shit and blame the rifle. Most? Maybe, but not all. I had one that was pretty wild with most ammo. I did my best to copy a Mon evaluation and I think I did pretty good. IIRC it was around 8MOA with M193 about 5 with MK262, about 3 with ADI 69, and about 2 with 55gr SBK and that load only. |
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