AR Sponsor
Posted: 7/14/2011 6:00:19 AM EDT
|
Hey guys, I'm building a couple M4's for my dad and I and I was wondering what parts are worth the extra money when it comes to reliability.
I read that a Nickel Boron bolt is the most important when it comes to preventing jams. Is that true? Were talkin about going from $70 to $225! What about the gas system and buffer tube? I just wanna make sure I don't have to buy parts twice, do it right the first time! Thanks for any info. |
|
For excellent reliability without getting crazy...
1. Milspec trigger group 2. Bolt Carrier Group from Spikes, BCM etc. with MPI bolt 3. Chrome lined chamber and barrel 4. Run it wet 5. Run quality ammunition (for best reliability) No, I do not agree that the $225 for the nickel boron bolt is worth it. |
|
There are lots of parts on the market that claim they will make your AR more reliable, or operate better. The fact is that most of these parts are solutions for overblown situations: (chrome lined upper receivers, chromed BCGs, roller bolt cam pins, piston systems, etc). These parts are not necessary for most peoples ARs in most situations, and in the case of SHTF may actually render your AR unusable in the case they spare parts are necessary, since these parts are in many case unique, and spare parts may not be readily available for them.
Buy quality standard milspec parts (keep in mind that parts unique to a semiauto AR are not milspec to begin with, some examples are: hammer, trigger, disconnector, and selector) from reputable companies, and keep a complete set of spare parts so you won't have to place an order for a $1 part with $8 shipping, and wait two weeks for delivery, everytime you have an accident when taking something apart, and a spring or pin gets launched. You can get a complete LPK from PSA for $42.99 (or $52.99 with MOE pistolgrip and trigger guard), and either a complete BCG ($99 for FA milspec), or if they are still offering it (a Magpul pistolgrip core with MPI bolt and firing pin) for about $59.99. That's about everything you might ever need under normal circumstances. |
|
Quoted:
Hey guys, I'm building a couple M4's for my dad and I and I was wondering what parts are worth the extra money when it comes to reliability. I read that a Nickel Boron bolt is the most important when it comes to preventing jams. Is that true? Were talkin about going from $70 to $225! What about the gas system and buffer tube? I just wanna make sure I don't have to buy parts twice, do it right the first time! Thanks for any info. In my opinion, the most important thing you can get for relaibility is a high quality BCG that is properly staked and a bolt that is HP and MPI tested with an extractor with the correct spring in it. Nickel Boron is nice, but not necessary. Next: Quality magazines. Most AR failures are actually due to the magazine. Lastly, I'd say quality lower receiver parts. |
|
Great deal on a BCG
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XDD9300 |
|
Don't spend too much money on BCG with fancy coatings, as long as it is mil-spec, and like what others said the bolt assembly are magnetic particle inspected (MPI) and high pressure tested (HPT) per mil-spec it would be reliable, for example brands like Colt, BCM, Daniel Defense, Spike's, etc.
M16 auto carriers are also preferred for better reliability along with either heavy (H) or H2 carbine buffers (or even heavier depending on your ammo loads). For buffer tube I would recommend the BCM mil-spec size, their slightly larger outer diameter makes most buttstocks fit snug with very little or no wiggle, other good ones that I have long experiences are Colt (only 4 positions), LMT, and Vltor (only 5 positions). Make sure your lower receiver will work with Magpul PMAG, in my opinion one of the best mag around. Also I would highly recommend the BCM bolt extractor upgrade kits for all carbine gas systems. BCM Extractor Spring Uprade Kit - link |
AR Sponsor