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Posted: 2/9/2016 5:21:53 PM EDT
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So, like a bunch of others here, I'm building my first AR.
I like to do my homework on what I'm buying but as far as the BCG goes, I'm not finding a lot of convincing information as to how the weight affects the rifles' performance. I understand the difference in coatings, but how would a BCG made of Steel vs one made of Titanium affect recoil? From different info I've read, VG6s' Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake works wonders to reduce recoil. Is controlling recoil done from the barrel end, so the mass of the BCG doesn't matter (irrelevant)? Thanks in advance! |
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Quoted:
So, like a bunch of others here, I'm building my first AR. I like to do my homework on what I'm buying but as far as the BCG goes, I'm not finding a lot of convincing information as to how the weight affects the rifles' performance. I understand the difference in coatings, but how would a BCG made of Steel vs one made of Titanium affect recoil? From different info I've read, VG6s' Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake works wonders to reduce recoil. Is controlling recoil done from the barrel end, so the mass of the BCG doesn't matter (irrelevant)? Thanks in advance! Recoil can be managed through a combination of things such as the BCG, the buffer, the buffer spring, the gas system, and the muzzle device. Recoil management all depends on what you are setting up the AR to do. The shorter the gas system, the more the recoil. For most of my ARs, I run a M16 full-auto type BCG. The added weight has its benefits. I also like using a mid-length or rifle-length gas system. This also helps to reduce recoil. In most cases, a lightweight BCG is not a big benefit. The lightweight BCGs are popular with some precision shooters and 3-Gunners since they run custom loads. You really have to determine just what the purpose for the AR is and how things are going to work together in order to achieve the correct setup. |
| Primary use for a LW BCG is for underpowered loads to function properly. I am running an AIM skeletonized BCG in one of my 10.5" AR's for the sole purpose of running cheap, underpowered steel cased ammo reliably. With a standard BCG the rifle would short stroke every now and then. Changing to the LW BCG did not change the felt recoil of the rifle. |
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Quoted:
So, like a bunch of others here, I'm building my first AR. I like to do my homework on what I'm buying but as far as the BCG goes, I'm not finding a lot of convincing information as to how the weight affects the rifles' performance. Then you haven't read much on here. What are you doing with this rifle? Why are you convinced recoil is such a big issue? You can absolutely manage it with BCG mass, and there are MANY thread about 3 Gun rifles, and lightweight systems. If you are nut a 3 gunner, you might consider not worrying about it. They are really quite tame. |
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From different info I've read, VG6s' Gamma 556 Muzzle Brake works wonders to reduce recoil. Is controlling recoil done from the barrel end, so the mass of the BCG doesn't matter (irrelevant)?
! Picking BCG weight has little to do with recoil and much to do with making the gas system work properly. If the rifle is cycling and ejecting properly, there is no need to muck with the weight of the BCG and/or buffer. Recoil effects are second-order. |
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Thanks all for your feedback.
Since this is my first build with this platform, I don't know where it will go. I may shoot it a few times and not like it, or I may not ever get enough of it (I'm thinking the ladder). So, I'm basically wanting to build something that's easy to handle and learn on the way and not something that will require I change parts out because I bought an inferior part. I'm trying to make educated decisions to what I need to use. I'll be using new or reman 55 or 62 grn load for now. |
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If your trying to reduce recoil you want to use the longest gas system you can. mid length or rifle length.
Then if you don't mind the extra noise a good brake will help a lot Then an adjustable gas block to fine tune A lightweight BCG is mostly used in 3 gun to make the bolt cycle faster but it will reduce recoil a little and help keep you on target by reducing operating mass. For reference here are actual weights on my scale. Not much difference between a semi and auto carrier. AIM LW BCG 8 1/2 oz. Bravo Co auto BCG 11 1/2 oz. Bravo auto carrier 9 1/2 oz. Damage industries semi carrier 9 1/8 oz. |
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