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Posted: 10/1/2012 9:36:02 PM EDT
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So I'm slowly building up my first AR. I've started to look into the bolt carrier group and noticed that there are several different finishes. First I saw that there were the chrome bolts. Then Nickel-Boron started becoming the thing. Then I see an Exo-Treated NiB, and NP3. Then there's the phosphate and parkerized...oh and Melonite, Tin, Diamond coated, and solid stainless steel.
I read some where that chrome on the inside of the bolt is easier to clean than NiB. NiB is supposed to be harder than the others and not require lube. But what are the drawbacks? It looks like they are all about the same price, with the high-end brand names being more expensive (solid stainless being the exception and really expensive in my book). I've found a couple archived messages on this forum and some others, but none seem to compare or discuss all of them. I would guess that there's a lot of feelings about which is best as with man of the other parts of teh AR platform. So, any opinions? Hopefully this won't become some everlasting thread. |
| The reason there aren't lots if threads going over all of them is that the stock USGI bcc is pretty darn good. The larger question often becomes a matter of what you are looking to improve on. Coatings can make it a bit easier to clean, that is about it. The carrier doesn't wear out, and bolts break regardless of the coatings involved. |
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Ferritic Nitrocarburizing would be a great treatment for carriers. Offers better corrosion resistance than 400 series stainless, harder than chrome plate. low coefficient of friction (requires less lube).
But the normal Park carrier assembly is just fine and really no need to "upgrade". |
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Quoted:
Coatings can make it a bit easier to clean, that is about it. Quoted:
All the carrier coatings are basically for looks. Not true! Several of the metal treatments (industrial Hard Chrome, NiB, QPQ, etc) offer MUCH better corrosion resistance. More importantly, they offer a lower drag coefficient than bare steel. In other words they are "Slicker", and being so will operate in adverse conditions better. |
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You have to look at pros and cons of each.
For me, I went with chrome lined, as the NiB coatings are considerably more expensive, and there are accounts of bolts essentially locking into the carrier, presumably from so much carbon buildup. It's NOT sticking to the BCG/Bolt, so it's gotta go somewhere, and eventually it'll find a hole, and fill it. Chrome lined means easier cleaning, and for my pistol build, there's gonna be a ton more junk than normal. That being said, I've used nothing but 'standard' BCGs in my last umpteen rifles and pistols, without a BC issue. Options are always nice, but it ultimately comes down to whatever YOU feel is 'worth it'. |
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