AR BCG questions

[1911 guy]

There's no "magic" in the BCM carrier and bolt, but for the cost over long term, I'd rather spend the money up from (and have in the past, will do so again) to get a product that has been individually tested and known good rather than batch tested. Like you said in the O.P., you can skimp in some areas of an AR build and get away with it. Barrels and bolts aren't those areas. I'm no guru, but I think you made a good choice.

 

[moxie]

Speaking of "known good."

Arguably, the AR components most likely to fail are the charging handle and the BCG. Once you've got a few thousand rounds without failure on a handle and a BCG, they are "known good." Take them out of service and store as your primary rainy day spares.

 

[LeonCarr]

To stay on thread, I like the BCM BCGs also.

I have never seen or heard of a broken charging handle. I don't know anyone including retired/prior service military who has broken or who has seen a broken charging handle. I could see the roll pin holding the spring loaded release breaking, but I have never seen one of those break either.

Except for one being made from really inferior materials, why would it break? Everytime it is used it is cycled by hand, not by the action of the firerarm.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[moxie]

It's the roll pin that's weak and can die with rough/fast functioning of the handle, especially with the left hand. But if you don't think it can happen, don't worry about it. I've personally never broken one either but have been told about it often. That's why I said "arguably." I think the issue is most prevalent in "tactical" competitions.

 

[taliv]

i'm not clear on how the topic shifted to charging handles, but they definitely can and do break.

it is unlikely that retired military would see one broken for two reasons:
1. because the military ones are made to a spec that is more expensive and results in stronger material
2. because most military units use a manual of arms that similar to what was used in the 70s, 80s

the problem shows up mostly when
1. civilians and cheap LEO depts buy hobby grade ARs that use a cheap extruded CH that is demonstrably weaker
2. these guys attend training classes and are exposed to more ergonomic ways to manipulate the CH, but that put much more stress on it

 

[9mmepiphany]

I got the Gunfighter Mod 3 charging handle at the same time...it has the positive stop to take the stress off the roll pin. Seeing a picture of a peeled back charging handle was enough for me to spend the $25 (Training Model) for it...I couldn't bring myself to pay $90 for the Rainier Arms Raptor (but I wanted it)

I also got the Mod 3 grip to fill the web of my hand and reduce the grip angle for a more centered anchor point

 

[moxie]

Excellent!

 

[Walkalong]

I put this CH on my BCM upper with BCM BCG. The upper is all BCM. I ordered an upper assembly, BCG and CH, then put a Magpul fore end on it. One of these days I'll pony up for an Aimpoint, but the Valada RD is pretty nice.

That is my "serious" AR.