BCM Build

[aceofspades991]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to assemble my fist AR style rifle with parts from BCM and I'm looking to for advice of some the AR gurus here (please pardon my ignorance, this would be my first time working with AR style rifles).

The purpose I want this weapon to serve is to be a RELIABLE self defense weapon/ SHTF rifle that is fun to practice with. I also want it to be as durable and last as long as any AR is capable of. I'm NOT looking to build a long range target rifle or a hunting gun.

With that in mind I'd like to assemble it with the following parts:

BCM Blem Lower receiver group w/o stock.
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Lower-Receiver-Groups-M4-AR15-s/156.htm

BCM Bolt carrier group- Auto
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-...Auto-M16-p/bcm bolt carrier group auto mp.htm

BCM GUNFIGHTER Charging Handle
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-GUNFIGHTER-Charging-Handle-GFH-Mod-4-p/bcm gfh mod 4 556.htm

BCM BFH 14.5" Mid Length Upper Receiver Group
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-BFH-14-5-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-Group-p/bcm-urg-mid-14-bfh.htm

Aside from the furniture (stock, grips and rear sight) am I missing anything needed to get a complete rifle?

Is the 14.5" upper w/ mid-length gas system as reliable as a 16" w/ mid-length?

I'd really like to be able to install a red dot scope on this rifle at some point, I know you can install them with risers or have the dot on the sight post, but if I wanted a railed gas block to mount a fold front sight, would it cost me an arm and a leg to have a gunsmith do it?

If you took the time to read this lengthy post, thanks and thanks in advance for any replies!

-Ace

 

[aubie515]

I personally like the 16" mid length over the 14.5" because with the 14.5" you must have the FH pinned to your barrel...for a whooping 2" savings??? It all boils down to personal preference, but for me I'd rather just have the 16" barrel and swap muzzle devices quickly.

For me this makes sense since I use the A2 birdcage with my BFA...and when I want a better FH...I can swap for a Vortex.

ARs are easy to work on and do not require a ton of tools. Most of the tools are not very expensive and have the satisfaction of doing the work yourself. AR's don't require a PhD to build.

I like BCM, but so many of their uppers are always out of stock and the uppers do not come with BCG or charging handle.

If it was my money, I'd get a PSA upper since theirs come with BCG and charging handle and the prices won't hurt the bank account as much as the BCM.

 

[Bigkrackers]

Before you get slapped up the back side of your head and told to use the search button because there are a bizillion posts with all the info you need to answer your questions I would get the 16" upper.

I just put this same gun together and went with the 16" because I want the ability to switch out hand guards and maybe swap out a different flash hider or install a break later on if I want.

 

[briansmithwins]

I too prefer the 16" middy. You get more barrel past the gas port for longer dwell, which is going to help reliability.

I just assembled a 16" lightweight middy with standard forearm and Magpul CTR stock. The balence is perfect and the complete rifle with optic weighs 7lbs.

BSW

 

[aceofspades991]

Thanks for the replies, you have convinced me I'll ne going with the 16", am I missing any parts for a functional rifle?

 

[MtnCreek]

BCM Blem Lower receiver group w/o stock.

The link showed a complete lower w/ stock. If you are purchasing w/o stock, keep in mind there are other parts that go with a stock (ie. Buffer tube, buffer spring, buffer, tube extension for fixed a2 style, mounting hardware, ..)

Other than that, looks complete.

 

[aceofspades991]

Thanks, the price difference is 20 dollars, so I'm assuming it comes with a buffer, spring and tube and you just need a drop in stock. Does anyone have experience with BCM who could in confirm or explain otherwise?

 

[briansmithwins]

BCM was out when I ordered so I got my telestock from LaRue instead (the rifle needed optics anyway). LaRue has a kit with Magpul CTR, buffer, spring, and mil-spec dimension tube for $150.

I got the lower locally so I wouldn't have to screw around with shipping to a FFL.

BSW

 

[Mot45acp]

BUIS and/or optic

 

[WinThePennant]

Your build is good, but I'm sure that you can get some other ideas from this one: http://www.itstactical.com/series/diy-ar-15-build/

I am building this ITS Tactical AR-15, and I really love this build. Great stuff.

 

[Bigkrackers]

Thanks, the price difference is 20 dollars, so I'm assuming it comes with a buffer, spring and tube and you just need a drop in stock. Does anyone have experience with BCM who could in confirm or explain otherwise?

You are correct. It will come with a milspec buffer tube, buffer and spring.

You will also probably spend time trying to find the blemish but like most people who buy these, you won't find one. I've heard of some that have found a small scratch or maybe some dimple in the finish but I could find nothing on mine.

 

[aceofspades991]

Thats a riffle Bigkrackers.

Now, I'm trying to decide between the upper with or without the free float tube If I got one one with, I go with the model with the VTAC TRX tube. I'm leaning towards the upper w/o the handgaurd (I'd love to have the trx, but I'm not a good enough shooter to demand the difference between a standard rail and a free float so aside from sight options and the fact that it looks sweet it's not worth it to me). If I were to find I did want a folding front sight, would I be sacrificing any durability/ reliability by using a clamp on block like this (i.e. do they move if knocked? etc...) and would it be compatible with the magpul moe grips? http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/PRI-Gas-Block-With-Top-Picatinny-Rail-p/pri 05-075-04 gas block.htm

 

[tryshoot]

16 in much better choice. I prefer m-4 vs. light weight.

 

[Zerodefect]

Opt for the PWS FMC556 Flash hider perm mounted.