Chrome bolt or bolt groups for AR's?

[phillywilly]

Is any one using one in there ar-15? after spending longer then I would like cleaning my bolt, I will never shoot wolf my gun again, and taking some of the finish off along with the gunk I started thinking about getting a chrome bolt witch lead me to thinking about replacing the bolt group carrier and all with a chrome plated model.

so question one any one using one and like it?
I found them offered in standard, NM, Light, heavy what difference does weight make?
Three other then a head space gage what else would I need to install one?
thanks for any feed back

 

[Kchen986]

The general consensus on AR reliability is to err on the heavier side when it comes to BCGs and recoil buffers. I think the 'magic' number for combined BCG & BUFF weight is 14.9oz (or something). Too heavy and the gun will short stroke (not cycle all the way) most often if the ammo is under powered or if the gun gets too dirty. Too light, and the extraction process begins too early--thereby possibly ripping out the case rim (chamber/brass pressure is still high, chamber is still 'sealed').

I have a Young Manuf. NM Chrome BCG in mine. It's heavier than the stock AR bcg, I forget by how many oz.

Here's a quick pic for reference:

(top's unshrouded bolt carrier, middle is the NM, bottom is the stock AR)

Overall, with the heavier Young Manuf. BCG, the gun cycles smoother. I'm very pleased with mine, but i don't think YM stakes their gas keys, so be sure yours is staked.

In terms of cleaning, yes you could clean it with a paper towl, BUT: because dirt is so much more noticeable, you'll probably end up spending MORE time cleaning it.

Let us know what you do!

 

[ateixeira]

The general consensus on AR reliability is to err on the heavier side when it comes to BCGs and recoil buffers. I think the 'magic' number for combined BCG & BUFF weight is 14.9oz (or something). Too heavy and the gun will short stroke (not cycle all the way) most often if the ammo is under powered or if the gun gets too dirty. Too light, and the extraction process begins too early--thereby possibly ripping out the case rim (chamber/brass pressure is still high, chamber is still 'sealed').

I have a Young Manuf. NM Chrome BCG in mine. It's heavier than the stock AR bcg, I forget by how many oz.

Here's a quick pic for reference:

(top's unshrouded bolt carrier, middle is the NM, bottom is the stock AR)

Overall, with the heavier Young Manuf. BCG, the gun cycles smoother. I'm very pleased with mine, but i don't think YM stakes their gas keys, so be sure yours is staked.

In terms of cleaning, yes you could clean it with a paper towl, BUT: because dirt is so much more noticeable, you'll probably end up spending MORE time cleaning it.

Let us know what you do!

I thought those heavy BC like the one shown in the middle where for fully automatic use therefore being "illegal" to use? I have been told this on several occasions but have never read any facts. I picked one up some time ago and when at the range the resident black rifle "guru" noticed it and cautioned me on the use of it by telling me that I could be charged with "intent" to construct an illegal firearm. Can anyone shed any light on this? I do like the chrome do to the fact that they are easier to clean at least for me anyhow.

 

[dclemens]

I thought those heavy BC like the one shown in the middle where for fully automatic use therefore being "illegal" to use? I have been told this on several occasions but have never read any facts. I picked one up some time ago and when at the range the resident black rifle "guru" noticed it and cautioned me on the use of it by telling me that I could be charged with "intent" to construct an illegal firearm. Can anyone shed any light on this? I do like the chrome do to the fact that they are easier to clean at least for me anyhow.

You can use whatever BGC you want. If you use a F/A BCG it does not make your rifle F/A so you arn't breaking any rules.

 

[phillywilly]

I was looking at the Young NM BGC I did see they made both ar-15 and m16 BCG's but I did not see any reason to add that to my list of questions when I know I have an AR-15.
thanks for the feed back.

 

[LowRecoil]

Yes, that's a F/A bolt which is thicker and better made than the S/A ones. To my knowledge, it is ok to use them since they, in and of themselves, do not make the gun F/A. I thought it was the sear that they are concerned about. If anyone knows differently, chime in. Otherwise I would recommend you use the thicker (F/A) one.

As to Wolf ammo being dirty, try Barnaul, it's worse. If you want to get rid of it let me know.

 

[Drmsparks]

I'm building a retro AR (air force a1 ) and was planning on using a chrome BCG. How hard or expensive is it to stake the gas key?

 

[trbon8r]

DRMS,

Staking the gas key shouldn't be a big deal. Just find a smith with a MOAKS staking tool to do the job right. It is a simple job with the right tool. If they charged more than about 20 bucks for doing a proper staking job I'd start looking for a new smith.

 

[Numidian]

Or go to Home Depot and buy an autopunch for $5 or if you really want to get crazy... Just use a regular punch and a hammer...

Staking is not a big deal and you really don't need a special tool or a gun smith to do it.

 

[4g64loser]

Conversing with those of the 07SOT/Class III persuasion, most that I know agree that having FA parts for a given gun in your possession is enough to at least have unpleasant attention. I DO NOT keep M16 FA parts as I own AR15s. I leave all FA components at my friend's shop.

I'll own up to telling Alex not to keep that BCG around. It is NOT enough to make a gun fully automatic, but I dont take chances. As I read the ATF handbook (an opinion shared by others that are wiser than I) there is no need that the weapon actually be a functional full-auto for you to be charged. Even if you can prove that you are not making a machine gun, I don't want to be the one the ATF decides to pick on. I have a "match" BCG in my Bushmaster that is cut in the traditional SA way but has thicker and slightly heavier walls (it is not chrome).

Any lawyers or ATF agents feel free to correct me, but I don't fool around when it comes to machine gun parts. I shoot them but do not keep parts around for machine guns when I am the legal owner of AR15s (i DO NOT own an M16)

 

[mdjamesd]

You can legally use a F/A carrier in an AR15
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=171189&page=2


one of the benefits of the F/A carrier is it's heavier wirght, usually less than an ounce, and most of them would protect the firing pin from being hit on the collar.

 

[crfakm4]

The chrome BCG is easy to clean and looks cool. Thats about it..

 

[phillywilly]

Thanks for the feed back I just put in an order for a Young Manuf. NM Chrome BCG. I figure I will stake the key with a center punch and when that causes the chrome to chip off I will order a new key and take it to a smith.

 

[ateixeira]

Conversing with those of the 07SOT/Class III persuasion, most that I know agree that having FA parts for a given gun in your possession is enough to at least have unpleasant attention. I DO NOT keep M16 FA parts as I own AR15s. I leave all FA components at my friend's shop.

I'll own up to telling Alex not to keep that BCG around. It is NOT enough to make a gun fully automatic, but I dont take chances. As I read the ATF handbook (an opinion shared by others that are wiser than I) there is no need that the weapon actually be a functional full-auto for you to be charged. Even if you can prove that you are not making a machine gun, I don't want to be the one the ATF decides to pick on. I have a "match" BCG in my Bushmaster that is cut in the traditional SA way but has thicker and slightly heavier walls (it is not chrome).

Any lawyers or ATF agents feel free to correct me, but I don't fool around when it comes to machine gun parts. I shoot them but do not keep parts around for machine guns when I am the legal owner of AR15s (i DO NOT own an M16)

Just to be on the safe side I will still get mine modifide. I don't wan't any dumb Joe that is not completely aware of the issue and law to give me any unwanted attention...Great replies all

 

[Drmsparks]

The chrome BCG is easy to clean and looks cool. Thats about it..

Well....it was the original issued version as well, which is why I'm looking for one for my retro build....if they only made them without the forward assist cuts....

 

[guthook]

IMO is is a LOT easier to clean a Chrome BC. Like was stated you can just about clean it with a paper towel. They also have a slicker feel to them, if that makes sense and do not seem to need as much lubrication.

 

[phillywilly]

Well....it was the original issued version as well, which is why I'm looking for one for my retro build....if they only made them without the forward assist cuts....

they do make them that way http://www.newriverarms.net/product-info.php?pid87.html

 

[Drmsparks]

Thank you sir, I had not found them through my usual sources...

 

[Kevp]

Concur on chromed BCG and bolts being easier to clean. I also think they assist in overall lubricity (sp?). I have to comment on the original poster complaining about cleaning a standard BCG and bolt though. If you are wearing the finish off of your BCG when cleaning, then you are doing something wrong. I have never worn the finish off through cleaning. I have to think you are either over-cleaning or using a product or technique that is overly harsh. A can of carb cleaner will blast off most everything, but baked-on carbon deposits and that comes off without too much hassle or harm to the finish by using a good scraping tool such as brass flat tip screwdriver. I also recommend trying to find a reputable smith to stake your carrier key. Why would you risk damaging an expensive BCG like the Young to save $20 or less that a smith would charge to do it right the first time? Either do that or invest in the proper tools if you have it in your mind to do it yourself.

 

[Kevp]

To add to my post above regarding over cleaning. This is something that always chapped my butt in the military. The overemphasis on spotless weapons from basic training to unit arms rooms/armorers has contributed to undo weapons wear and reduced lifecycle replacement times of parts and systems. The same goes for privately owned weapons. It is more important to ensure the weapon is properly lubed and that you use a good dehumidifer in your storage container (unless you are shooting corrosive ammo).

I drank the AR cleaning koolaid for too many years until I finally got educated. I know some pretty highspeed users that clean their ARs every 3,000 rounds. They lube the snot out of them and they run. If you need to do something to feel good after shooting, pull the BCG, wipe it down/re-lube, same for the inside of the upper, apply lube in the chamber and barrel, and run a boresnake through it.