Questions for BCM fanboys

[sigstroker]

They sell a bunch of different types of uppers, and I can't find anywhere where they explain the difference. I'm hoping one of you BCM fanboys can 'splain it:

BCM® Standard
BCM® Standard 11.5" (Enhanced Lightweight)
BCM® MK2 Standard
BCM® MK2 Standard 11.5" (Enhanced Lightweight)
BCM® BFH
BCM® MK2 BFH

[press press]

Not a fanboy, but since you're to lazy to read. This is what I came up with after reading for5 mins

Mk2 is there top tier upper.

BFH is cold hammer forged barrel

Standard is BCM normal tier shat.

Enhanced light weight. I'm guess lighter than normal.

Hope that answers your question. On a side note just get BCA or palmetto

[damon1272]

Their light weight enhanced has a tapered barrel. Pretty cool. Overall even their standard rack grade stuff is good to go and very high quality.

[freonr22]

Ask C4igrant if started life as a delton?

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by damon1272

Their light weight enhanced has a tapered barrel. Pretty cool.

Sounds like a worthwhile upcharge.

Overall even their standard rack grade stuff is good to go and very high quality.

Yeah, but given all the choices they have, I want to know what they are if I'm going to spend some money.

[5.56Geo]

The "MK2" is what BCM named their proprietary enhanced upper receiver. The forward assist has been moved up a bit to facilitate operation of the charging handle. Additionally, the MK2 upper receiver has added material where the bolt locks up towards the front of the receiver on one side.

Yes, I am a BCM fanboi, a Glock fanboi, a Sig fanboi, and a S&W fanboi, Hk fanboi, Colt fanboi....

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by 5.56Geo

The "MK2" is what BCM named their proprietary enhanced upper receiver. The forward assist has been moved up a bit to facilitate operation of the charging handle. Additionally, the MK2 upper receiver has added material where the bolt locks up towards the front of the receiver on one side.

Worthwhile to upgrade to?

Yes, I am a BCM fanboi, a Glock fanboi, a Sig fanboi, and a S&W fanboi, Hk fanboi, Colt fanboi....

Nuthin' wrong with that.

[5.56Geo]

^^^^^^

I see no reason to. I suppose it would withstand higher pressures. If MilSpec is adequate for SAAMI spec 5.56 why would one need a more stout upper receiver? However, I could see the benefit of have the forward assist further from the charging handle if you use gloves or in a high stress situation.

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by 5.56Geo

^^^^^^

I see no reason to. I suppose it would withstand higher pressures. If MilSpec is adequate for SAAMI spec 5.56 why would one need a more stout upper receiver? However, I could see the benefit of have the forward assist further from the charging handle if you use gloves or in a high stress situation.

SIG and KCI and maybe some others, have extra strengthening and/or venting in case of rupture, in that area. There must have been incidents that prompted it being done.

[bwiese]

Originally Posted by sigstroker

SIG and KCI and maybe some others, have extra strengthening and/or venting in case of rupture, in that area. There must have been incidents that prompted it being done.

Perhaps people getting .300 Blkout ammo mixed in the ammo pile and somehow chambered?

[California_Deplorable]

How is the performance of the lightweight profile compared to standard profile? Do the groups open up more after a few shots?

[Tripplet918]

Originally Posted by 5.56Geo

^^^^^^

I see no reason to. I suppose it would withstand higher pressures. If MilSpec is adequate for SAAMI spec 5.56 why would one need a more stout upper receiver? However, I could see the benefit of have the forward assist further from the charging handle if you use gloves or in a high stress situation.

SAAMI has nothing to do with the upper receiver.

It says right on the BCM site why they think its a plus.

"Featuring BCM’s Patent Pending MK2 Upper Receiver

This proprietary design offers enhanced rigidity over the USGI product. The increased rigidity limits barrel deflection which aids in consistency/accuracy. Less flex also reduces premature damage, wear, and failure of bolt lugs from misalignment. A gas expansion chamber is machined above the charging handle track, combined with dual vents machined at the rear (each side, above charging handle latch) help to redirect and vent gas away the shooters face."

Additionally, increased rigidity of the upper receiver allows for a more solid handguard mounting. With the popularity of IR and laser aiming devices mounted onto the handguard, this adds to accuracy of those devices.

The Seekins SP10 AR10 platform beat out multiple challengers for deployment by USASOC and its main differentiator is a beefed up upper receiver that added reliability and accuracy.

Beefed up uppers are purported to approximate the advantages of monolithic upper designs.

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by bwiese

Perhaps people getting .300 Blkout ammo mixed in the ammo pile and somehow chambered?

Unlikely. The ones I mentioned did it for their military contracts I'm sure.

[5.56Geo]

Originally Posted by Tripplet918

SAAMI has nothing to do with the upper receiver.

It says right on the BCM site why they think its a plus.

"Featuring BCM’s Patent Pending MK2 Upper Receiver

This proprietary design offers enhanced rigidity over the USGI product. The increased rigidity limits barrel deflection which aids in consistency/accuracy. Less flex also reduces premature damage, wear, and failure of bolt lugs from misalignment. A gas expansion chamber is machined above the charging handle track, combined with dual vents machined at the rear (each side, above charging handle latch) help to redirect and vent gas away the shooters face."

Additionally, increased rigidity of the upper receiver allows for a more solid handguard mounting. With the popularity of IR and laser aiming devices mounted onto the handguard, this adds to accuracy of those devices.

The Seekins SP10 AR10 platform beat out multiple challengers for deployment by USASOC and its main differentiator is a beefed up upper receiver that added reliability and accuracy.

Beefed up uppers are purported to approximate the advantages of monolithic upper designs.

^^^ What he said.

[crosseyedshooter]

IMO, BCM's claim to fame is their Enhanced Lightweight BFH Barrel and supposed high quality standards. They were the first to offer a chrome-lined, constant taper, lightweight barrel that didn't have all the extra material and weight past the gas block. These days, there are other barrel manufacturers that have caught on and provide constant taper profiles in lightweight, medium and heavy.

Having been a BCM customer in the past, if I were to buy a compete BCM upper today, I'd go for a MK2 BFH Enhanced Lightweight with MCMR hand guard. However, it doesn't look like they offer that in 11.5".

[Barang]

Originally Posted by 5.56Geo

Yes, I am a BCM fanboi, a Glock fanboi, a Sig fanboi, and a S&W fanboi, Hk fanboi, Colt fanboi....

you're such a fanboi.

[sigstroker]

Thanks

[static2126]

Used to be a huge BCM fan boy. Had a bunch of recent uppers with qc issues. Also they have had some extremely overgassed rifles. Still nice rifles but give me a sionics, solgw or daniel defense any day. I do love BCM accessories esp the defoor short grip.

If you don't shoot suppressed the extra gas is less of an issue. I'm not selling my BCM rifles, but not buying any more either.

[5.56Geo]

Originally Posted by Barang

you're such a fanboi.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhh!

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by static2126

Used to be a huge BCM fan boy. Had a bunch of recent uppers with qc issues. Also they have had some extremely overgassed rifles. Still nice rifles but give me a sionics, solgw or daniel defense any day. I do love BCM accessories esp the defoor short grip.

If you don't shoot suppressed the extra gas is less of an issue. I'm not selling my BCM rifles, but not buying any more either.

Thanks, I DO shoot suppressed. Not particularly a fan of Daniel Defense though.

[bender152]

Standard = non-HF barrel

Enhanced-Lightweight (ELW) = the barrel profile is different from the norm, it does not have a shoulder for the gas block.
See this as an example: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stan...-stripped-625/

MK2 = Simply means that the upper has their custom upper receiver

BFH = Hammer Forged Barrel

[Munny$hot]

BCM uppers are reliable, but hit or miss on accuracy. I still have a few, but a 3-4 moa with today's barrels materials and manufacturing process is unexceptionable IMHO.

[sigstroker]

I found a pretty good upper, a KAC. 2100 bucks, rofl.

[5.56Geo]

Originally Posted by sigstroker

I found a pretty good upper, a KAC. 2100 bucks, rofl.

KAC is the leader of the pack as far as “Top Tier” AR’s. I’m sure it will serve you well!

Now you can change your username to “KAC stroker”!

[deckhandmike]

Omg, please change his user name to Kacstroker.

[sigstroker]

More apropos is cantaffordnodamkac.

[5.56Geo]

Originally Posted by sigstroker

More apropos is cantaffordnodamkac.

So did you buy the KAC?

My thought have always been, buy the best your money can buy!

I also live by, “Buy once, cry once”.

Additionally, the following quote is true, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”.

If all your money can buy you is a Palmetto State Armory AR buy it! There is no shame in that. If your money can buy you a KAC buy it!

Best of luck! -Geo

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by 5.56Geo

So did you buy the KAC?

Not a chance.

My thought have always been, buy the best your money can buy!

The best MY money can buy is not even half a KAC upper.

I also live by, “Buy once, cry once”.

Additionally, the following quote is true, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”.

If all your money can buy you is a Palmetto State Armory AR buy it! There is no shame in that. If your money can buy you a KAC buy it!

Best of luck! -Geo

Somewhere in between. That's why I was asking about BCM in the first place.

[sigstroker]

KAC upper on sale, only $1900 now. 4 or 5 more price reductions like that and I might can afford it.

[jimmykan]

Like this?

Originally Posted by sigstroker

They sell a bunch of different types of uppers, and I can't find anywhere where they explain the difference. I'm hoping one of you BCM fanboys can 'splain it:

BCM® Standard = A4 upper receiver, button rifling, A2 Gov't profile, .750" gas block
BCM® Standard 11.5" (Enhanced Lightweight) = A4 upper receiver, button rifling, lightweight tapered profile, .625" gas block
BCM® MK2 Standard = Enhanced MK2 upper receiver, button rifling, A2 Gov't profile, .750" gas block
BCM® MK2 Standard 11.5" (Enhanced Lightweight) = Enhanced MK2 upper receiver, button rifling, lightweight tapered profile, .750" gas block
BCM® BFH = A4 upper receiver, hammer forged rifling, A2 Gov't profile, .750" gas block
BCM® MK2 BFH = Enhanced MK2 upper receiver, hammer forged rifling, A2 Gov't profile, .750" gas block

[sigstroker]

Thanks

[Jimi Jah]

Originally Posted by Munny$hot

BCM uppers are reliable, but hit or miss on accuracy. I still have a few, but a 3-4 moa with today's barrels materials and manufacturing process is unexceptionable IMHO.

Also my experience. BCM always go bang if that is most important. 3~4 moa wasn't acceptable when a cheap Delton beat it.

Mine was sold. I buy great barrels now like White Oak and Criterion, that was my solution.

[sigstroker]

Okay, let's open things up. What are your favorites? Please don't tell me PSA. I have lots of PSA. I want to splurge a little with a Christmas bonus padding the wallet a little.

Also, please don't tell me to get a stripped upper from column A, a barrel from column B, a handguard from columns C... I have no space for a bench, no vice, or anywhere to mount a vise. I want an upper put together already in a factory.

[flhxxx]

The AR platform is awesome, there are a lot of ways to achieve your goal for any number of tasks. It comes down to what do you want to use the rifle for and how much can you spend to achieve your goal. Most people don't outshoot what you can get for pretty cheap from Palmetto State Armory to be honest.

What are you using the rifle for?

I have two BFH and two ELW BCM uppers, they have been exceptionally reliable and more than accurate enough for a "battle rifle". My wife uses the ELW uppers, the first time she shot them she was ringing 6"x10" steel silhouette's with an Aimpoint Comp M4 from over 200 yards after we zeroed them. Literally her first time out shooting an AR about ten years ago. So I'd say they're pretty decent uppers and the overall rifle is light enough for her to carry / use all day without complaints, which she proved by taking several tactical carbine classes with these rifles. I don't notice much difference between the BFH's and the ELW's from a weight / accuracy perspective, but she could tell the difference with her eyes closed.

My primary / favorite rifle for several years was a Noveske, still have it, it's still a great shooter with many rounds down the pipe. Easily shooting targets at 100-300 yards while moving, sub-moa from the bench.

I have a couple Aero Precision uppers that have been surprisingly good, probably as good as the BCMs but we haven't put enough rounds through them to speak much on reliability.

The last build I used a Geissele Super Duty complete upper / bolt carrier group on my trusty old Bushmaster lower. I used the Geissele SD-3G trigger, VLTOR A5 receiver extension / buffer. It's been fantastic, accurate, reliable, easy to clean, only complaint is it's a bit heavy, especially since I decided to use the Vortex Razor Gen II HD 1-6 on it instead of an aimpoint.

Since you have no interest in building an upper I'd say buy something from the known good sources. Noveske, Geissele, KAK, BCM, Faxon, Daniel Defense, Aero Precision or even Palmetto. FYI - I bought my Geissele Super Duty during a Black Friday sale the year before last and saved a LOT of money on it.

This reminds me I need to get out to the range and shoot some steel

[flhxxx]

I haven't looked to see what out there since I bought the Geissele... Here are a few I would consider based on your budget:

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/m4e...complete-upper

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...bcg-or-ch.html

https://www.rainierarms.com/rainier-...lete-upper-16/

https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk2-...-15-handguard/

[press press]

If you want to splurge on ar. Look up radian weapons. The plus for this lower is ambidextrous controls. Definitely worth looking into.

https://www.radianweapons.com/en/rif...ompliant-rifle

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by flhxxx

The AR platform is awesome, there are a lot of ways to achieve your goal for any number of tasks. It comes down to what do you want to use the rifle for and how much can you spend to achieve your goal. Most people don't outshoot what you can get for pretty cheap from Palmetto State Armory to be honest.

What are you using the rifle for?

Just a general purpose defense/offense 11.5-12.5 incher to make a braced pistol with if they're still legal in 4 months, an sbr if they aren't.

I have two BFH and two ELW BCM uppers, they have been exceptionally reliable and more than accurate enough for a "battle rifle". My wife uses the ELW uppers, the first time she shot them she was ringing 6"x10" steel silhouette's with an Aimpoint Comp M4 from over 200 yards after we zeroed them. Literally her first time out shooting an AR about ten years ago. So I'd say they're pretty decent uppers and the overall rifle is light enough for her to carry / use all day without complaints, which she proved by taking several tactical carbine classes with these rifles. I don't notice much difference between the BFH's and the ELW's from a weight / accuracy perspective, but she could tell the difference with her eyes closed.

My primary / favorite rifle for several years was a Noveske, still have it, it's still a great shooter with many rounds down the pipe. Easily shooting targets at 100-300 yards while moving, sub-moa from the bench.

I have a couple Aero Precision uppers that have been surprisingly good, probably as good as the BCMs but we haven't put enough rounds through them to speak much on reliability.

The last build I used a Geissele Super Duty complete upper / bolt carrier group on my trusty old Bushmaster lower. I used the Geissele SD-3G trigger, VLTOR A5 receiver extension / buffer. It's been fantastic, accurate, reliable, easy to clean, only complaint is it's a bit heavy, especially since I decided to use the Vortex Razor Gen II HD 1-6 on it instead of an aimpoint.

Last T-day I was looking over the Super Duty, but I didn't feel particularly motivated to spend nearly a thousand bucks on an upper when none of my complete AR's cost that much, including my .308. However, that was then, and since then I got a small Christmas bonus and the friggin AFT hatched their brace rule. Which was much worse than I thought it would be.

Since you have no interest in building an upper I'd say buy something from the known good sources. Noveske, Geissele, KAK, BCM, Faxon, Daniel Defense, Aero Precision or even Palmetto. FYI - I bought my Geissele Super Duty during a Black Friday sale the year before last and saved a LOT of money on it.

That was basically my plan, except for waiting until November. I don't wanna do that.

[flhxxx]

I don’t shoot as much these days as I did a few years back. Ammo cost and availability makes me try to conserve what I have. I put over ten thousand rounds through my Noveske and it still shoots well enough for a “battle rifle”. I haven’t shot it from a bench in a while to see if it’s still sub MOA but it’s certainly within minute of man.

The Geissele was purchased to be its replacement, I have put a thousand rounds through it, just enough for me to trust it. If the proverbial SHTF I wouldn’t hesitate to grab that rifle while heading out, not knowing if I could come back to get another. I’d put that rifle in its current built up against pretty much anything out there. Is it a KAC? Perhaps not, I have shot my friends and it is indeed a very nice rifle. But there are things about mine I prefer and I doubt I will have any reliability issues, which is the primary reason to buy KAC, their quality control and reliability are truly battlefield proven.

[beanz2]

Originally Posted by sigstroker

Just a general purpose defense/offense 11.5-12.5 incher to make a braced pistol with if they're still legal in 4 months, an sbr if they aren't.



Last T-day I was looking over the Super Duty, but I didn't feel particularly motivated to spend nearly a thousand bucks on an upper when none of my complete AR's cost that much, including my .308. However, that was then, and since then I got a small Christmas bonus and the friggin AFT hatched their brace rule. Which was much worse than I thought it would be.



That was basically my plan, except for waiting until November. I don't wanna do that.

Have you looked at Daniel Defense uppers? Some can be had for less than 1K on sale. Not necessarily my favorite but a well made upper. I took some classes with this upper and it held up well, unlike the SigSauer optic

There is no requirement that all those lowers have to have their own uppers for 2021R-08F. I haven’t read that the pistols have to be operational or complete, just braced. But given the massively bloated approval times, you’d want your application to be squeaky clean. Heck, even the ones you submit now may not even be approved by the time the 120 day grace period is over.

[flhxxx]

Have you considered 300 blackout?

https://www.ballisticadvantage.com/1...ete-upper.html