I am looking for some experienced opinions/discussion on some of the aftermarket BCG’s available.
I have never bought any BCG’s individually, have only used whatever ships with whatever carbine or upper I am buying. However, I recently got into some NFA items, including a suppressor and I am wondering if it would be worth considering something from the aftermarket that cleans up easier (assuming that they even do so).
I have shot enough suppressed to know that it makes quite a mess (relative to shooting un-suppressed) and if I can buy something that makes clean up significantly easier, I may want to make the investment.
Problem is, I have never owned or cleaned up a “high tech” coated BCG so I dont know how big a difference it makes, or have any idea which components are best. One of the vendors I use offers a BCG from Fail Zero, as well as some others. Are these a good choice if I decide to try an aftermarket unit?
What else should I consider, if anything?
Lastly, the BCG I would be replacing is the unit that Noveske includes with their current 8.2" 300Blk upper. Once my stamps clear (Nov/Dec) the gun will be fired suppressed pretty much 100% of the time. That is the only reason I am even considering an aftermarket BCG, as I have never had a single issue with any other BCG I have owned, ever.
Shooting short, suppressed uppers is significantly messier than the alternative. A super quick and easier to clean up BCG would make cleaning a snap, quick enough to just yank the BCG and do a quick wipe down while at the range.
Also, you mention the quality of the Noveske BCG. Whose are they? Does Noveske actually manufacture their own? I have never looked into it actually.
I recently got a hold of some Froglube due to the generosity of a forum member.
I treated a Glock with it per instructions.
Wipes down easily, and the more I use it, the better it works.
I have a couple standard BCG’s, but recently I began to experiment with different aftermarket units and have had excellent luck with several. Spikes partnered with FailZero a few years ago, I had been following FailZero since reading reviews of the process on various different parts and firearms. I have been very impressed with the units I have been running on 4 different weapons. (2 5.56’s, 1 6.8SPC, and 1 300BLK.) All clean up much quicker than standard BCG’s, and it feels like they also cycle a bit smoother than my phosphate BCG’s. I do not run them dry like many, I still use plenty of lube, but I do notice a difference when I switch between the rifles. I was so impressed I had the upper of my 6.8 also FailZero coated. Just one person’s .02$ though since you asked.
The fancy coatings are truly not needed and offer no benefit, the Army recently discovered this when the PiP for the BCG was tested, none offered any improvement in reliability or durability. So for an extra $80 or so per BCG you get something slightly easier to cleanup that can be achieved with lube.
I have found the FZ BCG to be advantageous when utilized with the SBR + suppressor combination. That said, it’s a fairly niche product. I haven’t gone out and changed out the BCG’s on my full size carbines, for example.
OP, I know IG had a tread or participated in one on the subject of sbr with suppresor bcg. It will tell you what you want to know, a quick search should reveal it.
ETA: now that I think about it, that might be a5 stock in mix too. Well, read it, might help.