BCM Kino.....range report and update

AR/M4 Custom Build Forum
1

So most of you know I just finished a new rifle.

Bcm Kino, 12.5". For anyone that doesnt know, a Kino is a 12.5" barrel with pinned gas block and a pinned FSB. Its a carbine length gas system that accepts a MID-LENGTH rail…giving you more real estate to mount whatever or a better thumb over bore grip.

Basically a SBR’d version of a Dissipator

I wanted to wait to have some rounds through it before I posted this and after this weekend I have a little over 1k worth and some experience with it.

So I went with the Kino basically because I love my M4 an I wanted a shorter version, and to perform closely to eachother. I love the fact that I have a pinned FSB, thats my biggest comfort.

I went with a BCM kino upper, 12.5", Centurion rail, 9".

I wanted this rifle to be TOUGH and as simple as possible so I stayed away from alot of clutter and moving parts, my version of a KISS rifle.

DD Fixed rear sight, Aimpoint T1 for weight purposes.

Surefire Mini in a GearSector scout mount. The best IMO.

Today it performed great, no malfunctions when compared to last weekend, it wasnt stripping rounds from the mag, short stroking pretty bad.

The lower I have on the 11.5" is fine…for the 11.5".

I wanted to see what the Kino would do so I kept everything the same, it worked fine for about 500 rounds, after it started getting dirty is when I started getting problems.

Swapped out a lighter spring, (mil spec carbine) and it runs great.

It runs exactly like the M4, an inch over the 11.5" you would think they would be similar…complete opposite in fact.

It runs more like an M4 than an SBR. Just stay away from a heavy spring and you will be fine. The Shorty has a Chrome silicone Moly plated. From LaRue.

Also I noticed a gas leak from the pinned gas block. This is my first time using a gas block like this. I dont think its a huge deal and its not moving sooo.

2

Odd that you had problems with the spring. I run an VLTOR A5 setup on my 12.5" (formerly Kino) upper and never had an issue. That gun is noticeably stiffer to charge than my other rifle with a standard spring/buffer setup.

Glad you got it sorted out, though. FWIW, by gas tube looks the same as yours.

3

I dont get the advantage of this upper? Would you explain please. My LMT MRP gas block did that till the carbon built up its a non issue and it will stop.

4

If you want:

-12.5" barrel
-standard FSP
-midlength handguards

…then this upper gives you that. You could just configure it with the FSP in the carbine position, but that gives you less real estate up front. I have one of these and I like it because carbine handguards feel pretty cramped to me, while midlength has plenty of room. It’s really just personal preference.

5

FSB located farther out to provide a longer sight radius, 12.5" barrel for improvement in ballistics (over shorter barrels), longer handguard for an increased flexibility in locations for accessories, and longer handguard also allows those who run their support side grip farther out to do so with a short gun.

Those were my thoughts when I picked one up.

6

Oh ok so its another option to getting one of the DD rails that wrap around the FSB

7

The so-called leakage is completely normal.

8

The same thing is true between my 11.5" and Kino.

The difference is night and day.

The 11.5" seems to be overgassed when compared to the 12.5", which makes perfect sense when you think about how I mentioned the 12.5" running more like an M4, then you look at an even shorter barrel, such as the 11.5"

The stiffer spring is just too much with not enough gasses to push back the spring.

IraqGunz, Thank you for the confirmation. I wasnt worried about the gas leak. My 16" looked like that a couple years ago. I wasnt too worried as it cycles fine

9

The biggest advantage to me was an SBR, a carbine gas system and a FSB.

I dont like Mid-Length and like others stated, a 7" rail is VERY cramped.

Plus, this barrel length seems OPTIMUM for this platform.

It runs amazing, like a 16".
You have a great QCB weapon
A suppressor would bring it to about the same length as a standard M4.

10

I really like these BCM Kino uppers!
If WA ever changes the SBR law I will be all over building a SBR around one of these!

I got to run someone else’s, with a MOE mid-length handguard, through some drills. I found it very comfortable to shoot and easy to handle, especially around baracades and vehicles.