This is my first build, going for a mid recce. Like the title says I’m trying to decide between a LaRue upper or a BCM both with stainless barrels and free float hand guards (the BCM had a DD rail if that sways anyone). Both are within $100 of each other so price is not much of a factor. Both seem to be high quality.
If it matters I just bought a stripped spikes lower and plan to build that much. Just not comfortable on my first build also on my first AR to build the upper (seems like that’s where all the magic happens).
What are you planning to do with it? Are you sure a stainless barrel with a heavier barrel is right for you?
If you are dead set on a stainless then I would recommend the LaRue. Im on my 2nd Stealth upper, and out of approx 10k rounds between them only had one failure which was the bolt not locking back on an older 20rd USGI mag with a worn spring. They both shoot sub-MOA with the right rounds, and a decent enough shooter.
No experience with the BCM but people who have them seem to like them. I don’t think you can really go wrong with either. The Stealth billet upper is really nice but BCM makes a better BCG. I just replaced the LaRue BCG that came with my Stealth with a BCM BCG, and will use the LaRue as a spare. The LaRue BCG lacks the testing BCM’s do. I at least installed a BCM extractor upgrade kit on the LaRue BCG which replaced the extractor, spring, and installed the black carbine insert. LaRue comes with a blue insert.
The LaRue Stealth comes with the LaRue billet receiver which is a nice feature over the BCM’s standard receiver included in their complete uppers. Not a big overall benefit in function or accuracy with the billet upper, but still a nice feature.
On the other hand, going with the BCM upper gives you more options on fore-end manufacturer, length, etc.
I think either will outperform most anybody that get behind the trigger or either upper.
This Is my first AR uses will include plinking and occasionally shooting hogs out at the ranch. Other less likely uses (hopefully) would include home defense and killing zombies.
As for the barrel I just liked the look and didn’t realize there was a significant difference in weight. I won’t be patrolling Iraq and I do plan to have a sling but if your saying the weight is a big difference maybe I will reconsider.
You did kind of loose me on the blue/ black extractor can you explain?
I guessing one is stronger? What about using a Dfender washer?
A stainless barrel should suit your needs then. I just would not recommend one if you plan on doing any shooting that requires a higher volume of fire in a short period of time. Stainless barrels go tits up quicker under harder conditions but work great for moderate levels of use. They can go a long time just not under as harsh of conditions as a CHF type barrel can.
The insert is a rubber type little piece that goes in the extractor spring. Blue is for rifle length uppers, and black works best for carbines and middies. They are different strengths, and the black helps with positive extraction in the shorter (harsher) conditions carbine systems operate under.
Stainless barrels tend to be of a heavier contour so they are a little heavier but its only an issue depending on your strength, and how you are using the weapon. It would not be my first choice for a carbine class but works fine for general purpose shooting.
If you get the Stealth you should consider getting the LaRue lower. They are pretty slick…
Sorry that was worded wierd I was basically asking what qualifies a BCM upper? Is it any upper sold at Bravocompany’s web site or are they from a specific group and I think I figured it out there is a section labeled BCM uppers DUH
Well, of the two upper receiver groups you posted, and the specific type of uppers they both are (premium stainless steel barrels), the LaRue gets the nod from me as well.
If I were shopping for a complete service grade upper for a “Duty” rifle and less concerned with optimum accuracy, I would more than likely go with a BCM CHF (Cold Hammer Forged/Chrome Lined) barrel. (I prefer to build my own from hand picked parts).
ETA: LaRue does have their OBR Lite 5.56 rifles/uppers coming out soon which look very, very interesting…
The only reason Id go with BCM over LaRue is BCM comes with more rail choices, and you just had to have something other than a LaRue. The LaRue rail is one of the best but you only get an option on rail length not manufacturer of course. Not that BCM isn’t as good Ive just had really good results with both of my Stealth uppers, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. BCM is my first choice for standard and CHF barreled uppers, BCG’s, etc.
Well Larue has a 6-8wk wait for their uppers and if we’re splitting hairs on quality I’d rather not wait.
The reason I was looking at the stainless barrels is that is what Larue offered and it seems to be the only way you can get a 1:8 twist from BCM. Which brings up another question.
Will I notice a difference in accuracy between a stainless 1:8 barrel and a 1:7 BFH setup from BCM? (firing whatever is on sale)
Or should I just not worry and get the BCM BFH Setup (cheaper seems to be stronger)?
If you’re shooting ‘whatever is on sale’ it doesn’t matter what you get.
IME BCM BFH is not as accurate as a LaRue upper but you’re comparing two different apples.
If you are going to be doing drills, run and gun, etc Id get the BCM BFH. If you are looking for medium use with great accuracy the Stealth would be a better choice. The medium profile on the LaRue barrel doesn’t lend itself well to doing drills but its more accurate. The BFH is ok accuracy wise, and will last a long time under hard use.
So it depends on what you are going to do with the upper. I have both, and my Stealth is in a recce role while my BCM has a T1 on it, and does good doing drills.
If both uppers are 16" mid length gas systems the only differences I see that would effect acuracy could be twist rate, barrel material and the actual assembly procedure. Or am I missing somthing else?
All of Larues barrels are 1:8 and stainless. So if I got a 1:8 stainless barrel from BCM would it be the same or is the craftmanship that much better at Larue?
Sorry for all the questions I’d rather not wait 2months for an upper if BCM can have an equal to me in 3days. I also don’t want to regret being inpatient and wish I had gotten a better upper.
so I guess the answers I’m looking for are:
a) Larue is worth the wait
b) BCM is almost/ just as good when comparing the same gas system barrel and twist rate.
c) Your too much of a newb to know the diff. just get the BCM you’ll be happy and so will I because you will stop bugging me.
I am a HUGE fan of my Larue. I added a picture of my stealth as well. The largest drawback for me is the weight of the gun. That being said … I went from a S&WMP VTAC which weighs like nothing to a LaRue 18inch Stealth.
I do not know enough about BCM to comment about them, but I do know I am very happy with my LaRue. It is a nail driver, and with my 77gr sierra match king BTHP rounds I am getting under 1 moa with it at 100 yards.
I don’t have a 300 yard test shed anymore at my disposal, so I don’t know what the group size is at 300. (complicated, but in the Marines we always get a group size at 300 at the test shed, then they divide it by 3, and that is actually what goes in to the “moa” on all Marine guns at PWS, we do not get a 100 yard group and call it a day. Those numbers are always way smaller than doing it the 300 yard way)
I think the LaRue is worth the wait … I love mine. The only complaint is the weight, and that is attributed to my stock, and my barrel. I know changing the stock would lower the weight, but I am no longer patrolling in Iraq. I just walk my fat butt up and down a few hundred yards in a day with it … I can deal with that =). Oh and I have XTM rails on it, just not in the picture =)
Having said that, my LT 18" Stealth & 16" DMR uppers both have significant heft, and if you’re averse to a heavy upper, a LT Stealth/DMR may not suit your needs. Both are extremely accurate, however.
Conversely, my S/S BCM with 12" DD Lite feels lighter in the hands, and the accuracy is about the same.
Both platforms will almost certainly outperform any end user.
I wouldn’t/couldn’t wait, I think Larue is an excellent company making excellent products and the Larue Stealth uppers use a Lothar Walther LW50 barrel. I have an LW50 barrel in my 16" mid-length Daniel Defense complete upper, it is a very accurate sub MOA rifle. I also just purchased a BCM SPR 18" upper and it too is a sub-MOA tack driver.
Larue products and service are excellent, BCM’s products and service are second to none, but I bought a BCM so I could get the SPR upper exactly how I wanted it with a Daniel Defense 14" Lite rail. It is a superbly made weapon and you will be extremely satisfied with a Bravo Company Product.
