BCG/spring choice in an AR-15

[84bandit]

Gentlemen, I need some opinions on what seems to be a pretty controversial topic: AR-15 BCG and buffer spring choice

I have a BCM 14.5 middie upper and have to buy a BCG for it. That being said, I don't know which direction to go.

Light BCG (AR-15) or Heavy BCG (M16)?

Light buffer or heavy buffer?

I understand that a heavy BCG increases dwell time and allows for more reliable extraction, but how much more reliable is it?
With government weapons I have had zero reliability issues, same with civilian ARs... so the difference is reliability is questionable to me, unless someone has testing data on the topic?

I also know that different weight BCGs change the characteristics of the recoil felt by the shooter; which one do you guys find allows for a fast follow up shot?

Finally, which buffer do you guys recommend to match your choice in BCG? I want a fast followup shot and a reliable rifle (i know, me and the rest of the world)

I've done some research on the topic, but most articles/threads quickly devolve into the legality of Full Auto BCGs and if they make the weapons full auto. (they are legal, and no, they don't make a weapon full auto) Seems like with the AR platform, it is difficult to wade through all the crap and find solid answers.

 

[c_morse]

I don't think you're going to see any real difference in buffers as per faster follow-up shots. I've only run M16 BCG's in my rifles thus far so I can't speak on the Semi vs. Auto part.

A standard Carbine Buffer or H2 buffer will suit you fine. They're cheap enough I'd recommend you pick up both and decide for yourself.

 

[comanche9]

I personal switched over to the JP Lowmass BC which reduced felt recoil a bit and made for quicker follow up due to the ability to to reaquire the target faster. After running that for a bit I decided to give their silent captur spring system a go and couldn't be happier. With both the Lowmass bcg and the silent capture spring my perceived felt recoil is half of what a factory set up is and it just feels to run way smother. As far as being able to make follow up shots based on how quick the weapon cycles, I do not think anyone is quick enough to accurately get back on taget befor the weapon goes through its cycle. If you know of anyone who runs a JP I say run a few rounds through their gun and make you comparison between the two. YMMV

 

[DavidAR10]

Mark Westrom already did a ton of the work for you by developing the Mid-Length gas system.

IMNSHO:
A) M16 Carrier
B) Standard mil-spec buffer spring
C) BCM 3.8oz buffer

AR-15 Buffer Test - High Speed Video - 1000 Frames Per Second - YouTube

Best to you.

 

[EastBayRidge]

My crappy DelTon carbine upper benefitted greatly from a BCM BCG and one of the Tubb flatwire springs.

 

[bill_van]

M16 carrier, Milspec spring, with teflon based dry lube applied and H2 buffer as long as you are shooting good ammo. If you shoot Wolf, drop in a std carbine buffer and it should cycle it properly. If funds allow, having one of each buffer in our range bag is nice as you can switch and test as needed. I'm finding with full power ammo, I can usually get away running H3 on 14.5" with the above and have the best of all worlds. On shorter configurations, I move to the 9mm buffer. You shouldn't need that on 14.5" barrel lengths especially with the middy gas system.

 

[Jaytrigger]

I love the
JP silent capture recoil spring. Infact I replaced ALL my buffers and springs with these setups. To me it feels completely different and in a good way. I have one in my current 300blkout, 6.5grendel and a 556. It will also go into my new 223 wylde Rifle im building.

 

[Regalkismet]

chalk me up for the JP silent captured spring.... I have 3....in my 5.56, 6.8 spc II, and 7.62....they also have different weight spring kits to customize the setup. I run their heavier spring in my 5.56 since it doesn't have an adjustable gas block like my 6.8 and 7.62 which dramatically helps with recoil and makes for very smooth operation..... The alternative springs can be bought individually for around $10 and the full spring kit with 4 different weight springs I believe are around $30.....however the JP silent capture spring isn't cheap.... I paid $110 apiece but the price has went up..... Another good choice is Wolff xtra power spring and a slashes heavy buffer.... Ran that set up for years before I went with JP..... I would also recommend an adjustable gas block like spikes tactical which is basically a Syrac adjustable gas block with their name on it.... It has a detent that maintains adjustment..... You just push detent in... Turn screw till detent locks back in.... I believe 17 different locking gas positions.

 

[Regalkismet]

Ohh and as far as bolt carrier I recommend Young manufacturing chrome MATCH bolt carrier and either LMT or LWRC enhanced bolts. Obviously none of these high end Components are neccessary for SHTF rifle but if you want the smoothest and fastest follow up shot it's gonna cost a bit extra.... Don't forget a good muzzle comp like a battle comp will also contribute to this as well.

 

[84bandit]

Thanks for the help guys, I will look into the JP silent captured spring setup at a later date (when funds are a little more free) but I have to give to you guys, you have pointed me in the right direction

I'm going with a M16 style bolt carrier with an enhanced bolt (brand will most likely be whatever I can find in the current market) standard mil spec spring and 3.8 oz buffer, and pick up some different weight buffers and different spring to try and tune things a little when I get the rifle up and running.

Any more advise?

 

[avidflyer]

tag........

 

[Mil.Dot]

Most people will talk about some combination of 4 variables impacting recoil and/or reliability . . .
1) Buffer weight
2) Springs (GI, Sprinco white/blue/red/green(A5), flatwire)
3) BCGs (lightweight, AR15, M16, LMT enhanced carrier)
4) Adjustable gas blocks

Personally, I would start with the adjustable gas block (Syrac) if my goal was reduce recoil and reliability, because you can get fine grained adjustment with a single component. However, you should be able to get similar results by manipulating the other variables, but it may mean having several carriers, buffers, etc.

The other thing I would throw out there as an upgrade to increase reliability (which may also help reduce recoil) is a rifle or Vltor A5 receiver extension.