Best AR-15/M16 Bolt Carrier Group For The Money…Who Ya Got??

WeR0206

WeR0206

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Feb 23, 2024
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#1
Was putting together a list of best BCG’s for the money for a buddy of mine. Here’s my list, I'm curious what everyone else likes.

In general for the finish/coating I try to stick with full chrome or phosphated with chrome plating

My picks:
MicroBest Phosphate+ BCG (has sprinco springs & OKS screws) ($92) or MicroBest Premium All Chrome BCG (has sprinco springs and OKS screws) ($120)

 
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#4
For milspec phosphate BCG: BCM, DD, and one LMT (the FA not the enhanced)
For coated BCG: I moved away from coated BCGs after trying some years back and not being impressed with the long-term results. Then recently tried the Sionic NP3 coated BCG, and saw some more detailed testing on them online. Those IMO are worthwhile, have two of them now.
 
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#7
The important part of the bolt carrier group is the bolt....
The carrier can be made of steel, aluminum, or titanium , with slick coatings or not...by many vendors.

The bolts themselves are only made by a few vendors out of a choice of usually 2 steels, on CNC equipment, to the same specs, and heat treatment, and same inspection. Making them all basically identical.

A few will add dual ejectors, smaller firing pin holes, a bit more champher, or radius on the lugs, then give them fancy names, like high pressure or enhanced, and fancy company logos...but they are still all basically identical from the same few manufacturers.

You can throw any milspec bolt in any in print carrier and expect it to work, every day, all day long, many thousands of rounds....even full auto.
 
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#16
The best for the money is a phosphate milspec wherever it's on sale. Microbest would be my first choice but Toolcraft is fine too.

Southpaw357 said:
Sionics for upgraded BCG, Microbest for Milspec bang for buck.
Click to expand...

Those are both microbest.

If you dig into it you'll find the vast majority of retailers are using the same 2-3 OEMs and then adding their own sales shtick like we assemble our own BCG/test fire them/use different fasteners that are stronger/other stuff. Lots of people get burned by poor parts/service so they are willing to pay a little extra for what is essentially the same part as long as the retailer promises more QC/better warranty service.
 
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#19
N_Turs said:
Jp, RCA is all I run, always whip clean easily and wear seems minimal on all after alot of rounds.
Click to expand...
I’ll def be adding RCA to my list. I don’t have any experience with them but only hear great things. I do have a headspaced RCA bolt coming with my PVA Osprey 6 ARC barrel that I should hopefully have on hand within a few weeks.
 
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#20
Although there are a few who claim to have built a better mouse trap, I don't think I've ever had a bolt related failure that wasn't due lack of maintenance. I mean, I've never had something happen and think... "that wouldn't have happened with an XYZ bolt."

Everything needs maintenance and everything wears out. Unless I'm just in the mood to check out one of those better mouse traps, I typically stick to Toolcraft, AO Precision and Microbest. Getting them for $100 or less is a good bang for the buck.

Of the 3, I like the Microbest more than the others. I just think the name sounds cool.
 
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#21
WeR0206 said:
I’ll def be adding BCA to my list. I don’t have any experience with them but only hear great things. I do have a headspaced BCA bolt coming with my Osprey barrel that I should hopefully have on hand within a few weeks.
Click to expand...
I run one of their light weight Ti carries in a match rifle I have and its pretty awesome. Run it with a jp bolt and unrivaled buffer set up. Shoots amazing flat.
 
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#22
N_Turs said:
I run one of their light weight Ti carries in a match rifle I have and its pretty awesome. Run it with a jp bolt and unrivaled buffer set up. Shoots amazing flat.
Click to expand...
Nice!!
giphy.gif
 
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#23
BCP said:
The best for the money is a phosphate milspec wherever it's on sale. Microbest would be my first choice but Toolcraft is fine too.



Those are both microbest.

If you dig into it you'll find the vast majority of retailers are using the same 2-3 OEMs and then adding their own sales shtick like we assemble our own BCG/test fire them/use different fasteners that are stronger/other stuff. Lots of people get burned by poor parts/service so they are willing to pay a little extra for what is essentially the same part as long as the retailer promises more QC/better warranty service.
Click to expand...
Sionics replaces the carrier key screws with OCKS, applies an NP3 coating to just about everything, adds a Sprinco extractor spring, and applies permatex gasket sealer to the carrier key. This is not the same as a Microbest. They may start with a microbest but those upgrades are worthwhile. As I stated, Sionics for an upgraded BCG and Microbest for mil-spec.
 
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#25
Southpaw357 said:
Sionics replaces the carrier key screws with OCKS, applies an NP3 coating to just about everything, adds a Sprinco extractor spring, and applies permatex gasket sealer to the carrier key. This is not the same as a Microbest. They may start with a microbest but those upgrades are worthwhile. As I stated, Sionics for an upgraded BCG and Microbest for mil-spec.
Click to expand...
Very true Re: Sionics but something I just discovered today was Microbest does have offerings (phosphate, full chrome, or nitrided) that also have OKS screws and sprinco springs. They are hard to find in stock though. For example here’s the full chrome one:

 
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#26
Southpaw357 said:
Sionics replaces the carrier key screws with OCKS, applies an NP3 coating to just about everything, adds a Sprinco extractor spring, and applies permatex gasket sealer to the carrier key. This is not the same as a Microbest. They may start with a microbest but those upgrades are worthwhile. As I stated, Sionics for an upgraded BCG and Microbest for mil-spec.
Click to expand...
Microbest does all of it for sionics. You can buy Microbest with all of that done.
 
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#27
WeR0206 said:
Was putting together a list of best BCG’s for the money for a buddy of mine. Here’s my list, I'm curious what everyone else likes.

In general for the finish/coating I try to stick with full chrome or phosphated with chrome plating

My fav: SOLGW (bolt already comes with sprinco ejector & extractor springs)

Other good ones:
  • BCM
  • Sionics
Best “budget” options:
  • AO Precision
  • Microbest / Expo Arms
Click to expand...
AO Precision and LMT
 
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#28
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#31
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#34
keenedge said:
For milspec phosphate BCG: BCM, DD, and one LMT (the FA not the enhanced)
For coated BCG: I moved away from coated BCGs after trying some years back and not being impressed with the long-term results. Then recently tried the Sionic NP3 coated BCG, and saw some more detailed testing on them online. Those IMO are worthwhile, have two of them now.
Click to expand...
Same with the Sionics. I typically go with the SOLGW bcgs, but have also gone with microbest and added the sprinco goodies. I’ve also got a Toolcraft with a JP bolt, but I can’t afford to do that across the board. My 308 is a Toolcraft with a JP bolt and I love it. The way they do the gas rings really helps to slick up the action.

I recently did a bull barrel/target build and was in the EE on Arfcom casually browsing for a deal on a bcg and came across a guy selling Sionics NP3s.

I knew Sionics was a quality brand, so I went for it. Guy was a pleasure to deal with and when I got my hands on the bcg, I was very impressed with the quality and the NP3 finish. Felt like jewelry.
 
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#35
Haven't used them yet because still waiting on the barrels but I bought a Grendel Hunter diamond carbon for 6mm ARC and a Cryptic Coatings for regular old 223. Both are some of the finest BCG I've seen and super slick.

I stay away from SOLGW stuff because the people are shitty.
 
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#36
Young Mfg N/M was the OG. Since then I've been buying the JP QPQ full mass bcgs and have been very happy. For a budget bcg, I usually go with the Brownells nitride bcg. I'm not sure who makes it for them, but I suspect Toolcraft? I'm sure someone will correct me.
 
#39
stevieb92 said:
Young Mfg N/M
Click to expand...

I think they were the first to sell the NP3 zero coating or whatever they called it too

WeR0206 said:
Ive yet to find one with NP3 but here’s one with OKS screws, sprinco springs, and DLC coating for $145. I wouldn’t be surprised if they offer them with NP3 since they seem to offer ones with every other type of coating.

Click to expand...

Yes these companies will OEM it however you want, every now and then PSA carries the microbest with all the "upgraded" springs and the gas key permatex or whatever

Farming stuff out to OEMs is pretty normal business stuff even big names who you'd think produce all their stuff in house use OEMs in actuality

There was a shitload of these on the market not too long ago which makes me wonder if some big maker said NO to an order so they had pallets and pallets of them to get rid of:

www.rooftopdefense.com

Microbest Full-Auto M16 Bolt Carrier Group, Chrome & Phosphate Extractor | Rooftop Defense

Buy Microbest Full-Auto M16 Bolt Carrier Group, Chrome & Phosphate Extractor | The Microbest Bolt Carrier Group is the measuring stick by which all others are compared.
www.rooftopdefense.com www.rooftopdefense.com
 
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#40
cjs88 said:
I stay away from SOLGW stuff because the people are shitty.
Click to expand...
I was in San Antonio and had some time to kill and went by their facility and took the tour. I actually met Mike (one of the owners) and at least half a dozen of their employees. There are a lot of veterans that work there and they clearly take pride in what they do. I am also a little biased because they had their pit smoker going and gave me a couple of brisket tacos that were fantastic.

In working with SOLGW as a dealer, no one in the industry has a better warranty than they do. We use their uppers exclusively with our full auto rentals because when they get shot out, SOLGW replaces them no questions asked. As a company, they still have some growing pains and over promise what and when they can deliver.

I have never had issues with anyone that works there, as a group they are a bunch of patriotic gun nerds that support the 2nd Amendment, are proud of their work and stand behind it.
 
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#41
ut755ln said:
I was in San Antonio and had some time to kill and went by their facility and took the tour. I actually met Mike (one of the owners) and at least half a dozen of their employees. There are a lot of veterans that work there and they clearly take pride in what they do. I am also a little biased because they had their pit smoker going and gave me a couple of brisket tacos that were fantastic.

In working with SOLGW as a dealer, no one in the industry has a better warranty than they do. We use their uppers exclusively with our full auto rentals because when they get shot out, SOLGW replaces them no questions asked. As a company, they still have some growing pains and over promise what and when they can deliver.

I have never had issues with anyone that works there, as a group they are a bunch of patriotic gun nerds that support the 2nd Amendment, are proud of their work and stand behind it.
Click to expand...
This is the general impression I have of them as well
 
#42
OP, thanks for updating your initial post with links and list of BCGs based on the discussion.

One note on the Sionics NP3 BCG that you linked: along with OKS screws and Permatex gasket, they also include a Sprinco heavy duty extractor spring. It's listed right on that linked page in the features list.
 
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#43
keenedge said:
OP, thanks for updating your initial post with links and list of BCGs based on the discussion.

One note on the Sionics NP3 BCG that you linked: along with OKS screws and Permatex gasket, they also include a Sprinco heavy duty extractor spring. It's listed right on that linked page in the features list.
Click to expand...
You’re welcome! I just updated the OP to show the Sionics NP3 has sprinco springs & OKS screws.
 
#44
WeR0206 said:
Was there something in particular they did to you?
Click to expand...
ut755ln said:
I was in San Antonio and had some time to kill and went by their facility and took the tour. I actually met Mike (one of the owners) and at least half a dozen of their employees. There are a lot of veterans that work there and they clearly take pride in what they do. I am also a little biased because they had their pit smoker going and gave me a couple of brisket tacos that were fantastic.

In working with SOLGW as a dealer, no one in the industry has a better warranty than they do. We use their uppers exclusively with our full auto rentals because when they get shot out, SOLGW replaces them no questions asked. As a company, they still have some growing pains and over promise what and when they can deliver.

I have never had issues with anyone that works there, as a group they are a bunch of patriotic gun nerds that support the 2nd Amendment, are proud of their work and stand behind it.
Click to expand...
To me, yes. Went in there before with our adult son trying to buy two more lowers. Had bought one the week before or so. They wouldn't sell because they thought I was buying for him and that too many lowers would look suspicious to the ATF if they were audited. Aside from that though, this...


"According to his arrest report, Mihalski looked at his mother and said he just wanted to run his fist through her mouth and see her brains, that she should, "take a very large caliber gun and blow her head off.”"
 
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#46
cjs88 said:
To me, yes. Went in there before with our adult son trying to buy two more lowers. Had bought one the week before or so. They wouldn't sell because they thought I was buying for him and that too many lowers would look suspicious to the ATF if they were audited. Aside from that though, this...


"According to his arrest report, Mihalski looked at his mother and said he just wanted to run his fist through her mouth and see her brains, that she should, "take a very large caliber gun and blow her head off.”"
Click to expand...
That’s definitely awful but after reading the article it sounds like Mike had a problem with alcohol/substance abuse and has since cleaned himself up and has been a LE ally. But who knows…
 
#47
WeR0206 said:
Good stuff. Here’s a similar rundown by SOTAR:

Click to expand...

This guy is a treasure…

I don’t care much what carrier I use as long as it’s in spec and actually built to MilSpec or better. I usually buy the PSA BCGs when they go on sale, and as long as the carrier measures out in spec, I’ll immediately drop in a BCM bolt with their Crane O-ring, and usually a V7 titanium pin and one of their cam pins too. The PSA bolt gets tossed in my spare parts drawer, or I just give ‘em away to friends.

BCM bolts are great value for the money IMHO. I have a couple in JP carriers (the horror!), as well as a couple old school Boomfab titanium carriers in a couple lightweight builds.

I also have one complete Geissele BCG mated to an URG(ish) upper on my go-to AR, maybe some day will own a Knight’s Armament set up as well with a similar (even better?) bolt design.

Have another one I’m doing a long-term test on right now, with one of HMB’s BCG’s with the modified bolt and cam where the hole isn’t drilled all the way through. Supposedly a lot more reliable design, but I only have 1K or so rounds through it so far, and still trust the Geissele set up the most right now.
 
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#48
91Eunozs said:
This guy is a treasure…

I don’t care much what carrier I use as long as it’s in spec and actually built to MilSpec or better. I usually buy the PSA BCGs when they go on sale, and immediately drop in a BCM bolt with their Crane O-ring, and usually a V7 titanium pin and one of their cam pins too. BCM bolts are great value for the money.

I also have one complete Geissele BCG mated to an URG(ish) upper on my go-to AR, maybe some day will own a Knight’s Armament set up as well with a similar (even better?) bolt design.

Have another one being tested with HMB’s BCG’s with the modified bolt and cam where the hole isn’t drilled all the way through. Supposedly a lot more reliable design, but I only have 1K or so rounds through it so far, and still trust the Geissele set up the most right now.
Click to expand...
+1 on that. For those who haven’t been able to watch the video here’s a rundown:

Carriers with the following finishes are the most likely to be gas efficient: chrome, phosphate, NP3.

Next tier after that is DLC and Nitride

Next after that is the PVD type coatings (inside finish tends to be rough)

Least likely to be gas efficient & most likely to have various problems is nickel boron (also likely to have headspace issues if the bolt face is NB coated).
 
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