Besides properly staked gas keys, what do you guys look for in a BCG.

The price ranges seem to vary from about $100 for a regular BCG to $300 or so for a LMT enhanced BCG so how do I wade through the diffrences.

I know that the LMT is the cream of the crop but what seperates all the diffrent $100 ones?

The two things you really want to look for are properly staked key, and a MP inspected bolt.

The LMT enhanced BCG has some physical differences in the carrier that supposedly make it run better with the specific combination of a 14.5" barrel and stadard carbine gas system. I don't recall ever seeing any data that backs this up. I don't think I would pay extra for one.

The LMT enhanced bolt is a nice feeling peice with a visibly different finish, differently shaped locking lugs (shorter, supposedly to allow for running with more grit in the barrel extension area), and a fishtail shaped, dual spring extractor. I have one in a 16" carbine. It has run fine for me. I also suspect it is a little heavier than a regular bolt, but have never actually weighed them. Once again, I've never seen any actual data that proves its better.

These days I just buy standard milspec LMT FA BCG's and call it a day. All the correct procedures are followed, and I've never had a problem, and have owned several of them.

I also have a BravocompanyUSA bolt in one rifle right now; and it appears to be a nice piece as well.

quote:

Originally posted by ny32182:
I also have a BravocompanyUSA bolt in one rifle right now; and it appears to be a nice piece as well.

+1, BC bolt&carrier group for ~$135 is the best bang for the buck out there.

The LMT unit is about that same price.

I think the BCM M16 f/a carrier group is a cut above the LMT, so that's my preference outside of a Colt I suppose. The BCM's (Bravo Company Machine) are very nice.

The last two ARs I've put together, I usually bought the upper as a complete unit...inc'l the BCG. If I piece one together...will it matter? Can I slap an LMT/BCM/ABC BCG into a Stag/RRA/CMMG upper and call it a day?

Why do you think the BCM is better than the LMT?

I used to think a BCG was A BCG until I purchased a black Ionbond coated BCG. First time out I ran about 400 rounds through my AR15 without a hitch which, is not unusual. The big surprise came when I went to clean it. Clean up was a snap. All the carbon and grease gunk just wiped off with a Shooters Choice soaked paper towel. No scrubbing or brushing or soaking. I think I paid $279.00 for a complete M16 BCG and feel it was well worth the price. It's the only BCG I'll puchase in the future.

quote:

Originally posted by ny32182:
Why do you think the BCM is better than the LMT?

The screws seem to not be secured as well as the Colts or BCM's. I've seen one that came loose. Also, the BCM uses a better extractor spring and includes the little o-ring, as well.
LMT bcg's are fine, but when the BCM is the same price, it's my preference, even in my LMT uppers. Member here ullie knows the exact differences, I think.

LMT's are 100% milspec including the staking and everything else, so if one comes loose, I believe it would have done so from conditions that would have caused any other milspec job to come loose, assuming its not some sort of factory lemon or something...

As far as the extractor spring, why do you think the spring on the BCM is any different than milspec? As far as I can tell based on its feel (tension), it is the same. BCM comes with the same black O-ring that comes on the LMT's.

quote:

Originally posted by ny32182:
assuming its not some sort of factory lemon or something...[

Could have been...

The LMT I saw had a shorter extractor spring, looked different, and no o-ring. BCM includes the o-ring to go along with the HD spring and insert, but due to the BCM spring (same spring you can get in the BCM extractor upgrade kits), the o-ring usually isn't needed. I couldn't even get the o-ring in there with the BCM spring.
More info:
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Bolt-Carrier-Group-M...roup%20auto%20mp.htm

Well, I don't know what kind of LMT you were looking at, but seriously, it doesn't sound like any of the roughly half dozen LMT bolts I've owned in the last few years...

The only bolts I've ever personally owned that didn't come with an O-ring were Bushmasters; they didn't fail me either though.

I can take some pics of them side by side later if anyone is interested.