Side Charging Uppers

[gmar]

I?m interested in starting a new build and want to do something different by using a side charging upper. I?ve completed some research on here and not that some of the handguards wont work or need to be modified due to anti rotation pins. Any other issues I need to be concerned about, especially with the BCA?


Also, can you lock back the bolt on side chargers?

Thanks!

[Kswhitetails]

The BCA isn't mil dimension-ed. This means that any hand guard you buy that has any kind of "locking" tabs are going to interfere. You either have to modify your new hand guard, or machine and paint your upper. Do the hand guard. I built one with a Seekins Precision and just cut off the tabs with a hacksaw, and filed them down straight. You can see the work from the rear, but otherwise it looks correct. My dad doesn't even notice it. When it starts to be an issue, I'll re-file any corrosion off. Easy, and looks good.

The other thing that I found more troubling was their BCG. It's rough. REALLY rough. So rough, it makes a zipper sound every time you pull the CH. I don't know if you'd have any luck with other BCGs, as I don't honestly know if it's proprietary. I don't think every BCG would be this way, but dad isn't one to deal with getting a replacement sent. I should do this for him. Eventually, it'll start wearing the upper race.

If I had it to do over, I'd pony up more funds for a good upper.

The BCA works, his rifle shoots really well with Black, and Federal 120.

The Barrel was a Faxon GB 16. It fit, but it was tight. That was encouraging.

If I remember anything else pertinent, I'll throw in with it later.

Good luck.

[gmar]

The BCA isn't mil dimension-ed. This means that any hand guard you buy that has any kind of "locking" tabs are going to interfere. You either have to modify your new hand guard, or machine and paint your upper. Do the hand guard. I built one with a Seekins Precision and just cut off the tabs with a hacksaw, and filed them down straight. You can see the work from the rear, but otherwise it looks correct. My dad doesn't even notice it. When it starts to be an issue, I'll re-file any corrosion off. Easy, and looks good.

The other thing that I found more troubling was their BCG. It's rough. REALLY rough. So rough, it makes a zipper sound every time you pull the CH. I don't know if you'd have any luck with other BCGs, as I don't honestly know if it's proprietary. I don't think every BCG would be this way, but dad isn't one to deal with getting a replacement sent. I should do this for him. Eventually, it'll start wearing the upper race.

If I had it to do over, I'd pony up more funds for a good upper.

The BCA works, his rifle shoots really well with Black, and Federal 120.

The Barrel was a Faxon GB 16. It fit, but it was tight. That was encouraging.

If I remember anything else pertinent, I'll throw in with it later.

Good luck.

Great information...thanks!

[Michael-95037]

I have heard some owners report the screw holding the bolt handle the bolt can come off. The other issue to remember with a side charging upper is that you need to remove the bolt handle whenever you want to take out the bolt for cleaning. I just finished a build using a BCA side charging upper. I hope to shoot it in the next couple of weeks. I'll report back if I notice anything you should know.

[Kswhitetails]

Ah yes. Use blue locktite on your handle screw. Don't plan on mag dumping and heating your BCG. Blue breaks down to heat quickly, but even without it, it can be broken and easily removed WHEN DESIRED.

That pesky bolt handle sticks out. Don't make the mistake of putting your upper on the left side of a barricade/tree and take a shot.

Also, the spot where your charging handle would normally go is threaded for a plug. If you order your upper, get the threaded plug and the oring... for some reason, they're always out of stock on BCAs website... wonder why?

[A5BLASTER]

Spend a lil more cash and get the joeboboutfitters spartan billet left side nonrecriprcating sidecharging upper.

Comes with the specieal cam pin so you can use any bcg made. Also you don't have to worrie about taking the handle off when you want to break down the rifle.

[montana]

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/re...45166.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zvUedVgEpU

If you want the best.

[srg]

I just ordered a BCA side charger last night. I have read about all of the issues, but I really wanted my shorty Grendel (with the Latest 12 inch group buy Monster barrell) to be a side charger. Will be an interesting build. I see they no longer offer one specifically for Grendel, but I am using a group buy bolt which ought to work with the BCA carrier.


SRG

[1075 tech]

Gibbs. Awesome upper

[mdram]

precision firearms also makes one

[proverbs308]

I built a BCA side charge upper and I love it. Yes you do have to trim tabs on most hand guards but the end product is awesome. I have even built some for friends and everyone loves them. AR's are easy to build and modify. Don't be afraid of trying something different. If you dont like the result try something else. That is the fun.

[c0ony]

For on the budget side, does anyone have any experience with the Hard Charger?

https://devildogconcepts.com/product/hard-charger/

I've been looking at this for a while. I'd rather get a Gibbs, but I just can't justify dropping $300+ on it.

[A5BLASTER]

For on the budget side, does anyone have any experience with the Hard Charger?

https://devildogconcepts.com/product/hard-charger/

I've been looking at this for a while. I'd rather get a Gibbs, but I just can't justify dropping $300+ on it.

Get the joebob spartan. It's the same thing as the gibbs but only 200 bucks.

[c0ony]

Get the joebob spartan. It's the same thing as the gibbs but only 200 bucks.

Looks like it's $235 on sale, but it also doesn't have a dust cover, which I will want when I take it hunting

[BLUE72CAMARO]

I have a young side charger upper and bcg on my build. Havent got optics on it yet to run it besides a few test rounds but I wanted the right hand side handle for mine so it is similar to my other hunting guns on ergonomics since i plan to use it for night coyote hunting.

[bbqncigars]

@c0ony I've been real happy with my Hard Charger. Just be aware that you need to order the right one to be compatible with whatever else you have mounted on your rail. The three different models mount at the front, middle or rear of the lower, and have limited flexibility on location within each model. You can find them for around $125 delivered if you shop around a bit.

[CaptnC]

I have three right side charge, two I know are BCA withe BCG. They as smooth as any upper I've ever used. I've had to cut tabs off one HG, but I have Aluminum Black. https://www.amazon.com/Birchwood-Casey-A...B07RL3WKQZ

It great to reblack anything aluminum that I have to alter.

I have 5 of the nonrecepracating and to be honest I prefer a recepracating or fixed bolt better for hunting.

The coolness factor is definitely there on both so it's more of a personal preference on which to choose.

[mdram]

For on the budget side, does anyone have any experience with the Hard Charger?

https://devildogconcepts.com/product/hard-charger/

I've been looking at this for a while. I'd rather get a Gibbs, but I just can't justify dropping $300+ on it.

just got an email from dvor, they have this for 104, just an fyi

[js8588]

https://www.precisionfirearms.com/m8/2 PF Billet Side Charge Upper Receiver--pf-billet-side-charge-upper-receiver.html

http://www.jsesurplus.com/AR-15SBUBillet...USIVE.aspx

https://www.lantac-usa.com/product-page/...g-receiver

https://www.warrdogz.com/product-p/wdu-scur-20.htm

https://www.cmttac.com/index.php?route=p...uct_id=122

http://eisenacharms.com/ea-15/

[gmar]

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/re...45166.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zvUedVgEpU

If you want the best.

Those are definitely awesome but VERY EXPENSIVE!!!