01-23-2022, 01:46 AM
Michael-95037 Wrote: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.
I know this is a old post but I found it so others probably will as well. I have a side charging BCA Grendel. The side charging handle is basically held on by one bolt/screw. It requires only a T25 driver to install or remove.
If a person wants to ensure the handle don't fall off a drop of Loctite will fix that. Yes to remove the BCG requires one to take off the one screw on the handle. It takes about 15 seconds to remove or install. Not difficult or time consuming to do. I think it's a pretty slick set up. I imagine if your a full auto person you might want to use a complicated device called a lock washer to hold it on or just get the rear charging version might be a better option for you. There is also a threaded plug you have to remove also in order to remove the charging handle. Mine isn't on tight, I can finger unscrew it and finger screw it back on. I admit it wouldn't be difficult to loose but I'm 71 and forgetful sometimes but haven't lost it yet. As to the BCG making noise, the noise is not coming from the BCG, I thought the same thing at first. It's actually coming from the buffer. If it's wetted a bit with oil and worked the sound disappears. I'd consider getting a different buffer but it's working fine now after wetting and working it.
I'm just working up loads right now for mine but the results are looking very promising. I'm getting 1.5 groups in doing a ladder test where I make up 5 or so rounds of progressively increasing powder loads. If you can can get a 1.5 in group with 5 different powder loads that is a really good sign. Only thing I want to mention about my BCA Grendel is that my 16" barrel has a short throat. That means the overall length (OAL) of your ammo must be considered. I found that the round I'm using, the (Absolute Hammer) bullet will touch the lands of the barrel at a OAL of 2.165". So I have to build my ammo so the OAL is roughly 1.255 or shorter that way the rounds are at least .010 away from the lands. If you load a similar bullet that is say 2.200" long, your rounds will be deep into the lands and when the bullet goes boom, it instantly encounters heavy friction which will cause a heavy pressure spike which can be a really bad thing especially if using a heavy per caliber lead bullet. If you are not familiar with what I'm talking about and hand load, Hornady makes a tool to check the depth of your lands. I only mention this as this barrel has a unusually shallow throat or at least mine does anyway. This can be a good thing but is definitely something to be aware of. I would hope most commercial ammo would be short enough that this wouldn't be a problem. Me personally, I wouldn't likely have a AR right now but BCA AR's are so reasonable they fall in the price range of a cheaper bolt rifle. That said, they won't be getting less expensive. I lived long enough to see trends and as BCA gets more well known and improves their product the price will likely go up. I'm not associated with BCA in any way just saying if you are on the fence I think your hard earned money will be well spent at BCA. I'm prior military and if you are too be sure to apply for their military, 1st responder or new buyer discount.
Good luck with your AR.