01-28-2022, 04:20 PM
I recently built a Grendel AR around a BCA side charging upper. First, they (fairly) recently changed the charging handle from the old knurled round knob with a screw through it, to more of a hooked unit. Still has a single screw holding it, it it also has a pin to prevent any rotation. I've only managed about 100 rounds through mine so far, but that last session was 70 rounds, and the screw is still at least as tight as it was when I started, and I didn't go all gorilla on the torque, nor did I use any Locktite.
I had some QC issues with mine out of the box. First, it didn't want to extract fired cartridges, my first session was only about 30 rounds, and I had a LOT of extraction issues. Got it home, tore down the BCG again, and the one thing that stood out (literally) was the base of the extractor groove. It sat proud of the bolt face, and my theory was that the case hammering back under firing was pushing the extractor off the case rim. This theory was strengthened when I got a new JP Rifles Enhanced bolt kit (not installed yet), the extractor groove on that was below the bolt face. So I took a Dremel to the OEM extractor, can't say for sure that solved the problem, but I had NO extraction issues through 70 rounds the next time out.
My other issue was the feed ramps. The barrel on my upper is stainless, but the extension isn't, and has either a phosphate or Parkerized finish. Problem is, that finish is also on the feed ramps, which makes it kind of like running your bullets over a coarse file on the way into the chamber. I disassembled the entire upper, polished the feed ramps, then reassembled it, carefully snugging and loosening the barrel nut several times before turning it to final torque plus a tiny bit of extra to get the hand guard screw holes to line up properly. Not only did it feed better, no more copper streaks on the feed ramps, but the overall function seems to have improved considerably. The action out of the box was stiff and gritty, despited getting a thorough inspection and cleaning before firing the first shot. Speaking of which, although otherwise looking pretty good in the borescope, there was a sizable burr at the gas port, I was able to knock down most of that BEFORE my first range session.
I realize some of the improvement could be simply a matter of stuff wearing in from shooting, but like I said, only about 100 rounds total so far. Another theory, when the rifle was assembled, they stuck the barrel in the receiver, torqued the barrel nut, and sent it on down the line, leaving the barrel with a tiny misalignment to the receiver. Can't prove that, but it fits with my experience. On a related note, a friend of mine also ordered a couple of BCA side chargers, one in .223, the other .22 LR. His .223 has been flawless, but the .22 has been a PITA from day one. And BCA's CS response has been dismal, totally ignored him for more than a week, then he got shipping info that something was headed his way, but no idea what.
Bottom line, I think they build okay stuff, but it's pretty much slapped together and with little, if any, quality control. I don't know anything about their lowers or complete rifles, this one is on an Aero lower, but if I was to buy another of their uppers, I'd plan on tearing it down right from the get go, and don't expect much if you need CS. Truth is, it didn't cost me much in time or ammo to get where I am now. I haven't done a proper load workup yet, just threw together some middle of the charge range loads with 3 different bullets as break in/extended function test. All three loads were printing 1.5" or better groups, with the first 5 shot group from my second session going into less than 1/2". It's possible I may have a scope issue, that will be tested the next time out. I still consider them a good bang for the buck, especially if you're set on having a side charger. Just be prepared to do some hand fitting to get it working the way it should. Later.
Dave
I had some QC issues with mine out of the box. First, it didn't want to extract fired cartridges, my first session was only about 30 rounds, and I had a LOT of extraction issues. Got it home, tore down the BCG again, and the one thing that stood out (literally) was the base of the extractor groove. It sat proud of the bolt face, and my theory was that the case hammering back under firing was pushing the extractor off the case rim. This theory was strengthened when I got a new JP Rifles Enhanced bolt kit (not installed yet), the extractor groove on that was below the bolt face. So I took a Dremel to the OEM extractor, can't say for sure that solved the problem, but I had NO extraction issues through 70 rounds the next time out.
My other issue was the feed ramps. The barrel on my upper is stainless, but the extension isn't, and has either a phosphate or Parkerized finish. Problem is, that finish is also on the feed ramps, which makes it kind of like running your bullets over a coarse file on the way into the chamber. I disassembled the entire upper, polished the feed ramps, then reassembled it, carefully snugging and loosening the barrel nut several times before turning it to final torque plus a tiny bit of extra to get the hand guard screw holes to line up properly. Not only did it feed better, no more copper streaks on the feed ramps, but the overall function seems to have improved considerably. The action out of the box was stiff and gritty, despited getting a thorough inspection and cleaning before firing the first shot. Speaking of which, although otherwise looking pretty good in the borescope, there was a sizable burr at the gas port, I was able to knock down most of that BEFORE my first range session.
I realize some of the improvement could be simply a matter of stuff wearing in from shooting, but like I said, only about 100 rounds total so far. Another theory, when the rifle was assembled, they stuck the barrel in the receiver, torqued the barrel nut, and sent it on down the line, leaving the barrel with a tiny misalignment to the receiver. Can't prove that, but it fits with my experience. On a related note, a friend of mine also ordered a couple of BCA side chargers, one in .223, the other .22 LR. His .223 has been flawless, but the .22 has been a PITA from day one. And BCA's CS response has been dismal, totally ignored him for more than a week, then he got shipping info that something was headed his way, but no idea what.
Bottom line, I think they build okay stuff, but it's pretty much slapped together and with little, if any, quality control. I don't know anything about their lowers or complete rifles, this one is on an Aero lower, but if I was to buy another of their uppers, I'd plan on tearing it down right from the get go, and don't expect much if you need CS. Truth is, it didn't cost me much in time or ammo to get where I am now. I haven't done a proper load workup yet, just threw together some middle of the charge range loads with 3 different bullets as break in/extended function test. All three loads were printing 1.5" or better groups, with the first 5 shot group from my second session going into less than 1/2". It's possible I may have a scope issue, that will be tested the next time out. I still consider them a good bang for the buck, especially if you're set on having a side charger. Just be prepared to do some hand fitting to get it working the way it should. Later.
Dave