GrendelDO Wrote:Im sure this has been covered and debated multiple times. I have searched but cant seem to find any info. I have ordered a Wilson Combat 16 barrel with gas block and tube. I have also order a San Tan Pillar upper. My question is whats the consensus on the best BCG? Ive seen recommendations for tool craft, PSA, JP, but not general consensus. Does it make sense to match the barrel with a Wilson Combat bolt?
The only real way to know the quality of a BCG is to gauge the one you have compared to the bolt you are using. The size of the bolt shoulder and bolt tail compared to the bolt carrier tail bore and shoulder support bore will determine the gas efficiency and the slop in the BCG.. You can have two of the same BCG's and bolts from the same manufacturer with different internal and external sizes when gauged..Colt, BCM, Sons of Liberty Gun Works, Sionics are some of the most consistent BCG's I have gauged. I'm a little leery of nitride BCG's as many manufacturers don't resize them to account for the lack of internal chrome lining. Precision firearms and Bexar nitride BCG's I gauged had excellent internal and external sizing..The only negative I saw with either of them was they both had one hole for the firing pin cotter key undersized which is an easy fix. The length, outer dimensions of the BCG and gas key machining can be critical..JP has an excellent reputation, but I have never gauged one...I would recommend you check any new bolt and barrel in the AR rifle plat form for head space..I have seen many more short chambers compared over sized chambers..