Why not choose this barrel (upper assembly)

[Bushwack44]

Looking to build my first 6.5 Grendel AR and came across this complete upper from Bear Creek Arsenal (https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/upper-a...ss-15-mlok).



I've searched the forum and have read mixed reviews on their barrels (as there are mixed reviews on just about every barrel available). But I haven't read anything concrete as to why anyone doesn't like BCA (I've read terrific comments on their customer service). I see it as the Ford vs Chevy argument; where more emotion then fact comes into play why someone prefers one and not the other.

This BCA upper is $334 ($225+ less than anything comparable I can find on-line - GrendelHunter, Radical Firearms, AA, etc.). As I am familiar with "you get what you pay for" mantra, my question is....how can this heavy barrel, complete upper cost significantly less than comparable uppers? What am I missing about BCA (other then their typo in the description) vs Grendel Hunter or Radical Firearms uppers that makes me a little hesitant to go with BCA (due to pricing)?

FWIW, My build will serve as 'fun time at the range'. Weight isn't an issue as it will be benched.

[paulw]

I bought the upper you show in your post...
I've put ~ 160 rounds of Hornady and Wolf through it so far. Wolf doesn't group too well for me - around 3 - 4 moa... Hornady 123 gets me a bit over 1 moa.
I like the it enough I'm starting to get parts together for a more upscale build, so I think it's a nice low cost intro to the Grendel.

[js8588]

Bear Creek has outstanding customer service. Order it. If you're unhappy, send it back.

That said, another one to consider with equally excellent customer service and superior fit and finish (in my experience)

https://www.hardenedarms.com/ecProduct_6...il%20Upper

[Bushwack44]

Bear Creek has outstanding customer service. Order it. If you're unhappy, send it back.

That said, another one to consider with equally excellent customer service and superior fit and finish (in my experience)

https://www.hardenedarms.com/ecProduct_6...il%20Upper

I read good things about BCA customer service. On the other hand, I sent them an e-mail Sunday night and here it is Tuesday (after they closed) and haven't received a response. I sent a follow up e-mail earlier this afternoon - hopefully I'll hear back from them within 24 hours.

I'm also considering this from http://www.aimsurplus.com but once again, why the significant price difference from BCA (also, this identical set-up is $40 more at http://www.Joeboboutfitters.com).

[js8588]

I'd pass on the Radical. Especially at that price. I hear more bad than good about them.

[waccamawscout]

I got the Radical firearms upper in 7.62x39 and so far so good. I love it but it's not a grendel

[windgates]

I have that same radical firearms upper. Had issues just to make it run since the begining, issues from the buffer and even the firing pin retaining pin broke on me during the 2nd range trip. I bought the upper directly from their website, and I had to follow up with a email on august 14 about my order. It took them about 2 months to respond to me on October 12 ! It's does about a 3-4 moa at 100 yards. They still haven't responded to either of my emails or phone calls about another issue I have with another of the uppers. Just my experience and maybe others will chime in. Either way, I love this cartridge as does the rest of the household.

Have you looked at the LaRue package, now that's a great beginning to happen. If we didn't get hit by Harvey in the Houston area, I would be all over it

[Glockhappy]

I bought the 18" version of that upper. I have been pretty happy with it, shoots AA 120 BT at a little less than an inch, the Hornady 123 ELDs group a little over an inch, haven't tried my hand at reloading any yet. One thing that I have really liked is the 100% reliability I have enjoyed out of it so far. For the initial cost I am happy with it.

[Dcommoncents]

I still haven't had an opportunity to see how my BCA upper groups, but I'm quite happy with it thus far, as discussed here: http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...pers/page2

[PewPewPachew]

I bought one of their 18" stainless fluted bbls, I'm not sure if the manufacturer is the same though. I only shot about 6 rounds through it at 66yds, trying to begin zeroing. It looked fairly promising, I was getting just over moa with Hornady black 123 eld match. However, the gas port and locating pin were not aligned, and it was causing more problems than it was worth.