View Full Version : WHAT’S SHIPPING: Detailed Look at the BCM BCM4 NFA Mod 1 (SBR)
Bravo Company Manufacturing is a frequently recommended provider of rifles and carbines for serious use. Production is substantially lower in volume than competitors but demand is high. Many will receive a recommendation for a BCM offering, but not have access to one to handle in person.
The following information is posted to add to the knowledge base and serve as a reference for future inquiries.
Manufacturer: BCM
Model: BCM4, NFA Mod 1, 11.5” SBR
Serial Number: W 3####
Production Date: 07/2012
On the web: http://www.bravocompanymfg.com/specification/bcm_nfa_mod1.php
Unboxing
External shipping container, internal container and wrap. Contains carbine, 30rd BCM branded black magazine w/ Magpul follower, GI users manual, trigger lock, misc literature, and various BCM promotional items. A bottle of Slip 2000 EWL and 725 cleaner/degreaser are included. Also included were Panteao Productions “Make Ready with Pat Rogers – Basic Carbine”, and “Make Read with Travis Haley – Adaptive Carbine.”
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR2.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR4.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR3.jpg
Receiver markings
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR5.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR6.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR7.jpg
Moving from the muzzle back.
A2 type flash hider, no markings forward of FSB. Barrel is 11.5”, marked “HP MP 1/7 5.56 NATO” on top of barrel underneath gas tube, markings faint. F marked FSB, GI sling swivel with rivet under FSB, bayonet lug, 4 position square FSP, GI type dual heat shield hand guards. Barrel is ~.720 at muzzle, ~.750 at FSB, steps down to ~.660 under hand guards, steps up to ~.980 at barrel nut. Chrome bore and chamber. M4 type feedramps cut pre-anodizing. Chamber passes Ned’s 5.56 chamber gauge.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR11.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR10.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR9.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR8.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR12b.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR12a.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR12.jpg
Bolt Carrier Group… Auto bolt carrier. BCM branded, also marked with 342X6. Key properly staked. Bolt marked HP MP. Extractor spring is five coil with black insert. No o-ring. BCM Gunfighter charging handle (Mod 4) with raised gas deflecting skirting at rear.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR28.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR26.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR27.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR29.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR25.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR16.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR17.jpg
Upper receiver… Detachable carry handle, laser etched rail addressing (T marks), case deflector, forward assist.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR14.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR13.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR15.jpg
Lower receiver… BCM Gunfighter’s grip (Mod 0) with internal storage, retained by slotted screw. Magpul trigger guard. Safe/semi markings L/R sides. Standard semi-auto FCG. Machined for RDIAS capability.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR19.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR20.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR24.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR18.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR33.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR32.jpg
Stock group… Receiver extension is mil dimension, six position adjustable. Receiver extension nut installation is well staked at two points. Stock body is current GI type. Action spring is GI type, buffer is H2.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR21.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR22.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR23.jpg
With stock collapsed, carbine as shipped carries in an Eagle Industries AIII-Large backpack with support gear. Pictured is that pack, containing the carbine, a loaded US Peacekeeper Rapid Deployment Pack, and misc contents.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR35.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR36.jpg
Carbine will also carry in Harley Davidson OEM hard-sided saddlebags.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/BCM%20BCM4%20SBR/BCMSBR34.jpg
everyusernametaken
10-15-12, 12:26
Excellent review and photography! Thank you.
TriviaMonster
10-15-12, 12:48
Very thorough. BCM is very good these days, very good. How does she shoot?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Grease Monkey
10-15-12, 14:56
Very nice! I'd love to have that. It's awesome that it fits in the compartment on your bike.
saddlerocker
10-15-12, 16:02
What did you pay for it?
I would honestly rather have the BCM than a 6933 I think, but wondering what the price difference is.
trackmagic
10-15-12, 16:13
BCM was high on my list for my next M4, but it might have just moved to the top. I like all the SWAG they include. Nice looking rifle OP.
I am also interested to hear how it shoots. I'm not happy with my current carbine's accuracy so I would be interested how this one does.
For those interested, we have the 11.5" and 12" BCM MOD 0's in stock now!
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=CQB-MOD011
C4
everyusernametaken
10-15-12, 16:48
For those interested, we have the 11.5" and 12" BCM MOD 0's in stock now!
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=CQB-MOD011
C4
Wow, that's an incredible deal! I wish I hadn't just bought a 6933, or I would have bought one of these for sure.
The gun above has fired about 1500rds total. I put a few hundred through it in its first couple outings, then 2-4 magazines thereafter each range trip to add counts and have others shoot it. I put some real garbage through it in the first session, and it felt a little sluggish late in the session with the H2 buffer. Garbage ammo with lighter buffers ran fine, and the gun ran fine with quality ammo regardless of buffer weight. No problems since, including some low impulse frangible ammunition.
I haven't done deliberate accuracy tests, or even put an optic of any type on it yet. Irons only. BHA 50 TSX, Mk262, and the Speer GDSP (p/n 24446) all came in ~3"@100yds though. That's pretty good for my vision with irons.
During the initial zero with the 24446 duty load, the gun required only 4U-3L in adjustment.
I will note that the 24446 shoots low in this gun, and POI deviation with the AE223 and other 55 ball ammo is noteworthy. Dialing 3D for training fodder corrects it easily. (The gun would have zeroed with other 55gr .223 ammo in 1U-3L from arrival settings...pretty cool.)
Grant's published price is competitive for a commercial purchase on this and the other variants.
Swag is always nice, but the inclusion of the videos and the Slip products is truly added value. The buyer has good information and quality support products right in the box.
BCM is GTG. The post isn't intended to be an advertisement or endorsement for the gun, just observations and reference material. I'm very pleased with it though, and will be acquiring several more.
I will be getting a similar configuration from another manufacturer and run it for info and experience as well.
Solid review. Attention to detail is obvious.
Grant do all bcm's come with this great swag package?
Magic_Salad0892
10-16-12, 02:07
Does BCM still sell 12.5'' KINO guns?
Excellent thread... and your backpack has given me some ideas!
For those interested, we have the 11.5" and 12" BCM MOD 0's in stock now!
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=CQB-MOD011
C4
BCM told me they "didnt sell factory SBR's to individuals."
Apparently this has changed or a misunderstanding! Might've ordered the BCM from you instead of that DD Mk18 had I known!
You wouldn't mind pulling off the FSB and measuring the gas port would you?
You wouldn't mind pulling off the FSB and measuring the gas port would you?
Am I on AR15.com?
bullittmcqueen
10-16-12, 09:39
For those interested, we have the 11.5" and 12" BCM MOD 0's in stock now!
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=CQB-MOD011
C4
That price for that BCM rifle is unbelievable! Anyone with an unused Tax stamp should jump on this!
That price for that BCM rifle is unbelievable! Anyone with an unused Tax stamp should jump on this!
Unused tax stamp?
bullittmcqueen
10-16-12, 10:11
Unused tax stamp?
Poor wording on my part. I meant someone in the market for a factory SBR.
everyusernametaken
10-16-12, 10:27
That price for that BCM rifle is unbelievable! Anyone with an unused Tax stamp should jump on this!
+1
I just paid well over that price for a 6933, and had I known BCM was selling a factory SBR, let alone finding one for this price, I would have gone with the 11.5" BCM.
Very nice.
A dealer at my local gun show this past weekend actually had a BCM carbine.
ClearedHot
10-17-12, 08:41
That is a sweet SBR!
Please explain why you would ask this? Is there are particular reason? BCM ports are correct and their SBR's are good to go. I have two uppers with over 17,5K between them.
You wouldn't mind pulling off the FSB and measuring the gas port would you?
Please explain why you would ask this? Is there are particular reason? BCM ports are correct and their SBR's are good to go. I have two uppers with over 17,5K between them.
A) No one has ever nailed down what they are for sure... I'm curious to what they are specing out for their uppers... Different forums seem to always give differing measurements to what they are. And since they run so nice, it would help in diagnosing problems with other label's SBRs.
B) I figured since he had just about everything else off the rifle, it wouldn't be much more work :)
They are approximately .076. Other guns have more issues that just gas port sizes. I don't pay attention to many other forums because most of them don't know what they are talking about.
It's not hard to "nail down". You simply measure a cross sample of ports and get an average.
Have you ever removed an FSB? In fact it can be a PITA and I don't recommend that people remove them unless absolutely necessary because it can be screwed up.
A) No one has ever nailed down what they are for sure... I'm curious to what they are specing out for their uppers... Different forums seem to always give differing measurements to what they are. And since they run so nice, it would help in diagnosing problems with other label's SBRs.
B) I figured since he had just about everything else off the rifle, it wouldn't be much more work :)
Redbeardsong
10-18-12, 23:47
For those interested, we have the 11.5" and 12" BCM MOD 0's in stock now!
http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=CQB-MOD011
C4
Grant, does that come with a carry handle or rear sight?
Technical aspects aside (10.5 vs 11.5 etc) what are the advantages of buying a complete SBR over just buying a short barreled BCM or LMT or DD or Colt upper and mounting it on an existing Lower.
I live in NC and would probably have to go the trust route regardless
TriumphRat675
10-19-12, 08:08
Convenience. Not having to get the lower engraved. Etc.
Grant, does that come with a carry handle or rear sight?
No. The reason is people like so many different options that it is better to reduced the 11% FET and let the consumer pick what they want.
C4
Technical aspects aside (10.5 vs 11.5 etc) what are the advantages of buying a complete SBR over just buying a short barreled BCM or LMT or DD or Colt upper and mounting it on an existing Lower.
I live in NC and would probably have to go the trust route regardless
Several things. First, you don't have to spend the time and money to have it engraved. Second, you don't have your personal information on the side of the gun. Third, re-sale. No one is going to buy an SBR that has your info on it. Fourth, if there is a problem with the gun, the entire thing goes back to the factory warranty support.
C4
They are approximately .076. Other guns have more issues that just gas port sizes. I don't pay attention to many other forums because most of them don't know what they are talking about.
It's not hard to "nail down". You simply measure a cross sample of ports and get an average.
Have you ever removed an FSB? In fact it can be a PITA and I don't recommend that people remove them unless absolutely necessary because it can be screwed up.
Yea, they can be a little bit of a pain, but after getting the pins out, unless they parked over the FSB after it was installed, it shouldn't be THAT difficult...
I've been specing my 10.5s at .081 and running an H2 buffer..
Several things. First, you don't have to spend the time and money to have it engraved. Second, you don't have your personal information on the side of the gun. Third, re-sale. No one is going to buy an SBR that has your info on it. Fourth, if there is a problem with the gun, the entire thing goes back to the factory warranty support.
C4
Thanks to all for the advice. Shot out....Grant just placed an order.
Who makes your 10.5"? It's not BCM. You do know that every manufacturer makes their ports to different specs, right? Are you aware of what the port size SHOULD be on a 10.5"?
It actually can be that difficult and I have seen people virtually destroy their FSB's and pins.
Yea, they can be a little bit of a pain, but after getting the pins out, unless they parked over the FSB after it was installed, it shouldn't be THAT difficult...
I've been specing my 10.5s at .081 and running an H2 buffer..
Who makes your 10.5"? It's not BCM. You do know that every manufacturer makes their ports to different specs, right? Are you aware of what the port size SHOULD be on a 10.5"?
It actually can be that difficult and I have seen people virtually destroy their FSB's and pins.
That's why I was asking. What SHOULD the port size be? I know Colt is .093 for a 10.5 but I feel that is way overgassed....
My 10.5'r was built by me, and when I ordered the barrel, I spec'd the gas port at .081 It works very well for me, but with an H2 buffer. If I could go smaller with the gas port with a lighter buffer and maybe an AR carrier to reduce reciprocating mass, it'd be right up my alley.
My next one will be .076 or even smaller...
sinlessorrow
10-19-12, 16:19
That's why I was asking. What SHOULD the port size be? I know Colt is .093 for a 10.5 but I feel that is way overgassed....
My 10.5'r was built by me, and when I ordered the barrel, I spec'd the gas port at .081 It works very well for me, but with an H2 buffer. If I could go smaller with the gas port with a lighter buffer and maybe an AR carrier to reduce reciprocating mass, it'd be right up my alley.
My next one will be .076 or even smaller...
.093 really? That seems very large for a 10.5". my DD was .086
A Colt 10.5" is not .093 and if it is then someone has opened it up. A 10.5" should be around .063, not .093 (that is a rifle size port) if I recall. I believe that Specialized opens them up to .070 for more reliable operation with a wider variety of ammo.
With a .093 you could run a Vltor A5 with their heaviest buffer and it would run. Your port spec is also too big and your weapon would run fine with a smaller port- YMMV.
That's why I was asking. What SHOULD the port size be? I know Colt is .093 for a 10.5 but I feel that is way overgassed....
My 10.5'r was built by me, and when I ordered the barrel, I spec'd the gas port at .081 It works very well for me, but with an H2 buffer. If I could go smaller with the gas port with a lighter buffer and maybe an AR carrier to reduce reciprocating mass, it'd be right up my alley.
My next one will be .076 or even smaller...
A Colt 10.5" is not .093 and if it is then someone has opened it up. A 10.5" should be around .063, not .093 (that is a rifle size port) if I recall. I believe that Specialized opens them up to .070 for more reliable operation with a wider variety of ammo.
With a .093 you could run a Vltor A5 with their heaviest buffer and it would run. Your port spec is also too big and your weapon would run fine with a smaller port- YMMV.
I got the .093 number from Robb.
sinlessorrow
10-19-12, 16:59
A Colt 10.5" is not .093 and if it is then someone has opened it up. A 10.5" should be around .063, not .093 (that is a rifle size port) if I recall. I believe that Specialized opens them up to .070 for more reliable operation with a wider variety of ammo.
With a .093 you could run a Vltor A5 with their heaviest buffer and it would run. Your port spec is also too big and your weapon would run fine with a smaller port- YMMV.
Good info. I do seem to recall the MK18 .ppt specing .070" gas port.
Do you mean Robb Jensen?
I got the .093 number from Robb.
Magic_Salad0892
10-19-12, 21:25
A Colt 10.5" is not .093 and if it is then someone has opened it up. A 10.5" should be around .063, not .093 (that is a rifle size port) if I recall. I believe that Specialized opens them up to .070 for more reliable operation with a wider variety of ammo.
With a .093 you could run a Vltor A5 with their heaviest buffer and it would run. Your port spec is also too big and your weapon would run fine with a smaller port- YMMV.
.063 on a 10.5'' gun would be a suppressor host port. I think it's .07X". I know that the usual port size for a 11.5'' gun is .071'' and I also remember a 10.5'' gun being close.
Also, yes Robb Jensen did post that, because I remember reading that same post a few years ago. I'll try to dig it up.
ETA: Found it.
8oz X buffers are great for the HUGE unnecessary .093" gas ports on Colt 10" barrels for everyone else like Noveske, WOA, LMT who use more reasonable .071" gas ports H works fine unsuppressed H2/H3 work fine for suppressed guns that'll also be shot some unsuppressed..
All factory LMT 10.5" barrels I've measure were .071", I haven't measured one in over 6 months though if that matters.
I've measured the gas port on a real Colt CQBR barrel from SAW and it was .093"
sinlessorrow
10-19-12, 23:55
.063 on a 10.5'' gun would be a suppressor host port. I think it's .07X". I know that the usual port size for a 11.5'' gun is .071'' and I also remember a 10.5'' gun being close.
Also, yes Robb Jensen did post that, because I remember reading that same post a few years ago. I'll try to dig it up.
ETA: Found it.
I wonder if it was just a sample of 1? seems odd that Colt would spec the CQBR with a .071 and their SBR uppers with a .093
Magic_Salad0892
10-20-12, 00:20
I wonder if it was just a sample of 1? seems odd that Colt would spec the CQBR with a .071 and their SBR uppers with a .093
I'm assuming you mean Colt specing the CQBR with .093'', and SBR uppers with .071''.
I think that's a question for another thread though.
Do you mean Robb Jensen?
Yep. That's the guy :)
Had the chrono out today. From the BCM SBR detailed herein:
Speer 55gr GDSP, p/n 24446
L: 2584
H: 2661
A: 2624
ES: 77.28
SD: 30.90
XM193
L: 2757
H: 2794
A: 2772
ES: 37.56
SD: 16.79
For comparison, from a Colt 6720 (16")
Speer 55gr GDSP, p/n 24446
L: 2931
H: 2962
A: 2949
ES: 31.58
SD:14.21
XM193
L: 3121
H: 3183
A: 3147
ES: 62.39
SD: 26.66
Looks like the Speer loses ~325 fps going from 16 to 11.5 , and the XM ~375.
LowSpeed_HighDrag
10-21-12, 21:08
Great overview OP. It certainly seems like the better option for me than the 6933. Lower price, same (IMO) quality, and better factory CS.
Interesting that the SD is less than half for the Gold Dots when the longer barrel was used.
Interesting that the SD is less than half for the Gold Dots when the longer barrel was used.
And the XM193 SD tightened up on the SBR, maybe because it wasn't flying Mach 5k
everyusernametaken
10-22-12, 18:42
Wow, I didn't think XM193 was hitting that kind of velocity out of a 16" barrel! I thought it was specified for 3100-3200 from a 20" barrel, and I figured it was more in the 2800 range on a 16". I can't recall now where I got those numbers, it was either Federal's specs or those for M193 per the military velocity requirements. How fast are these going from a 20" barrel?
Wow, I didn't think XM193 was hitting that kind of velocity out of a 16" barrel! I thought it was specified for 3100-3200 from a 20" barrel, and I figured it was more in the 2800 range on a 16". I can't recall now where I got those numbers, it was either Federal's specs or those for M193 per the military velocity requirements. How fast are these going from a 20" barrel?
Most find that M193 and quality clones will be a nominal ~3250 from a 20", ~3150 from a 16".
Great info on M193 here: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=62632
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