Yet Another Bolt Carrier Group Question.
Dear All,
I need to purchase a bolt carrier for my semi-auto AR. I've used search and read up on the discussions of full auto vs semi-auto bolt carriers. But I'm left "wanting" mainly because the effect of reciprocating mass on felt recoil and accuracy hasnt really been discussed.
Here's why. (I dont pretend to be an AR expert, but I understand mechanical things, physics, an guns in general)
When the round goes off the speed at which the BCG moves backwards is controlled by the combined weight of the BCG/Buffer combination and the recoil spring. If everything is designed perfectly, the BCG/Buffer will reach the limit of its travel just as the recoil spring is bottoming out.
So far so good. At this point, the recoil of a light bcg vs heavy bcg should be the same since the energy imparted on the BCG is being stored by the spring.
Where my question comes from is what happens when the BCG/Buffer slams forward abruptly. A heavier BCG/Buffer is going to "upset" the weapon more when it slams into battery than a lighter BCG/Buffer.
So . . my question/point is this. Wouldnt the majority of semi-auto users be better off with a semi BCG because of its lighter weight?
(I also understand the increased dwell time of a more massive bolt enhances reliability)
So lets refine my question. All else being equal. Will a lighter bolt result in a rifle that can be fired more quickly with greater practical accuracy?
Thoughts, comments, challenges are welcomed.
Are my assumptions wrong? Rip it apart.
Don