Page 1 of 10 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 96

Thread: How reliable are Low Mass BCGs

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Plano, TX
    Posts
    331
    Feedback Score
    2 (100%)

    How reliable are Low Mass BCGs

    Trying to build a very soft shooting AR 15 by using low mass parts, I don't want to sacrifice reliability though.

    I am currently using a SYRAC adjustable gas block, M16 BCG, and CAR buffer. It has been tuned to lock back with tula ammo, however I usually shoot higher pressure rounds. This set up has been 100% after a couple of carbine classes.

    If I switch to a JP LO MOS BCG and tune the gas to lock back with tula again will there be any reliability issues? Any issues with the bolt not staying locked long enough because of the lighter weight behind it.?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Alaska
    Posts
    7,905
    Feedback Score
    9 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by ryu_sekai View Post
    Trying to build a very soft shooting AR 15 by using low mass parts, I don't want to sacrifice reliability though.

    I am currently using a SYRAC adjustable gas block, M16 BCG, and CAR buffer. It has been tuned to lock back with tula ammo, however I usually shoot higher pressure rounds. This set up has been 100% after a couple of carbine classes.

    If I switch to a JP LO MOS BCG and tune the gas to lock back with tula again will there be any reliability issues? Any issues with the bolt not staying locked long enough because of the lighter weight behind it.?
    I run my competition 3 gun rifle with a low mass system. The down side is you need to clean the chamber more as the bolt has less energy to slam a round home in a dirty chamber. For a work gun or a defense gun I would say no way. For a competition gun its fine.
    Pat
    Serving as a LEO since 1999.
    USPSA# A56876 A Class
    Firearms Instructor
    Armorer for AR15, 1911, Glocks and Remington 870 shotguns.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Plano, TX
    Posts
    331
    Feedback Score
    2 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by Alaskapopo View Post
    I run my competition 3 gun rifle with a low mass system. The down side is you need to clean the chamber more as the bolt has less energy to slam a round home in a dirty chamber. For a work gun or a defense gun I would say no way. For a competition gun its fine.
    Pat
    But there is also less mass to push forward right? So less "power" is need it to seat the bolt?

    No premature unlocking issues?
    Last edited by ryu_sekai; 08-29-13 at 23:33.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Posts
    53
    Feedback Score
    0
    The heavier BCG will still carry more kinetic energy to drive it and the next round in. Which hammer is easier to drive a stake in... a 1lb or a 3lb? Not exactly the same but, you get the point.

    Low mass carriers are OK for competition, if you keep it clean. Stick to the standard weight carriers for SD/duty use. For the time your life depends on it, you want it to work under the worst conditions... not just when things are perfect. Just tell yourself "Murphy is my constant companion. He goes wherever I go."
    I am not legal in CA, NY, NJ, MA, CO, CT, MD, Washington DC or Chicago (and its suburbs).

    I am not Obama compliant.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Plano, TX
    Posts
    331
    Feedback Score
    2 (100%)
    Quote Originally Posted by Confed-rifleman View Post
    The heavier BCG will still carry more kinetic energy to drive it and the next round in. Which hammer is easier to drive a stake in... a 1lb or a 3lb? Not exactly the same but, you get the point.

    Low mass carriers are OK for competition, if you keep it clean. Stick to the standard weight carriers for SD/duty use. For the time your life depends on it, you want it to work under the worst conditions... not just when things are perfect. Just tell yourself "Murphy is my constant companion. He goes wherever I go."
    very true.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Austin TX.
    Posts
    693
    Feedback Score
    1 (100%)
    I would say alaska hit it on the head, if your gone shoot paper, no problem. But if theres a chance of malfunction stick with the m-16 bolt if you going to defend yourself with it..To me the m-4 with .223 ammo really has no recoil, but i shoot big rifles alot or large pistols.

    Seems like trying a different buffer and or spring setup would calm it down a little..

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Plano, TX
    Posts
    331
    Feedback Score
    2 (100%)
    This was a post by "badazzar" tom from Spikes Tactical.

    Don't worry about any extra forward momentum that you would get from using a heavier carrier, the reduced carrier weight allows the recoil spring to push the carrier back into battery that much harder and that much faster. The spring has less weight to push forward, making the spring that much more effective, almost as if it's slightly extra power. Also debris/carbon will not build up in an area where moving parts are contacting each other, every time you pull the trigger the debris is forced out of those areas. Ever seen a rifle that wasn't cleaned for thousands of rounds? The gunk and build up will always be in the dead areas where it doesn't matter anyway.

    We are not HK, KAC, Larue, FN, or Magpul, but we are using lightweight carriers in the ST Compressor as well as some other custom rifles.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    TEXAS
    Posts
    1,507
    Feedback Score
    13 (100%)
    Wouldn't the low mass carrier have more recoil due to less mass for the gas system to move backward? And aren't low mass carriers designed to be more reliable, not necessarily have less recoil? from my understanding the more mass you have, the slower the carrier moves and slower = softer.

    I'm no expert, so don't judge me.
    Last edited by Onyx Z; 08-30-13 at 09:43.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Northern UT
    Posts
    4,023
    Feedback Score
    66 (100%)
    Your gun already runs 100%, why mess with it?

    Quote Originally Posted by ryu_sekai View Post
    This was a post by "badazzar" tom from Spikes Tactical.

    We are not HK, KAC, Larue, FN, or Magpul, but we are using lightweight carriers in the ST Compressor as well as some other custom rifles.
    I think that answers that with this statement.

    I feel use the heaviest setup that your rifle can run. I have seen too many gamer guns with low mass components go down in classes that I would not risk my life with one.

    EDIT: The low mass stuff works pretty well once tuned for your load, but they are not forgiving when switching ammo.
    Last edited by VIP3R 237; 09-01-13 at 14:50.
    I paint spaceship parts.

    Quote Originally Posted by Failure2Stop View Post
    Stippled Glocks are like used underwear; previous owner makes all the difference in value.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Posts
    293
    Feedback Score
    0
    I dont own any low mass stuff but I have done a lot of research and I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Most of the 3 Gun guys say the low mass makes the cycle rate much faster allowing quicker follow ups. Its supposed to lessen felt recoil as the impact of the BCG/buffer slamming into the end of the RE is what you feel. Its like having a Smart Car rear end your Diesel instead of a big body Benz. 18" rifle gas already has pretty tame impulse so that coupled with low mass is supposed to make a very flat shooting (in regards to muzzle jump) soft yet very quick action. Less mass means less gas needed to cycle those 2 things equal less felt recoil but I would not think it by any means makes the weapon MORE reliable!

    Makes sense...

Page 1 of 10 123 ... LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •