BCM 11.5" vs. Sionics 11.5"

[Captains1911]

I thought I pretty much had my heart set on a BCM 11.5" upper (either the standard barrel or BFH), but now I'm considering the Sionics option as well. I plan to shoot this primarily un-suppressed (so I'm not looking at the Sionics barrel with the reduced gas port size), but am curious as to how the two might compare with a suppressor. Does the Sionics M-Lok V2 rail have built in QD sockets? The picture shows circular cut outs but the description doesn't say. I am a big fan of the BCM KMR handguard, which is why I'm maybe still leaning that way. I assume the overall weight of the two is about the same? Any input would be appreciated.

[ggammell]

You might consider checking out BCM’s ELW profile barrel as well.

[Captains1911]

Also, does anybody know the gas port sizes of both the BCM and standard Sionics barrels?

[bruin]

IIRC both are .076". Barring extreme conditions (freezing temps, etc.) you'd probably do fine completely unsuppressed with the Sionics RGP at .070", especially if you're using an A5 RE. Or if you prefer a lighter profile, pick up either barrel and put a gas port limiter (such as BRT's).

[markm]

Also, does anybody know the gas port sizes of both the BCM and standard Sionics barrels?

I have a BCM, but I never measured it. We've run them suppressed and not. No problems with either.

[nightchief]

IIRC both are .076". Barring extreme conditions (freezing temps, etc.) you'd probably do fine completely unsuppressed with the Sionics RGP at .070", especially if you're using an A5 RE. Or if you prefer a lighter profile, pick up either barrel and put a gas port limiter (such as BRT's).

I've run the RGP barrel quite a bit in sub 32 temps. As low as 20 degrees (I live in Texas so it rarely gets colder than this) with no issue. This includes with PMC Bronze. Over a thousand rounds on multiple days, slow firing, fast firing, running drills, etc. I've run it with an A5H2 and a H2 with blue Sprinco spring. I also have a BCM EWL and is has run with no issue. BCM is a factory built upper, Sionics RGP was built by me.

NC

[bruin]

There you go, it works in the cold with weak .223 to boot. Tough to see why most civilians would need to go much bigger in GP.

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[Captains1911]

I've run the RGP barrel quite a bit in sub 32 temps. As low as 20 degrees (I live in Texas so it rarely gets colder than this) with no issue. This includes with PMC Bronze. Over a thousand rounds on multiple days, slow firing, fast firing, running drills, etc. I've run it with an A5H2 and a H2 with blue Sprinco spring. I also have a BCM EWL and is has run with no issue. BCM is a factory built upper, Sionics RGP was built by me.

NC

Great info. Any experience with Wolf Gold?

[nightchief]

Great info. Any experience with Wolf Gold?

Yes. I have shot lots of it. Works fine in the RGP barrel. I can't say for sure that I've used Wolf Gold in sub freezing temperatures. I have run PMC Bronze, Fiocchi, GECO and AE 223 through the RGP unsupressed, in the Texas "cold" (between 20 and 40 degrees) without an issue.

[Captains1911]

I decided on the Sionics RGP, went ahead and ordered it. Thanks for the help.