BCG discussion

[awp_101]

I’ve got just about everything on my “good” carbine up to snuff now for my needs. Last night I was looking at my unknown BCG and debating if I should should start thinking about a replacement. It’s unmarked with an unknown round count and the carrier key staking meets the technical definition in that there’s metal displaced near the screws but certainly nothing that’s going to be of any use. It might be a PSA, Brownells or something that came with a long gone upper, I flat don’t remember.

A recent thread suggested Toolcraft as a replacement BCG for someone else’s rifle and some looking shows them to be $50 less (give or take) than BCM, SOLGW, etc. I don’t recall reading anything negative about Toolcraft BCGs and I think I’ve seen they’re actually OEM for some brands.

My specific question is, is there any significant difference between the Toolcraft and other BCGs besides the logo? Is there a corner being cut besides the lasered logo? Different steels or alloys?

For general discussion, what makes a good BCG? Let’s define “good” as maybe just under duty grade but above definite hobby grade. Something you could feel good putting in a serious use rifle but wouldn’t feel like overkill in your range only fun fun build.

[tlong17]

Following with interest.

I have been doing a similar search. I have found that the Geissele "M4A1" BCG looks to be a decent price for "mil-spec" BCG. It has no markings on it at all and G claims it to be produced by a "Tier 1 DoD supplier". They also sold Colt BCGs on their site until a few days ago when they ran out of stock. Priced at $150ish.

I'm not sure what their Reliability Enhanced BCG really offers for almost twice the price. I am also partial to having no logos on the port side.

[Casual Friday]

Toolcraft BCGs are hit or miss. You're much better off going with a SOLGW BCG. They're Microbest sourced and SOLGW warranties them for life.

[inkslinger]

It’s probably a similar situation like the FN manufactured barrels for PSA. Or the companies that forge lowers and supply the market. It all depends on the specifications/QC of the manufacturer/supplier that sells them in the last step of the process. If Toolcraft sends a product to BCM and PSA, it’s doubtful that they are made to the same tolerances.

[Rick R]

I used a Toolcraft BCG in a 20” rifle I put together and after 5-600 rounds it’s been flawless. No obvious wear or tear, the staking looks good, marked as “MPI”. It has the black O ring and post extractor spring enhancements.

During a bout of pandemic shopping this month (there may have been ETOH involved) I decided that I needed a spare complete BCG so I ordered a second Toolcraft from Armor Ally. Once it got here it looks good to go too. I opened the plastic tool box that I use for AR parts to stow it and discovered an ALG BCG that I bought during the Black Friday sale and forgot I had.

I’m taking this as an omen to build another rifle...

EdiTed to add, both the Toolcraft BCGs are their nitrided / Carpenter 158 offerings.

[Colt191145lover]

My go to BCG anymore

https://www.centurionarms.com/bolt-c...p-p/bcg-c4.htm

[ssc45]

Since I consider the BCG to be the heart of my rifles, I only use SOLGW, or Sionics in my new builds. I would suggest ordering from Primary arms. I do have other BCG's that include Colt, Lmt and BCM.

However, I think the above are my current recommendations based on using them and research.

https://www.primaryarms.com/sionics-...roup-phosphate

Cheers, Steve

[Casual Friday]

It’s probably a similar situation like the FN manufactured barrels for PSA. Or the companies that forge lowers and supply the market. It all depends on the specifications/QC of the manufacturer/supplier that sells them in the last step of the process. If Toolcraft sends a product to BCM and PSA, it’s doubtful that they are made to the same tolerances.

That's what people don't always realize, the different companies have different specs they want their products to meet.

BCM are Microbest sourced.

[Nephrology]

I have been satisfied with Toolcraft BCGs. It is true that the specs will vary by the retailer and what they request (finish, bolt material, extractor spring, etc). They also do not manufacture the bolts - they procure those from other suppliers. IIRC most of them are made by swan machine inc. I sourced my BCGs from Spicetac, which advertises them as MPI, but not HPT.

Here is a 10k round test of a Cryptic Coatings sourced Toolcraft BCG. I am happy with them, for whatever that's worth. Not a hi speed low drag guy so YMMV

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum...-rounds-Review

edit to add: mine are all nitrided. I haven't messed with any other coatings.

[DDTSGM]

At 80.00 to 119.00 for a C158 BCG, compared to 149.00 for a C-158 thats been shot full auto - I'm going with the Toolcraft.

80.00 - Phosphate w/1bib6 cage code https://www.wcarmory.com/toolcraft-2...8-mpi-bolt.htm

98.00 - Black Nitride https://www.armorally.com/shop/toolc...carrier_group/

115.00 - Nickel Boron https://www.wcarmory.com/toolcraft-2...8-mpi-bolt.htm

119.00 Ion Bond DLC https://www.wcarmory.com/toolcraft-b...8-mpi-bolt.htm

149.00 to 159.00 - Phosphate https://sonsoflibertygw.com/solgw-5-...er-sp-hpt-mpi/

Both have lifetime guarantees. I've actually talked with Toolcraft about this - no matter who you buy it from, they will warranty it.

I buy Toolcraft pretty much exclusively, I spread my shooting out over 4 or 5 AR's so none have extremely high round counts, but so far no problems.