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BCA bolt action upper for $350? (Page 20 of 21)
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Well, I still got one of their upper kits unused and, well, new except for having been unpacked and the receiver trued. I might have polished the carrier and key, and maybe a few other parts. Guess I'm glad I picked up a spare when they were available. While I think the single piece bolt and moving the charging handle rearward were fine design decisions, this is a much cooler product if it's a platform to build on, and that 2 lug bolt, clearly will require a proprietary barrel extension. I feel a bit like a part of a tossed-aside customer base. ----------------------------------- Topics Covered in Each Page Because an index is convenient * Discussions of most price changes/sales excluded from index
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That's my thinking too. It all comes down to the barrel extension/barrel threading interface. At elast the alignment between the extension's pin and the gas port doesn't matter in a bolt action. Therefore, presuming the threads for the BCA barrel extension are that of a standard AR barrel extension, you could get a BCA proprietary barrel extension and an AR barrel with no extension on it (either new unfinished barrel/partially finished blank or removed), twist on the new barrel extension, torque it appropriately, pin it, and go. An existing gas port's alignment wouldn't matter. Worst case scenario, you could remove the extension from the BCA barrel (a task I realize is a PITA that I've never attempted), and then install it on a different AR barrel. If that is the case, and IF BCA makes the barrel extensions available a la carte, though more technical a conversion than the Gen 1s, it could still be a pretty good builder's platform. ETA: Betcha the barrels for the new ones lack gas ports, too. ETA: It looks like the handles are the same, and if they are, the after-market handles that are available from Skunk Creek Arms should be compatible. That's good, too. |
Well that’s a bummer about the redesign, seen this over at optics planet. Looks like DSI makes there own bolt action using a standard bolt head. https://www.opticsplanet.com/dark-storm-industries-ds-15-bolt-action-5-56x45mm-nato-16inch-upper-receiver.html
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And yet that trigger appears to identical to a Shmid Tool flat trigger, like this one at BKF. I suspect the specific width and position of the hammer face play a role in this. |
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In the picture for the stripped upper there is a piece in the shape of a backwards "L" with a hole in it. In the picture the only parts left are the trigger, pins, and the "L" shapped part. completed upper |
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Originally Posted By panthermark: That is a bit of a bummer. I like most of the upgrades, but if it can't use standard barrels, it is kinda useless for builders. I don't want to be stuck with BCA barrels. Unscrew the BCA extension… Unscrew the extension from a good barrel Put the BCA extension on the good barrel The timing doesn’t matter in this case because you’re not using the gas port for anything anyways. Just tighten, rocksett then pin the extension to the new tube. Easy peasy. |
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| I’ll have to figure out the lower weight, not sure what it is. Over all the build feels solid but not to hefty. The trigger is good a little spongy but a clean break. I have a 16” Hbar barrel so that adds to the weight. And it’s like 26.5 ish over all length not including the muzzle break. |
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Originally Posted By Ohio_Man: Unscrew the BCA extension… Unscrew the extension from a good barrel Put the BCA extension on the good barrel The timing doesn’t matter in this case because you’re not using the gas port for anything anyways. Just tighten, rocksett then pin the extension to the new tube. Easy peasy. I too have found that not describing the hard part makes the task seem easier. Like how you skipped over all the fun that happens before you simply "unscrew the BCA extension" "easy peasy". The equipment and skillset needs are a bit steeper on this than just assembling parts and polishing rough spots like the first gen of BCA uppers. And AL1EN, sweet final build. |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: I too have found that not describing the hard part makes the task seem easier. Like how you skipped over all the fun that happens before you simply "unscrew the BCA extension" "easy peasy". The equipment and skillset needs are a bit steeper on this than just assembling parts and polishing rough spots like the first gen of BCA uppers. And AL1EN, sweet final build. Extract or drill/mill out the pins (it’s hardened 4140, 4150 or 4340 and possibly nitrided… use carbide bits). Chuck the barrel in a lathe collet chuck and use heat with an extension action jig/wrench to get the old extension off… same thing with the BCA barrel. If moderate heat doesn’t work, you can always use the lathe to physically cut or bore off the scrap end of the parts. Reassembly is straightforward. Just match drill the new extension pin into the barrel threads after rocksetting in position. But yes, it seems like a serious mistake that they switched to proprietary barrels to fix a non-issue like adding more bolt throw to prevent out of battery discharges. It’s pretty simple; don’t pull the damn trigger unless the bolt is closed. So now, as always, the average person gets fucked because we have to design/legislate to the dumbest common denominator. |
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It is nice to have the technique laid out. That said... I do not think of a metal lathe as a common piece of equipment for most builders. Nor do I think of removing an extension that may be torqued north of 175 ft-lbs as easy. Regarding this procedure, the probability of messing up a barrel for the average AR builder skyrockets vs. any other work necessary on the BCA uppers up to this point. I'd say that while the steps are straightforward, having the tools and executing the techniques are not so simple, and this is not an "easy peasy" task for most. That's to say nothing of headspace. That said, if BCA is at some point willing to sell their barrel extensions and uppers + bolts as a kit again, it would leave the custom barrel route as a solid option. I would think most custom barrel makers would be fine making a barrel utilizing a custom extension you send them as long as the bolt is provided for checking headspace. |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: It is nice to have the technique laid out. That said... I do not think of a metal lathe as a common piece of equipment for most builders. Nor do I think of removing an extension that may be torqued north of 175 ft-lbs as easy. Regarding this procedure, the probability of messing up a barrel for the average AR builder skyrockets vs. any other work necessary on the BCA uppers up to this point. I'd say that while the steps are straightforward, having the tools and executing the techniques are not so simple, and this is not an "easy peasy" task for most. That's to say nothing of headspace. That said, if BCA is at some point willing to sell their barrel extensions and uppers + bolts as a kit again, it would leave the custom barrel route as a solid option. I would think most custom barrel makers would be fine making a barrel utilizing a custom extension you send them as long as the bolt is provided for checking headspace. +1 But it sure is easier when it's a click together "Lego kit..."  Luckily for those of us in the know we can still grab a few extra upper Lego kits, and we will be covered for the foreseeable future. Honestly (for me) the bolt action option is as much about checking legal boxes over the desire to wring sub MOA out of a gun. Heck, I just plink steel at 50 yards most of the time and that's good enough for me.  I have quite a few different BCA things and they all work just fine for ringing my 50-yard steel or punching holes in printed targets. With all that said, and knowing how BCA likes to torque or not torque things I say to those who want to unbolt their stuff: "have fun!" |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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I just swapped out the BCA 308 barrel for the BA 6.5 and surprisingly it wasn't terribly tight. Old one went onto the pile of unfired BCA barrels. Working up some 123grn loads for it to test this weekend. The 15 sized "subsonic pocket sniper" in 300 has a 338arc barrel and bolt inbound. Wanted to get a 1-6.5 but that's a custom option that's a 3-12 month wait. So the 1-5 Faxon will have to do for testing. |
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Anybody see the new revised 308 bolt action? Uses a 1 peice bolt now with 2 lugs. The upper is redesigned also. HOTW: New Redesigned Bolt Actions |
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Originally Posted By Normlizer: Anybody see the new revised 308 bolt action? Uses a 1 peice bolt now with 2 lugs. The upper is redesigned also.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjzeS7E9W0c
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| As for the new style bolt action on a bullpup lower/chasis, it depends on how it was done. If it is done on a Triad, SRU, or as Al1en did it on an olcan, it is still very workable. If you go back in the thread and look at the first bullpup i posted, that is the Triad with the Uintah Precision. Now for the Reap Weaponries SCY, that is a different beast. |
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Originally Posted By Tersoth: As for the new style bolt action on a bullpup lower/chasis, it depends on how it was done. If it is done on a Triad, SRU, or as Al1en did it on an olcan, it is still very workable. If you go back in the thread and look at the first bullpup i posted, that is the Triad with the Uintah Precision. Now for the Reap Weaponries SCY, that is a different beast. I have no doubts the pieces can work together, but wouldn't the new charging handle position put it awkwardly close to the shoulder to cycle while shouldered, like Alien acknowledged? Even the SRU seems like it would put the handle really far back. |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: I have no doubts the pieces can work together, but wouldn't the new charging handle position put it awkwardly close to the shoulder to cycle while shouldered, like Alien acknowledged? Even the SRU seems like it would put the handle really far back. If you look at the Uintah Precision upper and the new BCA AR10 2 lug design, they are almost identical. The bolt handle location, the separation of the ejection port and the bolt handle channel. Since the Triad, SRU, and the Olcan have an extended spacer on the back it pushes the handle forward. The Reap Weapons SCY and the XPS TS-1 only extends an inch past the lower, while on the Triad as seen below is two inches. I can still work the action with out needing to break my cheek weld. As a side note, with the Triad (which i had to make a part to work with the bolt action of the Uintah, a full length BCG), the SRU, and based on the looks of the Olcan (Al1en could say for sure) all you need is a 16" barrel. With the Reap SCY and the XPS TS-1, i had to go with an 18" barrel to meet the 26" oal. 
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Attached File Gen 1 338 ARC barrel (pulled the HG off for a swap). Interesting profile that looks like an artillery piece! |
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I built a little folder in 300 blk with one. Shot it yesterday. It was ok. The lockup scares me... There isn't much. It doesn't take much to bump the bolt open. I'm thinking about putting a stronger spring behind the bolt in the carrier just to increase tension. I bought it a while ago so I cut the back off the carrier to make it into a folder. I think they sell them that way now. |
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Originally Posted By Moondog: With regards to barrel swapping, I'm curious if anything is done to plug or cover the gas ports? Is it safe to assume the OEM barrels don't have gas ports drilled? Just flip a low pro gas block upside down. |
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Originally Posted By BoRdErBaCoN: Just flip a low pro gas block upside down. Dude, you're replying to a page 1 comment on a 20 page thread. We are so far past that. If you want improvement on lock-up, the stronger spring helps, as does creating a pocket in the receiver for the base of the handle to "catch" on. There's also adding nylon or printed spacers and using them to tighten the locked position. These are covered in this topic. Tersoth, thanks for walking me through the bullpup. Sorry for being a little thickheaded -- I've been a bit distracted and off my game the past few days. It really seemed like it would be more awkward. But, with the proper stick, I think it got beaten into my head firmly enough to stick, lol. I had forgotten that the Uintah precision upper had roughly the same handle position as the Gen 2. When I checked pictures to refresh my memory I musta missed that one. (Well, that'll teach me to be more thorough.) |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: Tersoth, thanks for walking me through the bullpup. Sorry for being a little thickheaded -- I've been a bit distracted and off my game the past few days. It really seemed like it would be more awkward. But, with the proper stick, I think it got beaten into my head firmly enough to stick, lol. I had forgotten that the Uintah precision upper had roughly the same handle position as the Gen 2. When I checked pictures to refresh my memory I musta missed that one. (Well, that'll teach me to be more thorough.) |
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Originally Posted By Tersoth: Seen this from a video this morning, a straight pull 45acp. https://www.akosarms.com/product/baza-rifle-45-acp-13-rd-mag/ Interesting I just build a semi 45acp because PSA was selling a lower for $50 and a BCG for $30 I’m on a quest to build an AR in every caliber with exceptions. |
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: Is your first AR even really complete before you own an upper of every caliber that can work on it? Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: Originally Posted By AL1EN: [...] I’m on a quest to build an AR in every caliber with exceptions. Is your first AR even really complete before you own an upper of every caliber that can work on it? Lowers beget uppers beget lowers beget uppers... |
It was not preached to the crowd,
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When the English began to hate.
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Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: Is your first AR even really complete before you own an upper of every caliber that can work on it? Originally Posted By PreacherOfGadget: Originally Posted By AL1EN: [...] I’m on a quest to build an AR in every caliber with exceptions. Is your first AR even really complete before you own an upper of every caliber that can work on it? This year I finally started trying to convince myself that not every upper I have required its own lower, and optics can be switched around just for fun. To date I have started to move past my long-time hunting rifle collection mentality. Self, it's ok to mix and match and switch things around. Me: Attached File |
Originally Posted By ar-jedi:
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
SO MUCH WIN IN ONE POST IT COULD CRASH ARFCOM !!!
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Got the new 6.5 Creed upper and old 300blk upper with new 338arc barrel out this weekend. Creed upper worked great. The 338arc is a faxon 9" 1-5 and shows much more potential than than the 300blk. The 300grn subs were getting under 2" at 100. So the pocket sniper project isn't dead. Should of looked harder at the cost of heavy 338 bullets, they're pricey. Funny enough that the cheapest 300grn bullet i found were blem hornady atips. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By bendigo78: Got the new 6.5 Creed upper and old 300blk upper with new 338arc barrel out this weekend. Creed upper worked great. The 338arc is a faxon 9" 1-5 and shows much more potential than than the 300blk. The 300grn subs were getting under 2" at 100. So the pocket sniper project isn't dead. Should of looked harder at the cost of heavy 338 bullets, they're pricey. Funny enough that the cheapest 300grn bullet i found were blem hornady atips. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/26018/20260703_183632_jpg-3791155.JPG If you really wanna stack savings, you can get their gift cards for 20% off around holidays. Right now the 300gr are .50(add to cart). They also have the 270gr and 272gr for around .35/ https://americanreloading.com/products/338-300gr-smk-hpbt-w-cannelure-pulled-100ct?variant=42031866314846 |
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Originally Posted By LnWlf: If you really wanna stack savings, you can get their gift cards for 20% off around holidays. Right now the 300gr are .50(add to cart). They also have the 270gr and 272gr for around .35/ https://americanreloading.com/products/338-300gr-smk-hpbt-w-cannelure-pulled-100ct?variant=42031866314846 Thanks dude! Got a couple boxes of those coming. They're not much cheaper than the atips but I already know they work well. |
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Originally Posted By LnWlf: If you really wanna stack savings, you can get their gift cards for 20% off around holidays. Right now the 300gr are .50(add to cart). They also have the 270gr and 272gr for around .35/ https://americanreloading.com/products/338-300gr-smk-hpbt-w-cannelure-pulled-100ct?variant=42031866314846 Got shipping notification yesterday and they showed up this morning. Turns out they're 40mins away from me. Thanks LnWlf! |
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BCA bolt action upper for $350? (Page 20 of 21)
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