TheRealWyattEarp Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Hey Armory, I need some advice. I am building/looking to buy a 20" rifle barrel or complete upper for the sole purpose of being a hard use duty rifle. It doesn't need moa accuracy, minute-of-badguy is perfectly acceptable. What I need to know is is there any substantial difference between the FN built PSA uppers, BCM's uppers, or the standard gov profile Windham Weaponry A2 barrel. All will need to have the standard front sight base also. I am w aware of BCM's reputation, and that would be the only one of the three that I haven't personally fired rounds through. Are they so significantly better to warrant a purchase from them as opposed to saving a couple hundred on one of the other setups? I have the tools and experience of upper assembly if I decided to go with parts instead of complete assemblies. I consider upper receivers to be basically equal given that they are machined properly. I will be using a YHM if I go barrel only. Last part, bolt carrier groups. Can someone explain to me the difference between a $170 BCM, a $200 Young Manufacturing, and the $100 PSA premium BCG? Is one really any better than the other? This rifle will have an upper end optic on it (Trijicon, Leopold, etc) and the more I save on the rifle (without sacrificing quality) the sooner the optic gets purchased. Thanks again guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TackleberryMCS Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 (edited) Define "hard use duty rifle". What, exactly, is the purpose for this rifle? Additionally, what specific optics are you considering? Edited September 19, 2016 by TackleberryMCS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRealWyattEarp Posted September 19, 2016 Author Share Posted September 19, 2016 TackleberryMCS, thanks for the reply. A definition is tough, so put it this way. Imagine you were responsible for providing your son with the rifle he was taking to Afghanistan for the next two years. It has to be in A4 configuration and it has to work, or else. That's the criteria I want to go into this rifle with. More practically however, this rifle will have a high round count, will be used in a couple of classes each year, it will likely be used as a student loaner occasionally so it needs to be as soldier proof as possible, etc. It will also be my primary SD/HD firearm. Though not related to the durability of the rifle itself, the optic will likely be an ACOG or AccuPoint, however I am also looking into some of the Leopold Mark 4 and 6 models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRealWyattEarp Posted September 19, 2016 Author Share Posted September 19, 2016 Also, the lower is a factory LMT. It appears that I have forgotten to mention that. My bad! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TackleberryMCS Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 TackleberryMCS, thanks for the reply. A definition is tough, so put it this way. Imagine you were responsible for providing your son with the rifle he was taking to Afghanistan for the next two years. It has to be in A4 configuration and it has to work, or else. That's the criteria I want to go into this rifle with. More practically however, this rifle will have a high round count, will be used in a couple of classes each year, it will likely be used as a student loaner occasionally so it needs to be as soldier proof as possible, etc. It will also be my primary SD/HD firearm. Though not related to the durability of the rifle itself, the optic will likely be an ACOG or AccuPoint, however I am also looking into some of the Leopold Mark 4 and 6 models. For a complete upper, here is what I recommend. http://www.windhamweaponry.com/shopexd.asp?id=322#axzz4KklONzJg For the money, it is of my opinion that this is the better buy and providing the quality and dependability that you are wanting. I am using a couple of these on two A4 clones I own. I also have one of the barrels on my A2 clone. If FN sold upper like this, I would recommend them. In lieu of that, Windham Weaponry is the choice followed by BCM, then PSA. PSA is currently out of stock. You would not be disappointed with the performance of the Windham Weaponry barrel. These are the two ARs that have the upper assembly I mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 I would go with LWRC bcg with the integrated gas key, he'll if that's the criteria for the rifle, I would buy the rifle from LWRC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derk_digler24 Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 Im partial to BCM and would go that route. http://www.slip2000.com/blog/s-w-a-t-magazine-filthy-14/ have you looked at Daniel Defense? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derk_digler24 Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 I would go with LWRC bcg with the integrated gas key, he'll if that's the criteria for the rifle, I would buy the rifle from LWRC. I wouldn't be mad at all with an lwrc, lmt,A POF rifle,Daniel Defense, or a BCM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRealWyattEarp Posted September 20, 2016 Author Share Posted September 20, 2016 Neither Daniel Defense or LWRC offer 20" barrels so they are out. As for the bcg from LWRC, I would prefer it be mil-spec in order to be field serviceable. I have a Windham Weaponry A2 barrel already, but I haven't had the chance to really put it through its paces. It was only capable of 4+ MOA with M193 and M855. That was a little disappointing I admit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 At some point in history, muskets were " mil spec". The gas key is a common point of failure, coming loose. If you can eliminate a point of failure from a battle rifle, it won't be one of the things to service in the field. Jmho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TackleberryMCS Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 Neither Daniel Defense or LWRC offer 20" barrels so they are out. As for the bcg from LWRC, I would prefer it be mil-spec in order to be field serviceable. I have a Windham Weaponry A2 barrel already, but I haven't had the chance to really put it through its paces. It was only capable of 4+ MOA with M193 and M855. That was a little disappointing I admit. I suggest putting it through the paces. Remember, you said, "It doesn't need moa accuracy, minute-of-badguy is perfectly acceptable." BTW, I do not see how you are getting 4+ MOA from a Windham Weaponry 20" A2 Gov't profile barrel. I am getting much better than that @100 yds. with mine. Anyhow, that is all I have to add. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRealWyattEarp Posted September 20, 2016 Author Share Posted September 20, 2016 See, that's the thing. I have it on a YHM upper and a free float YHM quad rail. My optic is an old vx-1 on a LaRue QD mount. I've used it for years as an AR accuracy testing rig. I know my torque was correct and everything is solid so I'm at a loss for the accuracy deficiency. As far as my desire to keep it "mil-spec", I fully understand that is often not the highest common denominator. However, it does allow for expedient repair given the commonality of parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRealWyattEarp Posted September 20, 2016 Author Share Posted September 20, 2016 Barry, does that BCG from LWRC have a screw on tube that attaches to the gas key? If so, I would worry about that more than a key becoming unscrewed. I've always wondered about gas key failures too. I've been working with full and semi auto rifles both professionally and personally for 23 years now and I think I have seen everything except a gas key fail. Am I just a lucky duck or is this something that doesn't happen often at all? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRealWyattEarp Posted September 24, 2016 Author Share Posted September 24, 2016 Well guys, I've decided on the BCM 20" upper, however I still am unsure of which BCG to go with. Awhile back BCM would sell the BCG for $69 if purchased with an upper. Now they change $169, which makes looking into other options such as Young Manufacturing worthwhile. Any thoughts/experience on BCG's y'all wish to share? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLShooter Posted September 24, 2016 Share Posted September 24, 2016 The Youngs are great but an RGuns BCG would suffice in the hundred dollar range or any from Joe Bobs would satisfy my needs. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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