Is There One Best Bolt Carrier Group?

[Abraham]

I watched a u-tube video exhibiting a half dozen or so Bolt Carrier Groups that ran the gamut of average, better, best.

It left me wondering if there's really any such thing.

All of the BCG ran the guns just fine, but according to the film maker some of the upscale BCG's (by virtue of their finer metallurgy) would be far easier to clean.

This makes me wonder if buying the higher cost (assuming you have the discretionary income) BCG would be worth it for the easier to clean aspect or is this film maker simply full of it...?

Thoughts!

[OldCannon]

It left me wondering if there's really any such thing.

Not really. There are some bad BCGs, but they're few and far between these days, given modern CNC manufacturing - I can't even think of any off the top of my head. In fact, there are some small scale manufacturers that make BCGs that are as good as, if not better than, the "big name" brands these days. Carpenter 158 or 9310 steel is ideal for the carrier and bolt construction. Gas keys absolutely should be staked.

Nickel-Boron plated carriers (or IONBond) are a nice gimmick, but (IMHO) are generally overpriced. If you can find one at a decent price, they are easier to clean, but a phosphate-coated BCG with a decent lubricant (I prefer FrogLube) will work wonders. I recommend replacing the BCG when you replace your barrel (between 10,000-20,000 rounds, for those that get that far ).

[baldeagle]

I recommend replacing the BCG when you replace your barrel (between 10,000-20,000 rounds, for those that get that far ).

Unless you shoot Wolf Brand ammo. Then you need to replace barrels at 6,000 rounds.