BCM BCG with rough Bore

Published on November 30, 2020
Duration: 4:48

This guide details how to inspect the bore of a bolt carrier group (BCG) for surface roughness using a borescope. Significant roughness in the gas ring area can lead to premature wear or failure of the gas rings. The video emphasizes that even high-quality BCGs, like those from BCM, can occasionally have manufacturing defects. It suggests using budget-friendly borescopes for home inspection and performing gas ring tension tests as a complementary diagnostic.

Quick Summary

A rough bore in a bolt carrier group (BCG), especially where gas rings are located, can cause premature wear and failure of those rings. This condition can also contribute to a firearm appearing over-gassed. Inspecting the BCG bore with a borescope, even an inexpensive one, is recommended to identify such issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: BCG Issue Detection
  2. 00:09BCM Bolt Carrier Group Example
  3. 00:25Borescope Inspection Technique
  4. 00:38Impact of Rough Bore Surface Finish
  5. 00:56Premature Gas Ring Wear Explained
  6. 01:01Extreme Roughness Example
  7. 01:21Affordable Borescope Options
  8. 02:00Visualizing the Rough Bore
  9. 02:16Roughness Catching Patch Material
  10. 02:43Comparison: Rough vs. Smooth Bore
  11. 03:02Smooth Bore Interior View
  12. 03:34Smooth Gas Ring Run
  13. 03:46Not Necessarily a Failure
  14. 04:08Component Inspection During Builds
  15. 04:10Gas Ring Tension Test
  16. 04:21Rough Bore and Gas Ring Wear Correlation
  17. 04:36Other Causes of Gas Ring Wear
  18. 04:43Conclusion and Educational Value

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary concern with a rough bore in a bolt carrier group?

A rough bore in the bolt carrier group (BCG), particularly in the area where the gas rings are located, can cause those rings to wear out prematurely. This can lead to reduced gas seal efficiency and potentially affect the firearm's cycling.

Can a rough BCG bore indicate a firearm is over-gassed?

Yes, a rough BCG bore can contribute to a firearm appearing over-gassed. If the rough surface wears down the gas rings, their tension decreases, leading to more gas escaping and potentially causing cycling issues or over-gassing symptoms.

How can I check for roughness in my bolt carrier group's bore?

You can inspect your bolt carrier group's bore using a borescope. Look for any significant surface imperfections or roughness in the area where the gas rings sit. Even budget-friendly borescopes can reveal these issues.

Does a rough BCG bore mean the component is a complete failure?

Not necessarily. While a rough bore can lead to premature wear of gas rings, it doesn't automatically mean the bolt carrier group is a complete failure. However, it's a condition to be aware of and monitor, as it can impact long-term reliability.

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