Bear Creek Arsenal AR 410 unboxing and disappointing range trip. These shotguns have flawed bolts

Published on September 4, 2023
Duration: 11:56

This video details the unboxing and disappointing range performance of a Bear Creek Arsenal AR-410 upper. The reviewer encountered significant bolt-closing and feed issues, attributing them to a potentially flawed bolt design, specifically the extractor's inability to clear the .410 rim. Aggressively dremeled feed ramps and a stiff ejector spring are also noted as contributing factors. A temporary fix involving extractor modification is discussed.

Quick Summary

The Bear Creek Arsenal AR-410 upper receiver suffers from significant bolt-closing and feed issues, primarily caused by the extractor failing to clear the .410 cartridge rim. Aggressively modified feed ramps and a stiff ejector spring are also identified as contributing factors to its poor performance and shell rim damage.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction & Purchase Decision
  2. 00:53Unboxing & Initial Inspection
  3. 01:34Feed Ramp & Bolt Issues Noted
  4. 02:16Bolt Removal & Cleaning
  5. 02:40Barrel Markings & Chamber
  6. 03:03Gas Block & Barrel Nut
  7. 03:40Bolt Carrier Group Overview
  8. 04:30Range Day Begins: Expectations
  9. 05:17First Range Test: Bolt Fails to Close
  10. 06:05Theories on Bolt Malfunction
  11. 06:33First Shot & Shell Damage
  12. 07:13Inherent Bolt Design Problem
  13. 07:20Sale Pricing & Manufacturer Responsibility
  14. 07:51Potential Fix: Removing Extractor
  15. 08:34Testing Remington Ammunition
  16. 09:53Rim Damage Continues
  17. 10:33Testing American Tactical Ammunition
  18. 11:00Tinkerer's Approach & Temporary Fix
  19. 11:15Examining Fired & Damaged Shells
  20. 11:49Contacting Bear Creek Arsenal

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main issues with the Bear Creek Arsenal AR-410 upper?

The primary issues reported are the bolt failing to fully close and lock into battery, often due to the extractor not clearing the .410 cartridge rim. Aggressively dremeled feed ramps and a stiff ejector spring are also noted as contributing factors to its poor performance.

What caused the .410 shells to be damaged in the Bear Creek Arsenal AR-410?

The .410 shells sustained damage, with flattened and bent rims, because the bolt was not fully closing. This prevented the extractor from properly engaging the rim, leading to forceful impacts and deformation when the bolt attempted to lock.

What are the potential fixes for the Bear Creek Arsenal AR-410 bolt issues?

Potential fixes include temporarily removing the extractor to test if the bolt will then close, or exploring the possibility of fitting a more ramped extractor from a different caliber, such as a .30 caliber AR-10 bolt, to improve rim clearance.

What is the significance of the dremeled feed ramp on the Bear Creek Arsenal AR-410?

The aggressive dremeling on the feed ramp suggests that Bear Creek Arsenal is aware of feed issues with this model and has attempted a factory modification to improve reliability before the product reaches the consumer.

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