New AR-15 Owner Lesson: Cheap AR-15 Post Upgrade Failure

Published on February 23, 2024
Duration: 22:19

This video details the troubleshooting process for an unreliable budget AR-15, specifically an AR Stoner build on an Aero Precision lower. After initial concerns about over-gassing and extraction, the presenter attempted upgrades including a heavier H buffer and a BCM SOD bolt upgrade kit. Despite these efforts, malfunctions persisted, leading to the conclusion that the original bolt carrier group was likely the primary issue. The video emphasizes that for new AR-15 owners, investing in a quality complete rifle from a reputable manufacturer is often more cost-effective and reliable than attempting to upgrade budget components.

Quick Summary

Budget AR-15s often experience reliability issues like over-gassing and poor extraction, frequently stemming from a faulty bolt carrier group (BCG). While upgrades like heavier buffers can help, they may not solve the problem. For new owners, investing in a complete, reliable rifle from a reputable manufacturer is recommended to avoid the costs and frustrations of troubleshooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Budget AR-15 Reliability Concerns
  2. 00:53Upgrade 1: Heavier Buffer Installation
  3. 01:06Upgrade 2: BCM SOD Bolt Upgrade Kit
  4. 01:48Testing After Upgrades: Initial Malfunctions
  5. 03:50Reverting to Standard Buffer: New Test
  6. 05:08Testing with H Buffer Again
  7. 06:06Analysis of H Buffer Performance
  8. 08:06Testing with H2 Buffer
  9. 08:31Conclusion: BCG is Likely the Issue
  10. 08:43Final Solution: Replacing the Bolt Carrier Group
  11. 09:31Testing with New BCM BCG
  12. 11:06Lessons Learned: Budget AR-15 vs. Quality Build
  13. 13:34Advice for New AR-15 Owners
  14. 19:29Recommendation: Buy Complete, Build Later
  15. 20:39Final Thoughts and Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common reliability issues with budget AR-15s?

Budget AR-15s often suffer from over-gassing and inconsistent extraction. These issues can manifest as malfunctions like fail-to-go-into-battery or stovepipes, especially under stress or rapid fire. The quality of the bolt carrier group (BCG) is frequently a primary culprit.

Can upgrading a budget AR-15 improve its reliability?

Upgrades like heavier buffers or bolt rebuild kits can sometimes help, but they may not fully resolve underlying issues. If the BCG itself is faulty, replacing it with a quality unit is often the most effective solution, though this adds significant cost.

What is the recommended approach for new AR-15 owners?

For new owners, it's generally recommended to purchase a complete, reliable AR-15 from a reputable manufacturer. This ensures the rifle functions correctly out of the box, allowing new users to focus on training rather than troubleshooting. Building a rifle can be a learning experience for a second or subsequent purchase.

How much can troubleshooting a budget AR-15 cost?

The cost of troubleshooting a budget AR-15 can escalate quickly. It includes the price of potential upgrades (like a BCG, costing $160-$180), ammunition for testing (around $100 for ~200 rounds), and potentially tools for modifications, pushing the total cost well beyond the initial purchase price.

Related News

All News →

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Magic Prepper

View all →