2 - Salient Arms BCG Physicals

Published on March 15, 2020
Duration: 27:09

This video provides a detailed physical inspection of two Salient Arms International Bolt Carrier Groups (BCGs). The instructor, with clear expertise in firearm components, meticulously gauges and examines various aspects of the BCGs, including headspace, extractor fit, gas key dimensions, firing pin protrusion, and internal finish. Several issues are identified, such as oversized gas keys, potential extractor problems, a failed firing pin hole gauge, and significant internal machining marks, highlighting potential quality control concerns with these specific units.

Quick Summary

A detailed physical inspection of two Salient Arms Bolt Carrier Groups revealed significant issues including oversized gas keys, poor internal finishes with rough machining marks, and a failed firing pin hole gauge. One unit also exhibited excessive firing pin protrusion and alignment problems with its gas key, indicating potential quality control concerns.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Salient Arms BCGs
  2. 00:54Headspace Gauge Testing
  3. 01:43Disassembly and Initial Inspection
  4. 03:53Extractor Inspection and Gauging
  5. 05:48Extractor Pin Check
  6. 06:35Gas Ring Inspection
  7. 07:45Magnetism and Firing Pin Hole Check
  8. 08:31Bolt Face and Firing Pin Hole Failure Analysis
  9. 09:15Bolt Lug Peening and Wear Analysis
  10. 10:57Gas Key Oversizing and Alignment Check
  11. 11:43Gas Path Clearance Test
  12. 12:15Bolt Tail No-Go Gauge Test
  13. 13:58Carrier Key Straightness Test
  14. 15:11Firing Pin Protrusion Measurement
  15. 16:14Firing Pin and Cam Pin Binding Check
  16. 17:23Ejector Functionality Test
  17. 18:22Internal Carrier Finish Inspection (Borescope)
  18. 20:07Rose Gold BCG Borescope Analysis
  19. 22:11Gold BCG Borescope Analysis
  20. 23:34Three-Bore Gauging (Bolt Support, Gas Ring Run, Tail Seal)
  21. 26:02Summary of Failures and Issues
  22. 26:30Conclusion and Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions

What common issues were found with the Salient Arms Bolt Carrier Groups in the video?

The inspection revealed several critical issues, including oversized gas keys leading to potential cycling problems, a failed firing pin hole gauge indicating it's too large, and significant internal machining marks and rough finishes, particularly in the gas ring run and bolt support shoulder areas, which can cause premature wear.

How did the Salient Arms BCGs perform in headspace and firing pin protrusion tests?

Both BCGs passed the go/no-go headspace gauge tests. However, one BCG exhibited excessive firing pin protrusion, exceeding the acceptable range and posing a risk of piercing primers. The firing pin hole on another BCG failed the no-go gauge test.

What were the findings regarding the internal finish and gas keys of the Salient Arms BCGs?

The internal finish of both BCGs was described as very rough with nasty machining marks. Furthermore, the gas keys on both units were found to be oversized, which can lead to gas leakage and cycling issues in a firearm.

Are these issues indicative of all Salient Arms BCGs?

The instructor emphasizes that these are two specific samples and do not necessarily represent all Salient Arms BCGs. However, these examples highlight potential quality control concerns and provide valuable insight into how these components measure up.

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