Bear Creek Arsenal Out of The Box, Does it Run??? - 7.62x39 Gen 2 Side Charger

Published on February 6, 2022
Duration: 17:26

This video provides an out-of-the-box review and reliability test of a Bear Creek Arsenal 16-inch 7.62x39mm Gen 2 side-charging upper receiver. The reviewer tests its performance with approximately 300 rounds, evaluating its cycling, accuracy, and functionality with various ammunition types and magazines. While generally impressed with its performance for the price, the review also highlights minor cosmetic imperfections and potential areas for user inspection on budget AR-15 components.

Quick Summary

The Bear Creek Arsenal 16-inch 7.62x39mm Gen 2 side-charging upper receiver offers good performance for its $204 price point. Tested out-of-the-box, it demonstrated reliable cycling with various ammunition, including subsonic rounds, and achieved accuracy around 1-2 MOA at 50 yards, largely due to its heavy barrel profile. Minor cosmetic imperfections and a few failures to lock back were noted, but overall it's considered a fun and capable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Bear Creek Arsenal 7.62x39mm Gen 2 side-charging upper receiver?

The Bear Creek Arsenal 16-inch 7.62x39mm Gen 2 side-charging upper receiver features a heavy barrel profile with a 0.750 taper, a new handguard design, and an enhanced firing pin. Its Gen 2 side-charging handle is secured by a bolt and steel dowel for improved stability.

How did the Bear Creek Arsenal 7.62x39mm upper perform in reliability testing?

Out of approximately 300 rounds, the upper performed well, though a few failures to fully lock back were noted. These were potentially related to the gas system or magazine compatibility, as it ran reliably with good magazines like Duramag.

What kind of accuracy can be expected from the Bear Creek Arsenal 7.62x39mm upper?

Accuracy testing at 50 yards showed promising results. With Wolf 122-grain ammunition, groups were around 1-2 MOA, and with 123-grain Hornady Black, groups were approximately 1 MOA (excluding a flyer), attributed to the heavy barrel profile.

Are there any common issues or recommendations for budget AR-15 uppers like the Bear Creek Arsenal model?

For budget uppers, it's recommended to visually inspect gas block alignment, set screws, firing pin extension, gas key staking, and bolt tolerances. Minor cosmetic issues like slight handguard misalignment or machining marks can occur but may not affect function.

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