Bear Creek Arsenal Gen 2 Side Charging Upper Receiver - Best Value on The Market

Published on June 13, 2021
Duration: 28:01

This video provides a detailed review of the Bear Creek Arsenal Gen 2 Side Charging Upper Receiver. The reviewer highlights significant improvements over the Gen 1, particularly the ergonomic charging handle, improved mounting system, and wider compatibility with aftermarket parts. While praising the overall value and performance, the review also points out potential weaknesses in the handguard's structural integrity and the lack of a dust cover on the side-charging design.

Quick Summary

The Bear Creek Arsenal Gen 2 Side Charging Upper Receiver offers significant improvements over its predecessor, including a more ergonomic and secure charging handle, a sealed rear receiver for reduced gas blowback when suppressed, and better compatibility with aftermarket parts. While it lacks a dust cover and the handguard has some structural and clearance limitations, its overall value and performance make it a strong contender.

Chapters

  1. 01:17Introduction & Sponsor
  2. 02:32Bear Creek Arsenal Overview
  3. 03:32Gen 2 Upper Receiver Specs
  4. 04:48Testing & Round Count
  5. 05:42Gen 2 Charging Handle Improvements
  6. 07:33Other Gen 2 Improvements
  7. 08:05Bolt Hold Open Compatibility
  8. 08:43Billet Upper Weight
  9. 09:18Bolt Carrier Group Review
  10. 10:01Bolt Staking Improvements
  11. 10:44Benefits of Side Charging
  12. 11:40Sealed Rear Receiver Advantage
  13. 12:52No Dust Cover Drawback
  14. 13:14Reliability with Steel Case
  15. 14:14Handguard Review
  16. 14:34Muzzle Device Clearance Issue
  17. 16:06Handguard Structural Weakness
  18. 17:13Handguard Improvement Suggestion
  19. 18:15Barrel Review
  20. 18:39Barrel Profile & Gas Port
  21. 19:12Barrel Comparison
  22. 19:40Recoil Impulse & Buffers
  23. 21:30Accuracy Testing
  24. 23:24Overall Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of the Bear Creek Arsenal Gen 2 Side Charging Upper Receiver?

The Gen 2 offers a more ergonomic and secure charging handle, improved mounting that prevents loosening, and a sealed rear receiver which is beneficial for suppressed shooting by reducing gas blowback. It also boasts wider compatibility with aftermarket bolt releases.

What are the potential downsides of the Bear Creek Arsenal Gen 2 Side Charging Upper Receiver?

The primary downsides include a lack of a dust cover, a heavier billet construction compared to forged uppers, and potential structural weaknesses in the M-LOK handguard. The handguard also has clearance issues for direct-threading certain muzzle devices and suppressors.

How does the Gen 2 charging handle compare to the Gen 1?

The Gen 2 features a curved, ergonomic charging handle that is more comfortable and secure. Unlike the Gen 1's single set screw which could loosen, the Gen 2 uses a dowel pin and improved threading for greater stability.

What kind of accuracy can be expected from the Bear Creek Arsenal Gen 2 10.5-inch barrel?

The 10.5-inch M4 profile barrel demonstrated excellent accuracy, achieving sub-MOA groups with match-grade ammunition like 77-grain IMI Razor Core at 50 yards (equivalent to 1 MOA at 100 yards). With other loadings, expect around 1.5 to 2 MOA.

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