AR15 Bolt Carrier Group Coatings & Finishes - The Good & Bad

AR15 Bolt Carrier Group Coatings & Finishes - The Good & Bad
ETA:
For those asking for BCG recommendations, I stopped doing that a long time ago.
I used to make recommendations and inevitably, it almost always bit me in the rear. When I make suggestions and there are product issues, people blamed me instead of the manufacturer.
The only quality I can guarantee is a BCG that I put my hands on, which includes inspection, gauging, and testing.
The point of my videos are not to tell you who to buy from or what to buy,, the point is to teach you what to look at regardless of the manufacturer.
There are many shills on the internet pushing products because they are paid to do so. I'm not monetized and I don't take advertising for my content.
I appreciate my viewers, but if you are here to look for a product endorsement, you will always be disappointed.
The only things I will generally promote are tools and gauges. Again, I make no money from those endorsements.

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

For those asking for BCG recommendations, I stopped doing that a long time ago. I used to make recommendations and inevitably, it almost always bit me in the rear. When I make suggestions and there are product issues, people blamed me instead of the manufacturer. The only quality I can guarantee is a BCG that I put my hands on, which includes inspection, gauging, and testing. The point of my videos are not to tell you who to buy from or what to buy,, the point is to teach you what to look at regardless of the manufacturer. There are many shills on the internet pushing products because they are paid to do so. I'm not monetized and I don't take advertising for my content. I appreciate my viewers, but if you are here to look for a product endorsement, you will always be disappointed. The only things I will generally promote are tools and gauges. Again, I make no money from those endorsements.

[@seanwhite304]

That's awesome that you actually do that . When you do show your actual Carbines you use . Very few people ca. Actually tell what parts are in there . I cant tell all of the parts but I can most of the parts

[@ThePatriotParadox]

It's best the way you JUST give your thoughts on different aspects, but I have missed these small informative videos for everyone to see!

[@LRRPFco52]

Some of the top name manufacturers have let crap parts out the door before. I agree 100% with the approach of not trusting anything until I get my hands on it, and have been saying that for years. It’s why I wish that other top tier companies would sell parts kits so you can QC what goes into the gun yourself. The hardest thing from a home build perspective though is press-fitting gas blocks. Most of the after-market gas blocks are meant for slip-fit DIY’ers, which is not good at all for gas system efficiency.

[@ThePatriotParadox]

@@LRRPFco52 what's the best way to go about it? A clamp style???? Do u have a link or anything, I got a cheaper gas block and it's just a headache

[@LRRPFco52]

@@ThePatriotParadox I like press-fitting mine, using an undersized gas block (.749” ID for .750” journals). You can use some heavier drill presses to do the job of seating the block with the mechanical power of the press, but you really have to have your dimensions down for alignment. You can send out to a shop if you don’t have tools. Clamp-on is one method. KAC has a really cool gas block attachment method with the SR-15 Mod 2 I think it was, but the gas block journal is threaded up front, and there’s an indexing notch at 12 o’clock for the block to clock into. You then install a lock ring that compresses against the face of the gas block as it threads onto the journal. Q copied that on the Honey Badger if you look at it. Maybe they licensed it, because it looks just like the KAC method. For DIY route, you can bed the gas block with high temp sealant, but I have still experienced leakage using that method.

[@hedgeearthridge6807]

I work in Quality at an engine factory. Take it for what it's worth, but I'd recommend for any BCG manufacturer, just stick to 1 thing and do it insanely well. You won't stand out in the extremely competitive market by offering every kind of coating, you will stand out by offering a product that's better than the competition; having a better reputation. Do like the Japanese: continuously improve your manufacturing process and focus on quality, and the costs will naturally go down, giving you a price and value advantage too. Before long your BCG will be better and cheaper than most of your competition, and that will sell hotter than those offering mediocre BCGs in every coating.

[@seanoneil277]

"Just stick to 1 thing and do it insanely well." Exactly. I have seen many different businesses ruin a lot of their original promise by trying to multi-task instead of focusing on core competency(ies). The history of many big American businesses from the 20th Century which are almost invisible today, it's full of companies who tried to be too many things in too many niches. It's similar with firearms. A guy can "collect" a bunch, but if he doesn't know how to use one with competence, he should consider himself a collector and not a shooter. Even though he has many firearms. He's a collector not a shooter, and any real shooter will see the fancy gun collection may be nice to look at but it doesn't shoot itself.

[@denmanfite3156]

But but but we need newfangled red and blue colored bullshit to sell to the cringe crowd! 🤣🤣

[@elitetrader5468]

Reminds me of Sig Sauer. Their product line is way too bloated. That's why their QC is shit.

[@abolishtheatfandrepealthen6963]

Sounds like describing microbest

[@gdaddy7351]

Kinda like the good folks at your local Chick-fil-A !!!

[@preoer]

20,000 Rifles is a crazy number that puts your experience into perspective.

[@paulthecpa2717]

That’s what I told my wife when she asked “who is this guy?” I said outside of Eugene Stoner, the most knowledgeable man on the AR15, that’s all. 😂

[@Dukenukem777]

What an excellent video. Before finding your channel, I was of the popular opinion that “an AR is an AR”. I now understand the art and some of the science in the elegance of the Stoner design. Thank you, Chad.

[@LRRPFco52]

Most AR-15 look-alikes are Vismod-15s, with not a single part compliant with the TDP.

[@kylesprengeler5965]

This dude prob already forgot more info on this platform than i will ever know. Mad respect to this instructor!

[@BlakeCWong]

The BCG at 12:50 is a Geissele REBCG

[@rickyray4111]

Thanks.

[@alpham777]

Been running a Aero nickel boron bolt for about 5 years now and about 10 or 11k rounds in so far so good. I don't over clean it though ( cleans up with a paper towel ) and usually lube it with a cold weather grease since I live in the arctic.

[@9301robodoc]

I am a 35 year retired engineer and I find your videos very informative and accurate. Thank you for taking the time to share your extensive knowledge.

[@crypto1300]

Aloha from Hawaii's 2A community 🤙🏾

[@SchooloftheAmericanRifle]

Keep up the good fight there.

[@denniswerner1670]

Microbest Phosphate chrome lined BCGs are quickly becoming my favorite.

[@lonesoldier2485]

2022 me: looks at PSA's Black Friday sale, sees a Tool Craft NiB BCG, buys one for new upper. 2023 me: has time to shoot rifle with new BCG, and then watches this video, and now bangs head against desk.

[@Gnolomweb]

Shot it yet? How's it going?

[@lonesoldier2485]

@@Gnolomweb haven’t shot it recently but worked like the old BCG it replaced.

[@350volvo]

I run Colt or BCM BCG's in all my guns. I love this channel, learned alot over the years and have checked all of my AR platforms. Thanks for shareing this knowledge!

[@balldip]

I haven’t watched the video yet but I just wanted to thank you for all of the videos you’ve created. I went from a newbie with no knowledge to someone that’s semi competent:)

[@ralphday4842]

Much respect for this guy for concealing manufacturers and not dumping on anyone. 👍

[@seanoneil277]

I'm pretty sure if you go through the back catalog of SOTAR videos you will see that he never dumps on anyone. He only tells what he knows from experience sorting out problems customers had, or which he had himself. You can learn a crazy amount about AR function and what role various critical parts play, just by spending time watching old SOTAR videos. I've assembled several thanks to the wisdom I've learned from Chad & SOTAR videos, and each has run like a good Swiss watch thanks to paying attention to crucial featues in the various SOTAR videos I've watched. A true internet treasure.

[@slipknnnot]

You can tell he was shitting in the sharps, and lantac lmao

[@uzomad]

Absolutely not. Without naming names and models this video is useless for 90% of people.

[@ScottWaa]

Thank you so much for these videos! I appreciate that you stay away from brand names, talk facts and speak from experience.

[@caseymacpherson821]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. It definitely helps me understand what’s important. It’s an expensive series since getting the tools is a cost, but it’s piece of mind!

[@rjinmi]

I am SO GLAD I found this channel! A wealth of knowledge clearly derived from years of hands on experience. Thank you for sharing it with us all!

[@Daniel7.62]

You just answered so many questions I’ve had by comparing all the different types. Thanks

[@dancarter7009]

Was looking forward to this video since you announced it, not disappointed! Thank you again for all the information! Keep up the great work brother & look forward to the next one!

[@Quality_Guru]

Every time I visit your channel I feel as I'm pulling up a seat and listening to the professor impart his wisdom on those eager to learn. All that is missing is me taking notes for a test afterwards. I totally enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with all of us. God bless you!

[@AutopilotAndChill]

Its great to see you and Chris Bartocci come to the same conclusion on chrome BCG. Between you two, if you say something is a shitter, it most certainly is. Now all the chrome BCG are sold out. For real though, thanks for your opinion!

[@aquablaster86]

I bought a Sionics patrol rifle zero back in 2016 and they use the NP3 coating on their bcgs. 7yrs and thousands of rounds later and never had a problem.

[@hiwayhighway9925]

And so much easier getting rid of carbon.

[@TheRykoo]

One of the most informative videos on BCGs I've ever seen, thank you so much for all the information as I thought Nickle Boron was one of the very best for the price and performance. I haven't personally come across any issues with them yet but you've certainly convinced me that you've been around the block a time or two and you know what you're talking about. The future will hold some different mindsets when purchasing BCGs now.

[@rsilvers129]

Your primary argument against Nickel Boron was that it adds too much to the dimensions and makes for out of spec parts. I was Director of R&D at AAC / Remington and specified the design of the MPW rifle bolt carrier groups. All of the parts were manufactured to custom dimensions to account for the coating thickness, then all of the CMM and gauging tests were done on the final parts. This was all accounted for. Remington Military Products Division test fired 10 of the rifles to 50,000 rounds with zero malfunctions. But yes, most, and maybe even all other companies were just coating off the shelf parts and adding thickness. We wouldn’t have ever done that. It’s flat out unacceptable.

[@RickyJohnson-nt1km]

Mines a supper slick Risa nickel boron bolt from brokeing arrow Oklahoma is us a good to go bolt I lk white grease on um thank you sir

[@abolishtheatfandrepealthen6963]

Watched this at work and again at home since I couldn't pay full attention while working. Great video

[@smpinkerman]

This is the first video of yours I’ve watched. Can’t wait to get into more!!! Thanks for taking the time to educate us!!

[@MsPatriotfront]

I got a NiB BCG in a package from PSA when I bought 10 P-mags for $99. I now use it as a paperweight on my desk after seeing this video. (I'm serious / no joke). It makes for an interesting conversation piece, and any man who doesn't recognize it I am immediately suspicious of. Mad respect to SOTAR.

[@Whitefeather83]

Great break down on finishes. Took me years to figure that out. I love my sionics np3 bcg. Mike from solgw's was a big help on that choice.

[@levyrogers6979]

First, thank you for your time and the Information you shared with all of us. I enjoy watching your videos, I've learned a great deal. I put into practice what I have learned watching your videos, now I know what to look for in a BCG. When ordering parts for a build. Thank you. The gun community needs more people like you sir It would be a better place. God Bless you and yours.

[@jrossnjax7]

Wow! I'm shocked, I learned more from this video than any other video on KZbin! Nice video, nice explanation and side-cut demonstration. I recognize many of those and I'm shocked.

[@jeffhester1443]

Thank you. A very descriptive and informative presentation. I'm sure it will become a common reference for builders as well as manufacturers.

[@thelastlatchkeykid8466]

I watch these videos over and over. Love this channel.

[@47enterprises]

Man, again, love it. So many great details I never knew. Excellent presentation!

[@jacobdelgado7343]

Always learning something new when i watch one of your videos

[@kevinshay5810]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. This video was very interesting and seeing all those BCG's side by side was great.

[@adamg574]

Thanks for the in-depth knowledge transfer, helped me decide to get another BCM phosphate BCG instead of a toolcraft DLC coated BCG I was looking at.

[@Will_ONeill]

Quite pricey he says holding the Sandcutter, I think rediculousky expensive is more like it.

[@brrrt7623]

100 bucks cheaper than Giessele and 50-75 more than a wilson or bcm. Alot more reasonable than alot of their stuff.

[@DDadams0]

@@brrrt7623 You can't get them at msrp. That's the problem. They sell for a thousand over msrp at minimum.

[@patrickbowman8841]

@@brrrt7623please show me where to get a sandcutter for 350 bucks.

[@aarondavis5632]

​@@patrickbowman8841centurian arms make a sandcutter hard chromed

[@billpiech7564]

Awesome video. I'm a retired manufacturing engineer and can relate to all of your comments. Thank you.

[@MrScary67]

been waiting for this video for a few years...ever since Chad told me about a coating he did not like. I trusted his advice then...watching this now.

[@richardbarber4380]

Thanks for your videos. The 1st time I watched one I realized I knew jack nothing about what I thought I did. Been subscribed ever since.

[@anonymousdude6493]

This is the most unbiased video i have seen in quite some time. Please keep up the good work. Their is a shortage of good information out there. LMK if I can help.

[@p47rr]

Extremely educational. I know what to look for now. Thank you!

[@paullevins5448]

Very instructional. You helped me make up my mind about going for one of those Nickel Boron bolt carriers. My original works well as it is. Goes back to the old saying " if it's not broke ,dont fix it. Saved me $200.00. Thank you.

[@ocd_ar1598]

Excellent video. I'm weird and collect BCGs and have found similar results as for the correlation between coatings and inefficiency/ bolt bore issues. With that said, I've always avoided chrome carriers- looks like I may get a few to play with. Thank you.

[@platinumcontent9]

was literally scouring the internet for this information. Quite difficult to find something credible. Thank you for this knowledge.

[@JeezUriah]

Very educational. Very well worth watching if you want to learn more about the gas management in this direct impingement system of the AR

[@19stump65]

Just stopped by for a second look, thanks again done well. I love the moral patch . It looks great , a bit above the rest on the board actually

[@merdith6]

I usually get the toolcraft nitride bcg no issues so far. I have one nickel boron bolt carrier and it discolors a lot but works fine. I would have never guessed that the phosphate ones are typically better thank you for the information

[@vince1376]

you sir, have earned another subscriber. great, quality work. I appreciate it and look forward to more videos.

[@bfish9700]

Great to see you make this video. Recognize a few of these...

[@av8t1]

Excellent video. A lot of great info that we all can use. Thank you.

[@GroinsItchin]

Really good information, thank you. The knowledge you provide is invaluable

[@jp71889]

Very informative, thanks for bringing clarity to the different coatings and what to watch for. I would love a video of a ground-up AR-15 assembly from you, just to see the proper way of doing things. There is so much bad information about there. I’m pretty sure you couldn’t do it on KZbin, but if you make it we will come.

[@hawkeyeinthehouse2995]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH for very informative and insightful examination of the different types of bolt carrier coatings.🤔😯😉😃👍

[@scaleworksRC]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Much appreciated.

[@PandemicGameplay]

I have also had issues with NiB carriers, glad I'm not alone in that.

[@noneyabidness196]

Good to hear i recently made a good purchase for a new build on going with the sionics NP3

[@nurse-dude]

Ultimate lesson here is the quality and QC of the manufacture makes all the difference If its a junk part with poor tolerances, no volume of phosphating/chroming can save it, and if its a good quality mfg who pays attention to QC, NiB can be just fine. phosphating is really hard to beat, they have been doing it forever so it's become well established process. Ive been experimenting and trying various coating as of late myself. Really seems like chroming is becoming a lost art in favor of the PVD stuff.

[@seanoneil277]

General chromium plating operations declined for two reasons in the 1970s. One was industrial -- Vietnam war demands stopped, and auto and motorcycle makers shifted from chrome bumpers, fenders, door handles, mirrors etc to non-chrome. These two industrial hits caused a lot of volume drops, which caused shops to close. EPA creation and related national enviro legislation etc put a big whack on chromium operations because they have a fair amount of toxics in both the process and the residue. Between industrial forces and enviro restrictions, chrome plating shrunk tremendously by the mid- to late 80s. I had to learn all this when I worked with a chromium plating outfit whose work had to be to a certain mfr spec, and how hard it was to find a chrome outfit that could do it. This was mid-90s and back then the chrome platers were mostly in Detroit with a secondary cluster in Chicago. Where they are today, who knows? Very few exist, and the craftsmen who worked in plating for decades all retired or passed away.

[@nurse-dude]

@@seanoneil277 Would make sense why the PVD coating and all are popular now. I do wonder if the lack of popularity of Ni-B is in partly due to the marketing and the resulting issues of failed claims

[@seanoneil277]

@@nurse-dude I would suspect that it's just opportunism. Many new firearms bought since 2020 began. Which means many new and naive folks easily swayed by cosmetics and marketing lists of "features." I swear 90% of internet discussion of firearms is about "features" in marketing materials, rather than how the doggone things actually work, in regular use & not just the annual trip to shoot a few rounds. If an opportunistic young(ish) person has plenty of $$ and a slick marketing approach, he can create a nifty new "must have" item that is only "must have" in the eyes of his profit-making expectations. And those expectations may not have anything at all to do with real world utility of the thing he's selling.

[@megaman010391]

I've had a Nib nitride BCG from AIM Surplus. Have 3500 rounds through it, definitely has some wear but nothing catastrophic. Still works and rings are good. I do keep it extra lubed. I'll see how it does when I reach 5000.

[@CarlPapa88]

​@@seanoneil277Your statement in your 2nd paragraph. That's why I'm here before I buy anything.

[@johnw4999]

I appreciate your videos and tremendous effort in making them. As a retired combat Infantryman, I personally never had an issue w the military BCGs. Over the years, I’ve been skeptical of gimmicky BCGs. The only one I bought was a NP3 coated one to run in my old MK18 SBR with a M42000 silencer. Turned out to be an awesome BCG. The SBR and silencer is extremely overgassed and a extraordinarily heavy fouling gun, but ran reliably over 6 months and over 1k rds suppressed w no maintenance. I’ve since moved on to more efficient systems, lol. I’m trying the Super Duty BCGs in two of their firearms, and so far, so good w limited rds through them. Otherwise, yes, the phosphate and chrome BCG is the gold standard.

[@muddyhotdog4103]

Never had an issue with phosphate.. chrome is in the right spots and it holds on to lube better in the other areas in the outside phosphated areas.

[@hardcharger67]

I was thinking of those myself, I don't think the "Nanoweapon coating" was mentioned in the vid? I actually just picked one up myself, a complete SD upper that is with their NW BCG and am very much interested to see how it will preform, especially suppressed.

[@kenshinhimura3014]

thank you for sharing you're knowledge and experience 🙏

[@nathantrest2345]

Very informative info concerning BCGs. Thank you!

[@Op_Sen]

Thank you for sharing this wealth of knowledge. Love the videos.

[@dororo3118]

Oh how iv missed videos like this.

[@Daninbristolbay]

wonderfully paced and very clear speaking!! Thank you. I'm just beginning to learn about ARs. Up to now I was thinking NiB was the best stuff. Now I have to look at my 1 AR and compare to this. Thank you.

[@rux2213]

Thank you for a no nonsense explanation

[@MaverickCompany]

Loving this channel and your teachings

[@ericstites9470]

Very informative video! At the risk of exposing my lack of knowledge on coatings, I didn't know about NP3. Nor did I know they made chrome-coated BCGs. I did know that chrome-lined barrel bores existed, but I also have heard that they have more friction to them. A negligible drawback, otherwise every machine gun in our military inventory would not use them. I went with a DLC-coated BCG in my build. So far I'm very impressed! I chose DLC due to its hardness/wear resistance and lower friction - I think it's the slickest coating used on BCGs? Not that I'm running a dry AR, but if God forbid we spiral into such a time when we need to use our firearms for things other than sport/recreation/home defense, I want to know it'll stay reliable even if circumstances delay me from cleaning and lubing the action. I was actually torn between the DLC coating and nitride treatment. After researching the salt bath nitrocarburization treatment, I found that - done properly - it leaves a super hard molecular layer on the surface that will not come off without doing destructive things to the treated part. It's also a slick surface - because of that I went with a nitrided barrel(I know chrome is better for full-auto, but I won't be doing that ever). Again, I'm very happy with how well the rifle operates, and those slick surfaces make cleaning much easier!

[@C_oprator89]

So good SOTAR Is back baby!!

[@stephenjohnson6841]

Another great and informative video! Thanks again.

[@ylismsa]

This was very educational as usual. Paid a close attention to the bolt carrier of my new rifle while watching. Not knowing much anything from before as it is my first actual rifle caliber weapon, the others mostly being 9 mm. The bolt carrier appears to be phosphate chrome version and the gas key looks to be well staked. I haven't had any problems so far. It wasn't the cheapest, but neither unbearably expensive, though there was a premium from overseas import. Good to know it's probably not a complete crap purchase!

[@davidbundesen5867]

Excellent discussion and explanation. I would have loved to see the brand names of your favorite bcgs

[@m1garandman]

My understanding is they went to phosphate over chrome carrier coating because the chrome was so much harder than the phosphate finish that it caused excessive wear on uppers when they had grit and dirt in the mechanism.

[@mrrustygray]

Very intriguing. I put a NIBO BCG in a rifle that ran great with a phosphate BCG. Began to experience FTE. Swapped it back out. Zero issues again. Wondering now if I bought a phosphate bolt or extractor would it improve. Just thinking out loud. My NIBO was highly polished after the coating. Very little surface imperfections at all. Excellent information.

[@DZ4295DBW]

I have a Radian EBCG. Did all the measurements and tests on it, and it passed. Wasn't the most efficient but it was still in the efficient category. ^_^

[@jonathancruz5091]

Me watching this vid as I purchase a SOLGW chrome bcg! Informative vid!!

[@charlieghague]

Great video as always, Chad! I've learned more watching your channel than I ever thought there was to know. You really do a great job making these videos easy to understand and very enjoyable. Kudos! I'd love to see you do a video like this about cleaners and other chemical products that you use or avoid. I'm sure it'd be a long video but I've seen you use stuff that I've never even heard of before. I think it'd be incredibly helpful.

[@Mr_Clean]

He has a video about lubricants that don't get along together

[@ichewtoast111]

Balistoll is awesome and non-toxic

[@LKaramazov]

Very interesting!!!! It’s so easy to get tricked into that shiny nickel boron. I bought my first BCG that didn’t come with the upper and I picked Nitride Pro from Aero. I wanted chrome, but the only one I could find was from brownells, but I wasnt sure of their quality.

[@archuka1]

Educational and thank you for doing this video -- appreciated !!

[@HelenKellerDenier]

Sharps Rifle Co. XPG in DLC is my go to. Have one with over 6000 rounds through (not a ton but not nothin) and it's just as reliable as the day I bought it. It almost seems to be smoother over time.

[@DD-sw1dd]

This convinced me to just by a phosphate bcg from a top manufacturer. When I first got into AR’s I got hooked on the NiB craze. Now they are all with BCM or SOLGW phosphate.

[@EarthAltar]

Outstanding video, Chad. As usual.

[@dylanschulz2404]

I always tried to find mil spec phosphate chrome lined bcg's. Nothing fancy but if it meets the standards for service rifles it's good enough for me! Thanks for the video.

[@luckeypolishing]

I think the piston BCGs are less effected by finish’s mainly because no gas pressure passes through the bolt, so any finish of your choice with proper tolerances stays reliable and tends to stay cleaner too .

[@nathanw6867]

I had a NiB BCG and ran into that same problem of the bolt locking up. I shot ky buddies suppressor not even 50 rounds and let it sit in my safe and went to basement larp. I was super surprised that it was locked up. Thanks for the video.

[@aquaisuseful682]

Thank you, I’m fairly new to shooting, my LWRC DI bolt carrier thankfully has all your recommended features

[@isaac6705]

The LWRC carrier was the one he made as an example of nickel boron carrier and switching to a phosphated bolt. I love LWRC, but I do not understand why they've stuck with NB.

[@raybo34]

That you sir for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Very helpful.

[@KyleKalevra]

Someone with a Twitter account should send this to the CEO of every manufacturer in the industry. Another great video. Thank you

[@robbywoolums9071]

I’ve always wondered why so many high end companies will do what they do with regards to the BCG surface finsih. Sometimes it seems counterintuitive with what companies do. This has been a super informative video and is really helpful to me as I’m studying to be an engineer.

[@seanoneil277]

After seeing some BCG inspection/failure videos and noticing the trends in cosmetics, I started thinking -- it doesn't take much besides cojones and a little cash to create a company that markets BCGs it buys from a major toolmaker, and then hires a coating facility (or buys the coating gear) and has them coated & given a fancy logo. QC and QA don't have to be on the radar if the only goal is taking people's cash and saying SEE YA!. Apparently the surge of firearms buying in the lockdown era triggered a lot of cash-grabs by people who wanted to take cash and say SEE YA! And new firearms owners mostly are a naive bunch, they will fall for the cosmetic bull-pucky. I'm exaggerating on the SEE YA!, a wee bit. But it's the same attitude if you are selling BCGs where you care more about cosmetics than function and durability/reliability.

[@the_bearded_hobdy895]

I am proud to say I own 3 of those phenomenal NP3 BCG’s, and all my others are from that same company but phosphate of course and they are indeed fantastic. I try and pay attention to the info and knowledge provided in your content lol. Awesome video as always and excited to start seeing more of them this year

Sionics is the best value to dollar rifle.

[@redline870]

Can we get one of these videos for barrel & barrel extension treatments/coatings?

[@greggb1416]

Holy cow…! a bent “bolt carrier”..? Sheesh… Excellent video, as per your usual. Thank you sir.

[@squib3083]

Great demonstration as always thank you

[@sboy1955]

Interesting information, thanks for the video and the training!

[@2afreedom1776]

Thank you. As always great info!

[@jamesnapier107]

Awesome vid SOTAR. I prefer to run a phosphate coated bcg. I run BCM and have never had any issues with them.

[@WilliamAM43]

Wow this just saved my butt. I was just getting ready to buy a nitride bcg, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@trulsrohk1]

nitride isn't necessarily bad in and of itself if it's manufactured appropriately

[@oldscratch3535]

There's nothing wrong with nitride as a coating.

[@WilliamAM43]

Do you guys have any suggestions on good BCGs that are somewhat budget friendly? I was looking at different ones and even the high price ones seem to have at lest some bad reviews for them.

[@austindecker7643]

@@WilliamAM43km tactical still has bcgs for 70-100 bucks and they work really well

[@eddielinares6510]

Great educational video as always. I'm glad to have joined the SOTAR community. If you haven't, you are missing out.

[@mobilegamersunite]

Great video! Thanks for the knowledge

[@bradysmart2804]

Thank you, informative and saved me a lot of money

[@crypto14]

I heard someone say NiB is bad before and didn’t want to believe it, it’s a shame. Thanks for the info!

[@N7mudkip]

I wish I had seen this before buying a PSA/Toolcraft NiB. Granted it’s worked great but I barely have 1000 rounds on it. Will be checking out traditional bolts now..

[@crypto14]

@@N7mudkip a NiB is still well good, it just isn’t the best. Don’t feel bad about it, just replace it when they wear out