Fail Zero AR-15 BCG Autopsy

[@itsmegator1019]

These diagnosis videos are pure gold.... thanks for posting these

[@erice3933]

I have a Fail Zero in my Grendel. When I first built it, it would not cycle. After firing 30 rounds it suddenly started cycling without issue. Visually, I wasn't impressed with the staking... now I'm really concerned lol. Update: After putting a few more rounds through it, I noticed a lot of carbon fouling around the base of the gas key. I reached out to FailZero with pictures and they immediately sent me a return label. Update 2: They replaced the carrier and said they found metal flakes under the gas key (like in the video). New carrier works as expected.

[@bradleymorgan8223]

I'm glad to hear they made it right at least!

[@billymichaels2889]

That’s a win. I’m glad they honored it.

[@NickNardone]

Wow, very interesting yours had the same issue!

[@JB-pb9xv]

Wtf , I bet a ton of them have this. I think I can probably check and fix mine on my own but. That's crazy, if mine fails, those A holes better send me a new one.

[@vimtheprotogen2855]

Wow, I've learned a lot about AR BCG's just from two videos! I doubt I would have found this much succinct, and clear info from doing reading articles and forums. I really appreciate you making these!

[@AXNJXN1]

HAD to Subscribe after watching this!! Good God; after 24 years in the Military I've NEVER seen such an impressive autopsy as to the reasoning for this failure (from anyone on YT), only to find the shrapnel under the gas port. I'm astonished and impressed but in reality there's actually no proof the factory did this over the owner but still, this was a remarkable how to with your machined go-no/go gauges. Jealous I don't have those myself. EXCELLENT WORK!

[@dougburnett2756]

THANK YOU CHAD! I ALWAYS learn something new when I watch your videos. You are a true master when it comes to the AR-15 platform.

[@kylegatewood-g8s]

I have the same bcg and after watching this video inspected mine and I have carbon buildup on the sides of the gas key just like this one...and I have now bought a LWRCI carrier

[@Porschedoctor1]

Thank you! This video saved me some money. I was going to buy a FZ BCG as all of the online ‘reviews’ of this were very positive.

[@Studio2bn]

You Are Good !!! Best video I have seen......Now I need to go run my 2 FZ BCG's I purchased Pre Covid to see if they fail .....Thanks so much for all that you do...Stay Safe Well....I went and check both of mine...Yep they both have YFS gas screws....ain't that just great !!!

[@timothygarrahan2122]

I have a FZ NB BCG in my 300 Blk Out build and it runs perfectly; NO PROBLEMS whatsoever! When I asked one of my competition shooter buddies who builds 1911s from scratch (even built one for Trump) recommend FZ without me even telling him I had one; just ordered my 2nd one. He said he’s used them for years with no issues & highly recommends them; as well as I. So believe what you want. I’m texting from experience with their product.

[@QuentinQuatermass]

Thank you for this very educational video! I'll closely look at my new FailZero BCG. Subscribed

[@Joe_Friday]

Is yours working fine?

[@QuentinQuatermass]

@@Joe_Friday Yes, it seems I got a good one, no issues yet.

[@tautvis24]

How's the fz bcg been after 2 years?

[@fortyofforty5257]

Brilliant. Like a detective, step by step, to diagnose the problem. As an owner of a Fail Zero BCG that is held "in reserve" I am no longer confident in my purchase. :-(

[@gunsandcommissions]

SOTAR Facebook group is amazing

[@the_bearded_hobdy895]

Great video I’ve been lucky I guess. I have 4 of them, 1 in this configuration, other 3 in black, all 4 are M16 and thousands of rounds with no issues. Glad I found your channel, definitely subbed

[@mobilesolutionsfl]

That's very interesting to me. I've been using FZ carriers and bolts in a lot of builds. I've never had any problems with them. I realize this is a test of one but there's all kinds of negative, about everything, on the interweb.

[@KyanoReal]

still even now, years later, this video has stopped me from buying this brand. Thank you for making these, and saving me tons of money!

[@martyschrader]

Very well done analysis. I always come here to see what kinds of stupidity my AR sources might throw at me.

[@canjo4588]

I learned a lot watching these I’m obviously not a gun smith and not attempting to be one by no means with out proper education but just some simple tests I learned a lot through your vid’s

[@uriarasmakovich8311]

Man!!! You got me thinking now !!! I purchased a Fail Zero BCG for an AR 9 build I"m gonna start. It's still in the original package and, I dare say it didn't come cheap. It, too, is Nickle Boron, considered to run flawlessly without any lube. Perhaps I should send it to you but, you primarily do the 15 platform. Maybe I'll luck out seeing that the 9 platform doesn't require a gas block or tube. I'm glad I found your channel. I'm learning as I go. Thank you for the wealth of information you provide to many of us !!!

[@cecilsharps]

it needs to be lubed. it doesn't matter what coating or surface treatment is put on the bcg. sotar has an excellent video of homebrew rifle lube. i use a similar concoction.

[@mk3driftmotion]

Thank you!! I just took my FZ bolt carrier out and noticed signs of gas leaking out from under the gas key, and I just checked the bolts, and one is super loose! I have had trouble since day one with my Fail Zero lightweight bcg, and I have now tried it in several rifles. It would not lock the bolt back after I checked and changed EVERYTHING else. When Fail is in your name, I think that's a bad sign.

[@Hamchuck112]

I noticed the extractor gauge was 7.62 NATO. Do they have the same rim width? Very interesting video. Been enjoying these autopsies more than the physicals, but both certainly have their place.

[@tomfury6276]

I’ve been running FZ bolt carriers in my guns for years! Love their products, and most of my shooting buddies only use FailZero! Be aware, there are imitation NiBoron or FZ products out there!

[@blckandwhtknight]

You probably need to watch his other videos on Fail Zero products... I would not buy one.

[@__Ryan_]

@@SpaceBanana69 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@realisrealite5554]

@@SpaceBanana69 Never replace a proven bcg with a gimmick bcg.This time it worked out for you.He did physicals on some Colt bcgs from M16a1s 1970s vintage.They were from the Philippines and fired full auto the bcgs passed the physicals.Ive seen Fail Zero fail and you just saw it fail on camera but I've never seen a Colt bcg fail.I'm sure some do but in all my years I haven't seen one fail.

[@timothygarrahan2122]

@@blckandwhtknight, then don’t buy one Boomer 😆; who gives a flying F(?).

[@timothygarrahan2122]

@@SpaceBanana69- Mine run perfectly!

[@canjo4588]

I could watch these videos all day

[@banacekishere3857]

Excellent autopsy. I have one of these for my AR10 and it is exhibiting cycling issues. Will inspect all aspects. Thanks!

[@ryanpatton5937]

I learn more and more every time i watch your video

[@johnwesley8327]

Excellent, educational video. Thank you.

[@daved2008]

Same exact failure on my failzero BCG. Contacted them and got a replacement for free right away

[@Hogheadsforbreakfast]

Great video! Thank you for putting the time in and passing this information on.

[@Chris-xi5rm]

I have a FZ bolt that surprisingly isn't a lemon but seeing these videos I've learned so much and I will be checking the gas key and also replacing it with a better carrier. It's absolutely crazy that they let that go out the factory with that metal chunk just sitting there.

[@Sandhill1988]

you think that's bad right you should see a pistol I got it just so happened to be a tp9 elite and the barrel feed ramp had literally had grooves in it. contacted century about it and the excuse they gave me is it's only cosmetic it happens on some during the manufacturing process it will not affect safety at all. I replied so this is your level of quality control and this is acceptable? haven't heard anything back but I'm going to try to upload a short video about it.

[@traviscoombes3578]

I recently bought a Fail Zero, and it seems to be fine. I bought it because they been around for a while,. However, seeing a couple of videos showing these issues has ne concerned.

[@traviscoombes3578]

@@SpaceBanana69 mine is too. They've been around for years.

[@Koncept34]

Lifetime warranity send it to them and they will fix the problem probably just replace it.

[@zack9912000]

they have been a joke in the AR community for a long time, the are a marketing gimmick

[@GlassWolfLH]

@@Koncept34 yeah, I bet your parachute has the same warranty.

[@GlassWolfLH]

@@zack9912000 seriously. Their QC is trash, and NiB is a garbage coating for a BCG. too many people who don't understand how plating thickness messes up machining tolerances on parts not designed and machined for that plating, or things like hydrogen embrittlement in nickel boron plating, NiB flaking, and so forth. They just want shiny parts they can show off to their friends. "MiNe Is PeRfEcT!" uh huh, and plenty of people drove a Pinto that never blew up, too. I still wouldn't buy one.

[@brianbenoit8000]

And now I'm questioning on buying the Failzero BCG!

[@andymcneal2253]

I appreciate these videos and the details of gauging everything

[@drcmcico]

Awesome video, I learned a lot. Thank you!

[@lesliemateka4193]

New to AR. Great explain. Educated now. Thanks

[@Daninbristolbay]

I learned a LOT in just this one video.

[@mopholo]

You sire are wealth of information! Can you list the diameters of the go/no-go gauges you used?

[@dylanpaul1212]

I love these autopsy videos bro… it’s like trying to figure what’s wrong with it as you go, the same way I use to try and figure out who was the bad guy in scooby doo 🤣

[@XtremeAdventures671]

Got one of these bcg in my parts bin. Checking my notes, 500rds through it only. Better put it through its paces to see if encounter similar issues especially since it has YFS gas key screws. Great educational video and info. Keep up the awesome content coming.

[@UnforgivingDemon]

DEMNTD1 Just toss it and get a BCM/SOLGW BCG for peace of mind.

[@JGoodZX6R]

As soon as I saw the title, I knew something would be wrong with it. FailZero BCG’s are some of the worst out there! Have heard of all kinds of problems. The one I had, the nickel boron was flaking off...that was the end of nickel boron for me. Back to quality phosphate BCG’s! :)

[@nemisous83]

i mean i wouldnt say Phosphate is a superior coating because ive seen some pretty terrible phosphate jobs that rusted after a rainy day.

[@GlassWolfLH]

@@nemisous83 To be fair, that's not the coating's fault, but the application of it by the mfgr. That said, Nickel Boron (NiB) is garbage for a BCG in any event. Numerous types of coatings sold as "NiB" including Electroless Nickel, because most people can't tell the difference. NiB flakes off because it's a plating process, not PVD. It adds thickness that messes with machining tolerances designed for phosphate coating, it discolors with use, loses lubricity, and is subject to hydrogen embrittlement if the process isn't done precisely right. Just stick to better PVD coatings like DLC, TiN, ZiN, or QPQ.

[@johnlong384]

Thanks a lot for your very detailed and impressive info-clip which might come in handy!

[@GaDawg0513]

Soooo glad I found this channel!

[@Edub816]

Amazing info as to why it all matters. Thanks man.

[@gandalf1380]

Just got my fail zero and the staking is completely inadequate and I emailed them and sent them pictures and they agree and want me to send it back. What amazes me is that after years and countless people complaining about the poor staking they haven’t fixed anything. What a dirt company

[@kixforrest2358]

Talking a small bit about head spacing ---> Question: when thinking of purchasing a New BCG for my MP15 - " How important is making sure this new BCG has the correct Head Spacing as the Original Microbest BCG?" At this point I don't have the tools or knowledge to perform the Headspace Check. Actually I'm only thinking of replacing the phosphate bolt with a Nickel Boron coated bolt (Carpenter 158 steel)

[@chipsterb4946]

IMHO you should verify headspace any time you replace either the bolt or the barrel. A Clymer headspace gauge set for .223 Remington has a “go” measurement of 1.4363”. The “no go” is 1.4666”. The difference is only 0.0303” - just over 30 thousandths of an inch. That may sound like a lot, but with tolerance stacking between the bolt and the barrel you could get a mismatch. Add in variances in individual cartridges and there’s a potential problem. Too much headspace isn’t all that bad up to a point (unless you reload). Too little headspace is BAD. Like potential out of battery ignition bad. Kaboom.

[@jamesharrisiii2704]

Loving These!!! Could you please list Pin sizes for your go-nogo Ganges. Would be a tremendous Help. Thank You Or are they listed in other videos?

[@Rocketman9mm]

great informative video. learning new things about bcgs.

[@jeffi2313]

Wow i would of never thought that would be the reason. Awesome video keep them coming.

[@TheWaverider09]

Why in the hell dont they tap out the threads before assembly ?

[@thomasboylan3751]

Very informative video, thanks

[@peterlogan2105]

Ok. Just answered my question. Looks like it is the Aero Precision NiB BCG for me

[@jcarter855]

That's sad, well yet another overhyped Junk Company brought to light. Thanks for the Autopsy Sir!!

[@CISCO___KID.]

What a piece of junk. I'm subbed. Love this stuff.

[@mericaeveryday]

Great Video's. Appreciate them a lot.

[@lyndeen]

Enjoyed this break down.

[@hdryden7652]

I agree with gator. These are great videos and well explained. You have a new subscriber this morning.

[@curtishoward5584]

This fella is a wealth of knowledge.

[@chicharito417]

To think these BCG's used to cost around $250 back in the day and were considered among the best by many

[@JB-pb9xv]

They still run about 200$ and are apparently trash.

[@Peter-k1e2p]

I have to say you are very diligent in looking over the weapons. I trusted that what I got from davidson defense and palmetto state armory were already tested. But i see through your videos i need more education in putting parts together from different factories. Is there a list of the testing tools you use?? Thank you for your time and knowledge!!!

[@jasonchuculate524]

Now I kinda wished I came upon this video before I ordered mine which should be here in the next day or two very concerned now

[@michaelball760]

I bought one years ago and has run flawlessly

[@jasonchuculate524]

@@michaelball760 no gas key problem?? That's good to hear just got mine today in the mail fingers crossed thanks for your reply

[@Drew-py8kg]

I have about 1200 rounds in mine no issues at all. This was just a manufacturing error, it happens. It doesn't mean they are all bad, you always get a run of bad apples

[@jasonchuculate524]

@@Drew-py8kg I agree there's good and bad ones got mine a few days ago damn it looks good in mine I hope its a good one thanks for your reply

[@zack9912000]

Return it and buy a BCM, their products are junk and have been the laughing stock in the community for years now. No such thing as some are bad. If a company does their QC then there isn't failures like this.

[@shootingwithsheps]

Are the inspection tools & gauges you use available to purchase??

[@mixasid2464]

What a great and informative video! Thanks a lot!

[@bradfletcher6826]

Very very much appreciated 👍

[@MorganOliff]

Fun and educational! Could you use some kind of pressure test gage if someone were to make you one? I feel like there could be a 1 or 2 piece tool made to plug the front and rear of the bolt bores and introduce compressed air at a few psi to see if it leaks a lot around the key. Or even a syringe to push air just for that most basic test for rocks and shrapnel under the gas key! It would be interesting to have this one more metric to compare manufacturers.

[@rickycookie2144]

Dude , very good video . Kudos

[@TheOnlySgtRock]

Great, I just bought a Fail Zero BCG. Guess I need to have a look at it before installing it. :(

[@NickNardone]

Incredible video!

[@tazerface8659]

I almost bought a FZ bcg until I saw the YFS bolts in the gas key. This was way before I saw this video but it's pretty common knowledge that Grade 8 bolts are standard. FZ basically stamped their bolt with "This is garbage" when they decided to use yfs bolts

[@rambobytes]

Wow! I would never have suspected a key that felt solid like that could have such problems below and cause malfunctions.

[@jg5564]

I love this channel

[@kendallvicenti7111]

I have a Fail Zero BCG and I had the same issue. The gas key was loose.

[@zack9912000]

flashy junk people buy is beyond me. Big reason combat forces dont use them

[@scottamy6496]

Fantastic video as always! Thank you sir

[@JB-pb9xv]

This is the exact bcg I bought for a 7.62x39 AR build, idk if they probably make it for 5.56 or which this one was. But of coarse I didn't do any research to see that the nickel boron bcg's are not very good, an it's disappointing to see the slop through this bcg. Although I guess expected, not sure how much a "good quality" bolt carrier should cost, but I would think that for 200$s you could get one better then this. Non the less, I now know that this is not only a failure point that he actually already mentions in another video. But here he's exhibiting exactly what he was talking about, with the leading and looseness of the gas key. An idk if that piece that was in there is crap quality control or from use, but at least I know to check the tightness of these had key screws. An where one fail point may likely developed. I'll probably just order a new bcg, but still will try this one out on the mean time. I'm fact in going to check the screws on mine, an I bet that they're loose too. Literally because the way these are crap coated, an manufactured. I bet you the screws don't drive all the way in, and all of these bcg's need to have those gas key screw holes, rethreaded. Now I need to figure out the size thread tap I'll need and it should rethread through that coating easily.

[@931PORSCHE]

Had the same issue with my zero fail. Wound up tryn to stake it more still didnt work so i know probably not the proper way but i got tired of the screws shooting loose so i just threw loctite on the screws and its been good ever since.

[@Yahweh-Chase-Bella]

Good timing, I'm looking at bcgs to finish off my build. I was looking at some fail zero is this a typical issue from them? Also any thoughts on lightweight carriers with adjustable gas block?

[@yoteoboth8449]

Thanks, you always make it look so easy!

[@kinzieconrad105]

I am just stunned that so much stuf makes it out of the door that is way out of QC. So far I have gotten lucky with everything working out of the box so far.

[@ThisPageIntentionallyLeftBlank]

Guessing that BCG gets sent back to Fail Zero?

[@JB-pb9xv]

By the way, I guess they no longer use YSF gas key screws, in curious if they've fixed any other issues. Will test mine for looseness.

[@carltoncokley7732]

Fun and educational- thanks

[@Eastlosreviews]

Wow great video 👍 Thanks for the knowledge✌

[@blackbushido]

Hello. THANK YOU so much for this video!!! Can you please give a better preferably nickel boron bcg for a 300 blackout?? Thank you and thank you for your timely responses

[@Sandhill1988]

Wow that was indepth. Good job.

[@davemarques9601]

I never heard of a primer getting stuck in the gas key.......shot 3 gun for over 15 years (at the time).....until one day my friend`s AR stopped working...yup....a primer in the key!!!!

[@bdbeats7209]

Would you not recommend nickel boron BCG's because of this issue with the coating getting in the screw holes? What BCG's would you recommend?

[@emtffzartman666]

Love your content , just wanted to say I gave this video a like and got it to 556 likes... I find that fitting.

[@geneapeveto2559]

Very good info

[@graniteisgneiss]

Question: my gas rings on my Spikes BCG are worn and fail both gas ring tests. Ejection pattern is good (4 o'clock) obviously the rings need to be replaced, but is there a potential that the contact location on the carrier is too small. Note: maybe 2000 rounds in the bcg so far. I'd rather replace rings rather than the whole setup.

[@godemperor7457]

Is this bolt well used like thousands of rounds or just the dud out of the thousands made? Did this guy disassemble it? I have a gold colored BCG from them paired with a binary and it's never failed always good and am easy clean and I always get rid of the carbon build up after every shooting. Great video and diagnosis but I think someone is lying or bought it used and abused

[@josephstein18]

Wow, awesome video!

[@209brandonb]

The 1 dislike was from a taliban AK 47 gun specialist

[@GlassWolfLH]

or a FZ fanboy.

[@jammbbs1688]

My free floated Handguard has yfs screws on the bottom to tighten down the hand guard are they horrible for that as well?

[@CoconutsHD]

The fasteners come from China. Do you trust them?

[@jammbbs1688]

@@CoconutsHD they hold up well it seems for my armalite

[@CoconutsHD]

I don’t trust China as far as I can throw them, but that’s just me lol. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@jammbbs1688]

@@CoconutsHD what brand screw does your rifle have on its Handguard? What kind of optics exct. Do you use? I'm sure something on it has at very least 1 piece of China made

[@CoconutsHD]

@@jammbbs1688 umm no. Zero support for China. Will China fasteners work? Yes. Forever? Ehhh. I’d rather not trust my life with China or their goods lol. If you don’t see a problem with most Chinese goods maybe you should pay a little more attention to goods made in USA, Japan, and Germany. 😮‍💨

[@johnnoel3416]

I just got a fail zero bcg and I looked at it after this video. My gas key screws don’t say “yfs”. So maybe they stepped it up and stopped using them? I hope it holds up, but I don’t have high hopes after watching part 1 and 2.

[@Zaucey]

Another comment above yours was warning about counterfeits. Maybe this one is or maybe yours is. Hell, maybe the counterfeit is better quality than the real deal lol

[@johnnoel3416]

@@Zaucey I don’t think so lol. I ordered it from primary arms. The packaging was correct and so far, 1000k rounds later it’s running good! So fingers crossed

[@GTFBITK]

@@johnnoel3416 I have 3 from primary arms and they all work fine. Keep on as a spare un the range bag in case shit.

[@GlassWolfLH]

If yours has a nickel boron plating, I wouldn't trust it too much regardless of the bolts holding the gas key. NiB is a garbage coating for a bolt carrier group.

[@jonproskey1471]

Well now I feel like I should return the one I have and get something else. 2/2 autopsies had the same issue.

[@zack9912000]

dont buy gimmick flashy gun parts

[@elguero7385]

Awesome video brother

[@tommyroberts867]

Very good video

[@JanYi2023]

Great video by the way thank you.

[@ThornesGuns]

I won't be buying a fail zero, what do you think of the Rise armament M16/M4 BCG?

[@fredrau5279]

Thank you

[@hawkofthenorth4829]

Could the Gas Key be staked from the Front and Rear of the screws as well as re doing the side staking? Or is replacing the Gas Key Standard practice for aesthetic Must be done exactly right purpose?

[@Joe_Friday]

I was wondering the same thing about front to back. Did you ever find out the answer?

[@bigbosso5604]

Where can I find a gauge kit like yours?

[@dremc94]

Do you offer these gauges for sale on your website?

[@fireyourrocketts]

wao that extractor came apart like nothing; I am trying to take apart one Fail Zero for AR10 and cant get that pin to move; I am trying to test the head space but can not take the bolt apart! does it not should be easy like this? if one have to dtruggles I would thing something is really wrong; this BCG is new, never fired