These are made by Microbest, so seeing them get high marks was not a surprise to me. I don’t know about ALL of the Expo arms labeled stuff, but most Expo stuff I have come across is made for Expo/Primary Arms by quality manufacturers
I just found this channel and between this and the young manufacturing chrome, you’re the only one answering questions I have about the nitty-gritty of the quality. I got one of these expo arms BCG on sale for a bench shooting clone, can’t wait to watch
I just got one on sale for a new 13.9 build upper I am doing for $119 on sale during Labor Day, I am glad I watched this. And i like the fact that its not super reflective.
Man I’m gonna be spoiled now! Two videos in one day & on a Monday as well to start the week! It’s officially gonna be a good week, lol. Thank you brother!
Oh man, that’s awesome! My day/week just got even better! Thank you ( & the family of course) for all your knowledge sharing, time & effort to educate us all. Greatly appreciate it brother!
@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle Crap 💩, I just saw that I’m “like 👍🏾”number 666! Now I need to go check on the lengths of all my BCG’s…😅. Just to make sure…
I have a few of the expo chrome lined barrels. One has near 7k through it. Everything I build is built for heavy use. I wasn't expecting it to continue to be as accurate as it has been so far.
Expo (aka Primary Arms) basically takes high quality USGI manufacturers products and sells them as their house brand at a very good price, especially their BCGs and barrels.
Chad, you never seize to amaze me. I'm glad to have these videos to reference because even after having watched it, I come back and learn something new. It was something that I don't remember having been brought up in class. Your videos, instruction, and tutelage are really invaluable. Thank you. I'm honored to be a SOTAR Alumni.
Some are complaining and have said that replacing "good parts" is stupid. I ask, what parts would that be? The springs? Many companies put cheap ejector and extractor springs in their BCG's. Replacing them with known quality springs smart and an upgrade. The screws? The OCKS have twice the clamping ability when staked. It's an upgrade. The carrier keys? One was badly misaligned and all 3 had a poor seal between the carrier and key. Insufficient gasket material was used and all 3 had wavy surfaces. This creates inefficiency. The ejector roll pins? They shouldn't be reused. The 420 pins can be reused and are more corrosion resistant.
I didn't see anyone griping. But if they did whose business is it of theirs. Customer asked for upgrades. Would the stock products work? Yes. But the upgraded parts will work better. Just like a car not everyone keeps it as the base model.
@InstructorChad oh I guess I missed them or didn't notice. Let people gripe. What I decide to do with my parts is my business. If I can make something better I will.
Expo arms seems to be of very good quality in general. I have a 13.9” p&w upper that is excellent. It has a Rosco barrel, Keymo mount flash hider, and overall seems to be much higher quality than the $250 sale price I paid. Thanks for this, I am now on the hunt for chrome or phosphate BCG’s since the nitride sucks…lol
I understand that Mega Arms makes the upper and lower receivers for Expo, and that the Expo uppers are thermofit just like Mega and BCM and a few others. I've got an Expo lower that fits very nicely with several different uppers, and was very simple to build up. Primary Arms is doing some very good things these days.
@@seanoneil277 bcm p&w are legit! Lightest rifle I own and the mid length is so smooth and it’s all top quality. Solgw is also a favorite of mine made a 11.3 build with all of their parts. Top notch stuff
@@starxlord9856 There's quite a few good options, it just takes a bit of time sifting wheat from chaff. Because there's a lot of chaff too. And it depends on what you want from the rifle. For a range blaster sending rounds into a berm -- not me, but those folks are out there -- the choices are pretty easy. If your needs are different, the choices get narrower and critical for what you plan to do. I like BCM upper receivers and any others that require thermofit. But a lot of folks find that thermofit annoying, for reasons I don't get. Easy precision improvement, not hard to do. Just watch the JP Rifles video on it. Easy as it can be.
My audio is working. Primary Arms was selling blems. Wonder if these are the same... Thanks Chad, been on fence about my less sharp chrome extractor. As it's going in a carbine length gas its going curn side now.
Just the info I've been looking for. I've subscribed. I've been building my own AR's for a couple of years. All of my BCG's were bought complete but one. Your videos reveal just how important a correctly built BCG is. Thanks for your videos!!
Have you ever thought of doing a review and breakdown comparing some of the popular BCG's? Also I've always wanted to see a high-end to mid-range AR comparison. Would be nice to see them stripped all the way down and inspected.
I’m glad your sharing your knowledge. I’m planning on building my on AR here soon and have been watching and learning what to look for in parts and where problems tend to be. Thank you for all the awesome videos.
You cant go wrong paying attention to this man, I've not watched him but for a few months, and He has taught me a WHOLE lot more than i ever learned watching guys shoot. The fact I've taken a basic Manual Machining Course and completed it at a local Community college helps me to understand the significance of the gauges and testing he does here. And I understand BCGs WAAAY better than ever before. As well as Barrels and the whole AR system
Arf-tac has microbest carriers on sale for 139.99 for hard chrome, phosphate gas key, OCKS screws, sprinco extractor and ejector springs. Imo best bang for the buck on the market
Thank you for sharing this in-depth information. I'm thankful for this element in the present Age, receiving expert training in gunsmithing is a literal Blessing. Many Happy Returns~
Thanks for the videos! I do quality control for a shop that makes BCGs, so I've seen a ton of customer supplied prints with varying geometry. Which makes me wonder, where do you get your dimensions and tolerances from? Are you pulling numbers off the government drawing? And, if you don't mind, what sizes are the pins you use for your 3 bore diameter checks?
@@blueridgewarden2838 he's explained it in bits and pieces over a ton of different videos over the past several years. In short, it's similar to the TDP data, and it's a good starting point, but he's departed from their dimensions in some small ways, and has come up with his own tolerance standards for some critical dimensions to class as efficient VS somewhat, to very inefficient. He also emphasizes that the important value is often the combined tolerance between two parts such as the carrier bot tail run, and the bolt tail that determine the overall tolerance of the system. I hope this helps and makes sense.
You’ll need to take a SOTAR class by Chad himself to gain all of his specifications. I’ve got a couple friends who’ve attended his classes and they all have nothing but praise to sing for not only his knowledge but his personality as well. One day I’ll get to a class with you Chad!
Another excellent video, Chad. It's funny that no matter how many times you say efficiency is all that matters you still see comments asking for brand recommendations.
In my comment 9 days ago I mentioned I purchased this bcg and I really like it but I am having erratic ejection patterns, sometimes it could be 1-2 o'clock and then a 3 o'clock. My question is, could the extractor or extractor spring cause this or possibly the ejector spring? There are no feeding or ejection issues except for the erratic pattern. I understand without you physically inspecting the bcg it's hard to give a definitive answer but wondering if that is possible. Thank you, I appreciate your wealth of knowledge that you share with us here.
I watched the video where you ran down the gamut of BCGs from the most efficient to the least. I get that the chrome ones tend to find your favor. Is there any possibility of getting you to name your favorite? That wouldn't be a recommendation anyone could hold you to blame for if it failed. You just have a favorite. Would love to know it.
I love your channel. This is a strange question, but do you have a checklist that we amateurs can look at? Not everyone is a talented gunsmith like yourself, but being able to look at our own rifles and say "That's not right" could be good information. By the way, my DPMS and Colt have the chrome lined BCG's, and that makes me happy knowing those are good to have.
Watch the videos; take notes and make your own checklist if you feel the need. Isn't it enough he's putting this info out for free to everyone? Viewing his videos helps him out with YT algorithms, so it's a small way of "paying him back" for these valuable services. It's also a way to move up from amateur status by actually leaning things, instead of relying on a cheat sheet.
I love your content, I'm an auto technician so I have a lot of respect for the process. I am curious if the diagnostic procedures are any different for 308 dpms systems (ar10), thanks for your time
That clicking sound when you measure the shoulder spot on the bolts that like raised section almost looks like a belt on the bolt. I like that clicking sound the measuring device makes when it stops at its measurement. It’s such a satisfying click sound. How does the measuring device click when it hits the item it’s measuring
Hey Chad, I completely understand your confidential specs and I respect that, however I know you do give out some specs here on TH-cam could you tell me if you use plus or minus gauges? And if you only had the money to invest in 1 set .11-.750 what you you go with plus or minus?Understand if that’s confidential too. Anyways Thanks for the great videos as always.
@@justindawn3428 what's the blem tho? Extractor pocket? seems they could've corrected that with a diff extractor. Maybe the chrome layer is thinner than normal. Looks like everything else was checked.
@matthewbeaver5026 when I bought them I couldn't really find anything. One had a faint little scratch but nothing that I haven't seen on higher end bcg 1sts
@@matthewbeaver5026 Haven’t bought this BCG, but I’ve bought a few “BLEM” products: a PSA AR and a couple of Radian Raptor charging handles. PSA AR had a faint scratch on the left side of the upper and the charging handles didn’t look different at all. None have had any issues.
Good to see you posting regularly again. Does the tests and information about changing over extractor springs and others and most of the dimension’s and information carry over to a 7.62x39 ar platform as well
@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle When you open up for taking on bolt carrier groups again would you take on a 7.62x39. I’d just be curious to see how mine checks out.
I know and respect that in your capacity you don’t endorse any Manufacturers product. However, can you elaborate on the material/steel used for BCG’s/Bolt’s/Cam Pins etc. and which is best such as Carpenter No. 158, S7 Tool Steel, 8620 Steel, 9310 Steel.
Seems like these had pretty hood physicals for blem products. Makes me wonder if sometimes they just have overstock and label it as a blem to “justify” a significant discount?
Has anybody spec’d a brownells chrome BCG?? The 2 I ordered got sent back. Both 3-bores were .252/.500/.531 & .253/.500/.531. Cam pin holes were .313 & .3125~. Thanks Chad, you’re a good dude!
Just going off of the specs and what I've seen online, the Brownells chrome BCGs don't seem like they're worth the money over these Expo Arms chrome BCGs. The OEM for the Brownells BCGs is Azimuth, supposedly, and they have 9310 bolts. Expo Arms chrome BCGs are made by Microbest with C158 bolts. Your experience is also another data point pushing me away from Brownells BCGs.
@@vgt I bought a microbest phosphate and chrome. Sent both back. 3bore was alright but I had chrome pitting all over the bolt tail. Phosphate had bad carrier key alignment, and the finish on the bolt was quite mottled. I found the best in AO Precision, thus I quit the search for chrome. I have like 10 AO Precision BCG’s
Thanks for all the good work Chad. You mentioned 100 inch pounds is the torque spec for the carrier key screws. Is there a change from the 55 to 58 inch pound spec that we’ve all heard about in the past??
Does it make sense to have a highly polished firing pin tip? Usually the tendency for cracks and wear would be reduced. Is there a specific reason not to do it when the shape is the same? Thx for the video and great camera work.
Do you only have videos on the "full semi automatic" AR15 or do you do physicals and autopsies on the select fires too? The tolerances and tests of select fire gunsmithing seems hard to find.
Something I've seen once or twice and really wondered about every time. I've seen a couple bolts with 2 ejectors, each 180° from each other. I think you've even had one on camera before but didn't point it out (I think it was the "what's my favorite type of BCG" video" I assume it's a gimmick or possibly even detrimental but I'm still curious about it.
I would give the warning that the qc is not 100%. I have sent back two of these bcg before giving up. The first had a burr or other defect in the cam pin channel that led to a deep gouge on the pin with less than 28 rounds through it. They replaced it for free, sending me a bcg that had a large dent on the rear of the carrier. It probably would still have funcitoned, and I could have even groud it down. But that would remove the coating, the reason I tried them, and after striking out twice I just returned that before firing it and didnt ask for a third.
I don't know if you have alrady answered this ( I just found your channel a week ago)but, where do you find all those tools/gauges for checking the BCG?
What gas keys and extractors do you use when replacing those parts as an upgrade? Do you mic on receiving those parts? And Is there an upper receiver 'jig' you use when torqueing down the gas key screws so the key stays aligned with the gas return tube (homemade? otherwise?)?
Looking forward to your upcoming video on BCG finishes. I'm on the fence of either getting an Aero nickel boron or a Toolcraft DLC bcg. Most of the information I find on forums varies for finish durability and lifespan. Hoping to set the record straight on it to see which finish is the one I'm looking for.
I believe these are manufactured by MicroBest and are known to be of pretty good quality. I should have grabbed a few when they had the 1 day sale on blems!
@@AstraZero7 just goes to show how much more they cost because of a name put on them. I haven't compared my dd to expo. But I do know my dd was alot more
how come you never check the sides of the gas key for uneven wear on left side vs right side? is that not as big a deal as I imagine? would that be caused by a misaligned gas tube? its something im experiencing now and cant find any info on.
Is Expo Arms BCG a Microbest? Both have 4340 extractor, and 4340 cam pin. Not a whole lot choose these metals besides SOLGW, Father's of Freedom from PSA, a few other, and solgw is Microbest.
Thanks school of the american rifle. This is off topic but It's interesting question for those like me who dont know. If you have a inefficient Gas key, can you swap the inefficient gas key with another brand that has a efficient gas key for a pistol? And is it at all possible, to convert a right hand pistol bcg into a left hand pistol bcg by flipping it or something?
Chad, is it unreasonable to desire an AR that has a green-guage only efficient system? In your opinion, does just about every AR have some measurements that'll be in the yellow? Ever see a brand mostly achieving green?
I actually returned one of these a year and a half ago due to fitment issues. I think the chrome was slightly thicker than it should have been inside the support shoulder area which caused the bolt to drag inside the carrier. Got a no hassle refund and ended up picking up an SA piston kit instead. I think I just got a rare lemon honestly.
when upgrading the extractor spring to springco springs, which do you recommend using: the white spring extra power (5-coil) or purple spring standard power (4-coil)?
Thanks
These are made by Microbest, so seeing them get high marks was not a surprise to me. I don’t know about ALL of the Expo arms labeled stuff, but most Expo stuff I have come across is made for Expo/Primary Arms by quality manufacturers
And Chad is the Bob Ross to my ar15 world a happy review here and a happy review there.
What would you call a "happy accident" in your AR 15 world?
@@bob_mosavo 300-blackout
@@buellboy007 🤣😂 What were you boring a 5.56 chamber and made it into a 300 BLK 😂
I just found this channel and between this and the young manufacturing chrome, you’re the only one answering questions I have about the nitty-gritty of the quality. I got one of these expo arms BCG on sale for a bench shooting clone, can’t wait to watch
Yessir, this man is makin them do better.
I just got one on sale for a new 13.9 build upper I am doing for $119 on sale during Labor Day, I am glad I watched this. And i like the fact that its not super reflective.
Same. I'm replacing the extractor with a BCM and upgrading the extractor (5 coil) and ejector springs with Sprinco@@VanXHydrA
Thanks for the EXCELLENT content. Miss seeing the shop kitty though.
you dont notice anything missing???
He tried to get into the shop while we were shooting this video but didn't know till we were done shooting. He hasn't been in a shop mood lately.
I’m so glad you’re putting out videos again. I learn a lot.
Back with a vengeance. Love it.
2 in one day!!! Let's gooo
Best channel on TH-cam, hands down.
Primary arms has done a pretty good job sourcing parts for their expo arms brand
Man I’m gonna be spoiled now! Two videos in one day & on a Monday as well to start the week! It’s officially gonna be a good week, lol.
Thank you brother!
Two more coming today or tomorrow.
Oh man, that’s awesome! My day/week just got even better!
Thank you ( & the family of course) for all your knowledge sharing, time & effort to educate us all. Greatly appreciate it brother!
@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle Crap 💩, I just saw that I’m “like 👍🏾”number 666! Now I need to go check on the lengths of all my BCG’s…😅. Just to make sure…
Thanks for great videos. It's like waiting to go to Disneyland waiting for videos to drop
I have a few of the expo chrome lined barrels. One has near 7k through it.
Everything I build is built for heavy use.
I wasn't expecting it to continue to be as accurate as it has been so far.
Expo arms is underrated. I have some of their barrels and a few handguards.
Expo (aka Primary Arms) basically takes high quality USGI manufacturers products and sells them as their house brand at a very good price, especially their BCGs and barrels.
Just saw today, they have AP's 16" 5.56 Atlus for -$50 than AP has it listed for.
I imagine that shooting one of Chad's ARs must be like squeezing butter. Soft and smooth.
Expo arms sales after this ⬆️
That's kinda what I'm worried about lol. I like their stuff, it's reasonably priced and in stock.
Chad, you never seize to amaze me. I'm glad to have these videos to reference because even after having watched it, I come back and learn something new. It was something that I don't remember having been brought up in class. Your videos, instruction, and tutelage are really invaluable. Thank you. I'm honored to be a SOTAR Alumni.
WHAT A GREAT DAY.
I just bought 3 of these BCGs!!! Great review
So you aren’t worried about the defects he mentioned?
I replaced the extractors on mine and am happy with them!
Some are complaining and have said that replacing "good parts" is stupid.
I ask, what parts would that be?
The springs? Many companies put cheap ejector and extractor springs in their BCG's. Replacing them with known quality springs smart and an upgrade.
The screws? The OCKS have twice the clamping ability when staked. It's an upgrade.
The carrier keys? One was badly misaligned and all 3 had a poor seal between the carrier and key. Insufficient gasket material was used and all 3 had wavy surfaces. This creates inefficiency.
The ejector roll pins? They shouldn't be reused. The 420 pins can be reused and are more corrosion resistant.
I didn't see anyone griping. But if they did whose business is it of theirs. Customer asked for upgrades. Would the stock products work? Yes. But the upgraded parts will work better. Just like a car not everyone keeps it as the base model.
@@justindawn3428there were several nasty ones targeting you. I deleted them.
@InstructorChad oh I guess I missed them or didn't notice. Let people gripe. What I decide to do with my parts is my business. If I can make something better I will.
Expo arms seems to be of very good quality in general. I have a 13.9” p&w upper that is excellent. It has a Rosco barrel, Keymo mount flash hider, and overall seems to be much higher quality than the $250 sale price I paid. Thanks for this, I am now on the hunt for chrome or phosphate BCG’s since the nitride sucks…lol
I understand that Mega Arms makes the upper and lower receivers for Expo, and that the Expo uppers are thermofit just like Mega and BCM and a few others. I've got an Expo lower that fits very nicely with several different uppers, and was very simple to build up. Primary Arms is doing some very good things these days.
Some of the expo rails r made by cmt.
@@seanoneil277
There are two different oem’s for Expo receivers.
The ones with the “glossier” ano are Mega oem.
@@seanoneil277 bcm p&w are legit! Lightest rifle I own and the mid length is so smooth and it’s all top quality. Solgw is also a favorite of mine made a 11.3 build with all of their parts. Top notch stuff
@@starxlord9856 There's quite a few good options, it just takes a bit of time sifting wheat from chaff. Because there's a lot of chaff too. And it depends on what you want from the rifle. For a range blaster sending rounds into a berm -- not me, but those folks are out there -- the choices are pretty easy. If your needs are different, the choices get narrower and critical for what you plan to do. I like BCM upper receivers and any others that require thermofit. But a lot of folks find that thermofit annoying, for reasons I don't get. Easy precision improvement, not hard to do. Just watch the JP Rifles video on it. Easy as it can be.
I’m stoked, 2 videos today. Thanks for the thoughtful content.
My audio is working. Primary Arms was selling blems. Wonder if these are the same...
Thanks Chad, been on fence about my less sharp chrome extractor. As it's going in a carbine length gas its going curn side now.
Just the info I've been looking for. I've subscribed. I've been building my own AR's for a couple of years. All of my BCG's were bought complete but one. Your videos reveal just how important a correctly built BCG is. Thanks for your videos!!
Have you ever thought of doing a review and breakdown comparing some of the popular BCG's? Also I've always wanted to see a high-end to mid-range AR comparison. Would be nice to see them stripped all the way down and inspected.
I just bought a “blem” one of these too, good to see it’s not a bad bcg to have around
Just purchased one of these Expo chromed bcg and was looking for a video on their quality. Thank you so much. Subscribed!
I’m glad your sharing your knowledge. I’m planning on building my on AR here soon and have been watching and learning what to look for in parts and where problems tend to be. Thank you for all the awesome videos.
You cant go wrong paying attention to this man, I've not watched him but for a few months, and He has taught me a WHOLE lot more than i ever learned watching guys shoot. The fact I've taken a basic Manual Machining Course and completed it at a local Community college helps me to understand the significance of the gauges and testing he does here. And I understand BCGs WAAAY better than ever before. As well as Barrels and the whole AR system
And one more for the all mighty AlGoreRhythym!
Great video as always my friend💪🤙🇺🇸
Arf-tac has microbest carriers on sale for 139.99 for hard chrome, phosphate gas key, OCKS screws, sprinco extractor and ejector springs. Imo best bang for the buck on the market
WC Armory has them for $115 too
Thank you for sharing this in-depth information. I'm thankful for this element in the present Age, receiving expert training in gunsmithing is a literal Blessing. Many Happy Returns~
I love my retaining pin removal tool. 👍👍Glad to help your kids out. Will buy some more.
Have one love it. I’m using my old used colt bolt in it, and it’s totally fine
Another great video. Would love to see how you are going to bore out the extractor pockets.
Thanks for the videos! I do quality control for a shop that makes BCGs, so I've seen a ton of customer supplied prints with varying geometry. Which makes me wonder, where do you get your dimensions and tolerances from? Are you pulling numbers off the government drawing? And, if you don't mind, what sizes are the pins you use for your 3 bore diameter checks?
He's pulling from the TDP if I had to guess.
He says it in the video
@@blueridgewarden2838 he's explained it in bits and pieces over a ton of different videos over the past several years. In short, it's similar to the TDP data, and it's a good starting point, but he's departed from their dimensions in some small ways, and has come up with his own tolerance standards for some critical dimensions to class as efficient VS somewhat, to very inefficient. He also emphasizes that the important value is often the combined tolerance between two parts such as the carrier bot tail run, and the bolt tail that determine the overall tolerance of the system. I hope this helps and makes sense.
You’ll need to take a SOTAR class by Chad himself to gain all of his specifications. I’ve got a couple friends who’ve attended his classes and they all have nothing but praise to sing for not only his knowledge but his personality as well.
One day I’ll get to a class with you Chad!
So much goes into these aside from whatever logo is engraved.
It's so good to see these notifications again
That little handheld torque wrench looks very useful. Saw the same one at the shop nearby probably gonna pick one up
Love my fat wrench, go to screw driver for all gunsmithing now. Most manufacturers list proper torque for red dots and such
They are great, just remember to unwind them when you’re done lol
I just got one of these recently, chrome lined and phosphated, for $75 through PA. What a steal.
I’m definitely going to have my local gunsmith spec out my chrome BCG for my XM-177E2 build!
white label makes some nice bcgs! hopefully you can do one of those eventually!
Another excellent video, Chad. It's funny that no matter how many times you say efficiency is all that matters you still see comments asking for brand recommendations.
I can't win my friend. No matter what I do people complain.
Please start posting on the regular again! Missing your content.
In my comment 9 days ago I mentioned I purchased this bcg and I really like it but I am having erratic ejection patterns, sometimes it could be 1-2 o'clock and then a 3 o'clock. My question is, could the extractor or extractor spring cause this or possibly the ejector spring? There are no feeding or ejection issues except for the erratic pattern. I understand without you physically inspecting the bcg it's hard to give a definitive answer but wondering if that is possible. Thank you, I appreciate your wealth of knowledge that you share with us here.
nice show, i am impressed, keep on.
I watched the video where you ran down the gamut of BCGs from the most efficient to the least. I get that the chrome ones tend to find your favor. Is there any possibility of getting you to name your favorite? That wouldn't be a recommendation anyone could hold you to blame for if it failed. You just have a favorite. Would love to know it.
I love your channel. This is a strange question, but do you have a checklist that we amateurs can look at? Not everyone is a talented gunsmith like yourself, but being able to look at our own rifles and say "That's not right" could be good information.
By the way, my DPMS and Colt have the chrome lined BCG's, and that makes me happy knowing those are good to have.
Watch the videos; take notes and make your own checklist if you feel the need. Isn't it enough he's putting this info out for free to everyone? Viewing his videos helps him out with YT algorithms, so it's a small way of "paying him back" for these valuable services. It's also a way to move up from amateur status by actually leaning things, instead of relying on a cheat sheet.
I love your content, I'm an auto technician so I have a lot of respect for the process. I am curious if the diagnostic procedures are any different for 308 dpms systems (ar10), thanks for your time
I really enjoy your videos
That clicking sound when you measure the shoulder spot on the bolts that like raised section almost looks like a belt on the bolt. I like that clicking sound the measuring device makes when it stops at its measurement. It’s such a satisfying click sound. How does the measuring device click when it hits the item it’s measuring
Hey Chad, I completely understand your confidential specs and I respect that, however I know you do give out some specs here on TH-cam could you tell me if you use plus or minus gauges? And if you only had the money to invest in 1 set .11-.750 what you you go with plus or minus?Understand if that’s confidential too. Anyways Thanks for the great videos as always.
These are always on sale for less than $90, nice to have a source other than Reddit
The blem were on sale for like 85 bucks
@@justindawn3428 what's the blem tho? Extractor pocket? seems they could've corrected that with a diff extractor.
Maybe the chrome layer is thinner than normal. Looks like everything else was checked.
@matthewbeaver5026 when I bought them I couldn't really find anything. One had a faint little scratch but nothing that I haven't seen on higher end bcg 1sts
@@justindawn3428 most definitely, Primary Arms seems to put them on sale every other week
@@matthewbeaver5026 Haven’t bought this BCG, but I’ve bought a few “BLEM” products: a PSA AR and a couple of Radian Raptor charging handles. PSA AR had a faint scratch on the left side of the upper and the charging handles didn’t look different at all. None have had any issues.
Good to see you posting regularly again. Does the tests and information about changing over extractor springs and others and most of the dimension’s and information carry over to a 7.62x39 ar platform as well
I use Soviet AK Gauges for 7.62x39 bolts.
@@SchooloftheAmericanRifle When you open up for taking on bolt carrier groups again would you take on a 7.62x39. I’d just be curious to see how mine checks out.
I know and respect that in your capacity you don’t endorse any Manufacturers product. However, can you elaborate on the material/steel used for BCG’s/Bolt’s/Cam Pins etc. and which is best such as Carpenter No. 158, S7 Tool Steel, 8620 Steel, 9310 Steel.
Amazing channel I'm hooked
Seems like these had pretty hood physicals for blem products. Makes me wonder if sometimes they just have overstock and label it as a blem to “justify” a significant discount?
I'm just jealous of your gages and gaging. It's the Quality Inspector in me.
I keep trying to buy them as I go but damn 100 bucks here a 100 bucks there
Excellent review I love learning and you explain everything perfectly.
Has anybody spec’d a brownells chrome BCG?? The 2 I ordered got sent back. Both 3-bores were .252/.500/.531 & .253/.500/.531. Cam pin holes were .313 & .3125~. Thanks Chad, you’re a good dude!
Just going off of the specs and what I've seen online, the Brownells chrome BCGs don't seem like they're worth the money over these Expo Arms chrome BCGs. The OEM for the Brownells BCGs is Azimuth, supposedly, and they have 9310 bolts. Expo Arms chrome BCGs are made by Microbest with C158 bolts.
Your experience is also another data point pushing me away from Brownells BCGs.
@@vgt I bought a microbest phosphate and chrome. Sent both back. 3bore was alright but I had chrome pitting all over the bolt tail. Phosphate had bad carrier key alignment, and the finish on the bolt was quite mottled. I found the best in AO Precision, thus I quit the search for chrome. I have like 10 AO Precision BCG’s
Thanks for all the good work Chad. You mentioned 100 inch pounds is the torque spec for the carrier key screws. Is there a change from the 55 to 58 inch pound spec that we’ve all heard about in the past??
100 in# includes the staking. Screw torque is still 55-58. The staking is what adds the extra "hold"
Does it make sense to have a highly polished firing pin tip? Usually the tendency for cracks and wear would be reduced. Is there a specific reason not to do it when the shape is the same?
Thx for the video and great camera work.
Hi Chad, forgot to ask,where do you source the 420 ejector pins from? Thank you sir
Do you only have videos on the "full semi automatic" AR15 or do you do physicals and autopsies on the select fires too? The tolerances and tests of select fire gunsmithing seems hard to find.
I’ve found that properly lubing your Johnson helps ensure adequate protrusion. Just my 2c, though.
Something I've seen once or twice and really wondered about every time. I've seen a couple bolts with 2 ejectors, each 180° from each other. I think you've even had one on camera before but didn't point it out (I think it was the "what's my favorite type of BCG" video" I assume it's a gimmick or possibly even detrimental but I'm still curious about it.
wow these carriers are WAAAY better than i thought. definately gonna be picking some up for builds. puching well above their weightclass
Can't beat 94 dollars
Sitting next to my Solgw the expo looks identical
Chrome looks the same staking looks the same bolt looks the same
Theyre both microbest afaik
I would give the warning that the qc is not 100%. I have sent back two of these bcg before giving up. The first had a burr or other defect in the cam pin channel that led to a deep gouge on the pin with less than 28 rounds through it. They replaced it for free, sending me a bcg that had a large dent on the rear of the carrier. It probably would still have funcitoned, and I could have even groud it down. But that would remove the coating, the reason I tried them, and after striking out twice I just returned that before firing it and didnt ask for a third.
Eventually the masses will realize microbest makes the best BCG’s hands down
@@jstud999 Problem is, where can you get a microbest BCG? I can't seem to find a distributor/supplier...PSA has them out of stock.
Excellent video, Brother 👊 ... priceless information 😉👍🇺🇸
My gf is always complaining that my protrusion is inadequate.
Great video thanks for all the info!!!
26:44 In fact, you could actually be making the problem worse. It depends on the interface between the two pieces.
Have you ever done Any AR Stoner (midway usa) parts/guns..
I don't know if you have alrady answered this ( I just found your channel a week ago)but, where do you find all those tools/gauges for checking the BCG?
What gas keys and extractors do you use when replacing those parts as an upgrade? Do you mic on receiving those parts?
And Is there an upper receiver 'jig' you use when torqueing down the gas key screws so the key stays aligned with the gas return tube (homemade? otherwise?)?
Well done Sir.
Were those gauges you used called a ‘carrier three bore checker’? Those look really handy. Where might I find a set of those?
Aren't these Microbest, which make BCG for Expo, BCM, SOLGW, Colt, and S&W?
Looking forward to your upcoming video on BCG finishes. I'm on the fence of either getting an Aero nickel boron or a Toolcraft DLC bcg. Most of the information I find on forums varies for finish durability and lifespan. Hoping to set the record straight on it to see which finish is the one I'm looking for.
Phosphate.
Phosphate
No Nib/nickel boron. The np3 is times better. Get a sionics np3 bcg or triarc np3
Get the microbest fathers of freedom phosphate and chromed
@@chuckfinley3152 good choice Sam
I picked up one a few months ago I switched extractor to a bcm an 5 coil springco... i think it was only 100$ shipped...
Eventually the masses will realize microbest makes the best BCGs available
Are you sure those 'defects' at 11:08 aren't just cotton fibers from the swab?
Thank you Sir
I believe these are manufactured by MicroBest and are known to be of pretty good quality. I should have grabbed a few when they had the 1 day sale on blems!
That's what I did. I think they still have blems for 94
@@justindawn3428 Nice, thanks 4 the heads up
They are infact micobest. I have a Daniel defense and an expo and they are identical
@@AstraZero7 just goes to show how much more they cost because of a name put on them. I haven't compared my dd to expo. But I do know my dd was alot more
They have them on primary arms right now 👍🏼
how come you never check the sides of the gas key for uneven wear on left side vs right side? is that not as big a deal as I imagine? would that be caused by a misaligned gas tube? its something im experiencing now and cant find any info on.
What's the bolt material Chad? C158 or 9310?
Dammit now everyone's gonna buy all the expo arms chrome BCG's🤣😂 those are my go to BCG's
Hoping this goes well for my sake.
Loomed like it went pretty well
@@justindawn3428 Dollar saved is a dollar earned. Couldn't be happier
Is Expo Arms BCG a Microbest? Both have 4340 extractor, and 4340 cam pin. Not a whole lot choose these metals besides SOLGW, Father's of Freedom from PSA, a few other, and solgw is Microbest.
Those are all Microbest.
Thanks school of the american rifle. This is off topic but It's interesting question for those like me who dont know. If you have a inefficient Gas key, can you swap the inefficient gas key with another brand that has a efficient gas key for a pistol? And is it at all possible, to convert a right hand pistol bcg into a left hand pistol bcg by flipping it or something?
Another great video, thanks
Those are super nice “blems”
@schooloftheamericanrifle where did you get the go/no gauge set?
Amazing info!
What torq tool is that? Love the videos!
Wheeler fat wrench
Chad, is it unreasonable to desire an AR that has a green-guage only efficient system?
In your opinion, does just about every AR have some measurements that'll be in the yellow?
Ever see a brand mostly achieving green?
Not unreasonable at all, but it’s not going to be cheap with QC that tight.
All of my personal AR's gauge green.
Some manufacturers do it often, but I still don't trust 100% unless I check it.
I actually returned one of these a year and a half ago due to fitment issues. I think the chrome was slightly thicker than it should have been inside the support shoulder area which caused the bolt to drag inside the carrier. Got a no hassle refund and ended up picking up an SA piston kit instead. I think I just got a rare lemon honestly.
when upgrading the extractor spring to springco springs, which do you recommend using: the white spring extra power (5-coil) or purple spring standard power (4-coil)?
So for the extractor with a sprinco spring, do you recommend the donut or the insert?
Thank you!
Thank you.
Of the unused parts replaced which ones would the average owner reasonably keep as possible spares or replacement parts?
So what bolt carrier group do you get excited about that comes with your preference of fasteners and springs?