Whether to improve accuracy or to comply with your state’s unfair restrictions on semi-automatic AR rifles, bolt-action AR’s are now a thing. Bear Creek Arsenal (BCA) debuted its BC10 and BC15 bolt-action AR uppers at SHOT Show earlier this year. BCA is known for producing some of the most affordable ARs on the market, and this complete AR10 pattern rifle is indeed budget-friendly. The BC10 is available in several calibers, including 6.5 Creedmoor, .277 Fury, and .308, which they sent me to test.

The BC10 I received definitely looked budget. The handguard felt a little sharp and unfinished. The action felt rough. I mounted a Discovery Optics LHT 3-12×42 lightweight crossover tactical scope. For the 100-yard tests, I shot Winchester white box 147gr FMJ.

Recoil was exceptionally noticeable. Because it’s a bolt-action, the recoil buffer in the AR10 isn’t utilized. Moreover, the AR10’s MilSpec, flat-faced plastic stock made the recoil unpleasant to say the least. Fortunately, I added a Missouri Tactical M27/HK416 recoil buttstock pad to the end of the stock, which was a tangible improvement in the shooting experience.

Loading single cartridges directly into the chamber, I discovered that the AR10’s bolt catch would lock the bolt open on the empty magazine and prevent me from closing the bolt until I depressed the paddle. Out of the box, the BC10 shot an unremarkable 4-inch group at 100 yards. While the ammo wasn’t special, I can only hope the groups improve after the barrel is broken in.

To say that my BC10 has a rough action would be a gross understatement. It was the most difficult bolt-action I’ve ever operated, sticking after every shot and going into battery with occasional difficulties. Often, its lugs would fail to rotate and release after a shot or require a hard slam to work them. Undoubtedly, it would run better after a break-in period, but for now, it is frustrating. BCA has a poor reputation for QC, and this rifle certainly hasn’t helped that. What the BC10 does have going for it is its ridiculously affordable price and a MilSpec design that allows for upgrades.

SHOP

Discovery Optics LHT 3-12×42
Official Website: https://discoveryopt.com/ (10% Discount Code: Moondog)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ofFcnH (10% Discount Code: MOONDOG2A)  

Bear Creek Arsenal BC10 https://alnk.to/3J9e37v

Missouri Tactical recoil pad https://amzn.to/3LCnsUx

SPECS

BC15 Bolt Action Upper

Barrel Length 20

Profile Heavy Barrel

Twist 1:8

Barrel Finish Black Nitride

Material 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium

Thread Pitch 5/8 x 24

Caliber 6.5 Grendel Type II

Feed Ramp M4

Platform AR-15

Bolt Material E9310

Receiver Material Billet

Weight 6.3 lbs