Tag Archives: AR 15

Shooting Sports

BCA BC15 Bolt Action AR Upper

Whether to create an even more accurate long-range rifle out of an existing AR15 or to comply with certain states unfair restrictions on semi-automatic AR15 rifles, or just for the sheer novelty of it, you can now change any AR15 into a bolt-action rifle. Bear Creek Arsenal (BCA) debuted its BC15 bolt-action AR15 uppers at SHOT Show with an upper chambered in the straight-wall 350 Legend. Finally, they’re releasing BC15’s in other popular calibers. BCA sent me a BC15 chambered in 6.5 Grendel, a thicker cartridge that offers greater accuracy and long-range stopping power than NATO 5.56, while retaining the same length.

The BC15 I received for testing definitely looked budget in terms of fit and finish. The milling on the handguard felt a little sharp and unfinished. The action felt rough for a bolt-action, and this initial impression would only be reinforced with time. I mated it to a MilSpec AR15 lower and added a Discovery Optics ED-AR 5-25×56 precision long-range scope. For the 100-yard tests, I shot Hornady 123gr SSI 6.5 Grendel.

It shot a decent 2-inch group straight out of the box. I did not have a 6.5 Grendel magazine, so I tried using a 5.56 STANAG magazine, but discovered it fed unreliably, so I chambered each 6.5 Grendel round individually. Because I was running the magazine empty, I also discovered that my lower bolt catch would lock the bolt open and prevent me from closing the bolt until I depressed the paddle.

To say that my BC15 has a rough action would be a gross understatement. Often, its lugs would fail to rotate and release after a shot or require a hard slam to close the bolt. Undoubtedly, it would run better after a break-in period, but for now, it is frustrating. What the BC15 does have going for it is its ridiculously affordable price and a MilSpec design that allows for upgrades. And out of the box accuracy it printed 1.5″ groups at 100 yards.

SHOP

Bear Creek Arsenal BC15 https://alnk.to/7McEe5X

Discovery Optics ED-PRS 5-25×56
Official Website: https://discoveryopt.com/ (10% Discount Code: Moondog)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ofFcnH (10% Discount Code: MOONDOG2A)

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

Shooting Sports

Missouri Tactical MVG RVG Plug

This product is so simple, it’s brilliant. Missouri Tactical created a silicone rubber plug that fits over the hollow end of a Magpul MVG/RVG rifle foregrip and creates a water-tight storage space. Moreover, moulded into the plug itself is a slot that securely fits a CR2032 coin battery and a hole to hold a small (2mm-4mm) Allen key. Not only is this useful but its cheap. Its a perfect stucking stuffer for your 2A friends and family.

Shooting Sports

Aero Ambidextrous M4E1

The M4E1 lower has been one of the most popular components made by Aero Precision. This year they’ve released an upgraded design which offers true ambidextrous controls on this popular lower receiver. I had a chance to shoot an Aero AR build during Industry Range Day and it was indeed easy to shoot and intuitive.

Shooting Sports

UTG Ambidxtrus AR Receivers

At last year’s Industry Range Day, I had the opportunity to test fire UTG prototype AR receivers. This year I had a chance to see the production model of UTG’s true ambi upper and lower receiver. It has a number of thoughtful design features, as lightening cuts that also improve ergonomics. Its aesthetics are not quite my cup of tea but its stylish and well thought out.

Best of all all UTG Leapers products are made in Taiwan (the good China) and their UTG Pro line is made in the good ol’ USA. So you don’t have to feel un-patriotic when you’re looking for a good value.

Shooting Sports

New UTG AR Receivers

UTG makes a broad range of accessories for the AR-15 including hand guards, selector levers, charging handles, magazines, etc. But for the first time, they’re going to be producing billet milled AR upper and lower receivers. And as far as the ATF is concerned, the only part of the AR that is a “registered firearm” is the lower receiver, so technically UTG is making ARs for the first time.

These upper and lower receiver sets will be 100% made in the USA at their Michigan factory and headquarters. I got a chance to try out an AR almost completely built using UTG parts. The only thing not made by UTG was the BCG, barrel and gas tube, and trigger.

At SHOT Show range day I got a chance to try out the AR which functioned flawlessly. This despite being soaked from the rain blown sideways into the range lanes by 15-30mph wind. The UTG AR and the Integrix LPVO atop it let me easily engage plates 50yrds and 100yrds downrange.

The receiver has lot of useful features and cuts designed for ergonomics. It felt very natural and efficient, though I’m not a 100% fan of the style aesthetics which seem to be a little too Art Nouveaux and Futurist. But it’s not ugly but it’s just not for me. From a purely functional standpoint, if I were to build a new AR, I’d seriously consider using a UTG receiver.