AR Bolt Carrier Finishes - which is best?

[cosermann]

Been looking at BCGs recently, and of course - there's a lot out there.

What are folks thoughts on the current finish options: phosphate (chrome lined) vs. nickel boron vs. nitride?

 

[Kirk Freeman]

My father was a chrome man, and I am a chrome man.

 

[Lpherr]

My father was a chrome man, and I am a chrome man.

I haven't seen any in chrome. Where can they be found, and what is the benefit?

 

[cosermann]

Kirk, are you referring to total chrome, or just chrome-lined? The better phosphate BCGs are chrome-lined.

 

[PRasko]

I’ve put thousands thru both chrome lined and melonited/nitrided/qpq’d and I can say that the nitrided variants are much much easier to clean.

As for longevity or durability? I’ve yet to have a bcg or bolt fail so no idea.

Never dealt with the nickle’d bcg’s. So no dog in that fight.

 

[ancjr]

I have nitride and NiB but admittedly haven't shot either extensively. The nitride looks like new after wiping. The NiB looks horrible but wipes clean easily enough and is slick as it was new with no wear marks. I think I like the NiB for function, the nitride for appearance.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

I haven't seen any in chrome. Where can they be found, and what is the benefit?

Smith Enterprises FTW! Several others as well.

Benefits: easy to clean, "self-lubing", great durability with modern manufacturing.

Gun Santa brings the knowledge:

Enhanced Bolt Carrier Groups – Small Arms Defense Journal

www.sadefensejournal.com

Small Arms Solutions and the Combat Ready AR-15 – AR-15 News...

We talk with Chris Bartocci of Small Arms Solutions about what makes for a combat-ready AR-15 build and why the AR is the world's best combat rifle.

www.arbuildjunkie.com

Gun Santa drops knowledge on you regarding chrome via video:

(7:28)



First two videos I found enlightening too:

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Kirk, are you referring to total chrome, or just chrome-lined? The better phosphate BCGs are chrome-lined.

Total chrome. You know I peacock on the range, for the ladies.

Oh, Kirk, is that Daniel Defense? Yes, and I am glad to see you.

 

[cosermann]

Good feedback so far. Also a few articles for folks. With all the finishes nowadays, I feel like I should put together a spreadsheet or something. Thanks for the links to the vids Kirk.

Best AR15 BCG Finishes - Pros Cons and Recommendations

AR15 bolt carrier groups are available in a variety of finishes including Phosphate, Black Nitride, & Nickel Boron. Find out which is right for your upgrade!

www.spicetac.com

Bolt Carrier Group Coatings: What’s the Difference? (4 Types) - Daily Shooting | Shooting Tips And Reviews

Bolt Carrier Group Coatings: What’s the Difference? black nitride/ melonite/ Nickel Boron/ phosphate/ Titanium Nitride of coated bolt carrier groups

dailyshooting.com

Black Nitride Matters!

Choosing a bolt carrier group can get pretty touchy because everybody has an opinion of which is the better coating or treatment. My personal favorite is the black nitride coated bolt carrier groups.

www.tacticalshit.com

 

[Timjoebillybob]

My father was a chrome man, and I am a chrome man.

I believe he was asking about BCGs not hairstyle.


Sorry I couldn't resist.

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

These are great imho
"Shot show sale/daily deal"

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-logoed-premium-5-56-nickel-boron-bcg-with-carpenter-158-bolt-516446450.html

 

[NyleRN]

Pros for phosphate: holds onto oil/lubricant better
Cons: harder to clean
Pros for Nitride, chrome, nickel boron: easier to clean
Cons: doesn't hold onto oil/lubricants as well but it's naturally a slicker finish
I have a combo of all 3. Shooting with suppressors makes me like the phosphate a litter better cause shooting suppressed makes for an extremely dirty gun quick and the phosphate carrier holds onto oil better. But it's a bigger pain to clean

 

[PRasko]

Also, more so than finish, buy a decent brand.

Youtube school of the american rifle, lotta good info on that channel regarding AR platform.

 

[WhitleyStu]

Been using Young chrome BCGs for quite some time.

youngmanufacturing

youngmanufacturing.net

 

[Tombs]

Quality hard chrome is as good as it gets.

I'd say a PVD finish like ionbond DLC would be the next tier.

 

[DadSmith]

Is titanium nitride a stronger or the strongest coating?

 

[ancjr]

Has anyone worn out a BCG? What coating did it have?

 

[BiscuitsandGravy]

Has anyone worn out a BCG? What coating did it have?

I'm a fan of the NiB coated BCG's but have seen some flaking of the finish where the underside contacts the hammer. They are just easier to clean/keep clean.

I try to stick with Tool Craft too. Always change out the 3 piece gas rings for a single coil gas ring.

Yes- PSA is running some great BCG deals right now. Also check out the PSA NiB 2-stage trigger for IIRC $65.

YMMV.

 

[cobber]

I would vote for nitride. But that’s just feels, not facts.

 

[cosermann]

Always enjoy the videos from Small Arms Solutions where he does a deep dive into the details.