The Aero Precision BCG (bolt carrier group) is vital to your Aero Precision build. Aero Precision’s manufacturing capabilities and quality assurance processes ensure your product fits theirs the first time – or you take advantage of their generous warranty.
In this blog we’ll discuss the differences in the Aero Precision Bolt Carrier Group catalog. If you’re new to AR15’s, it’s worth mentioning the parts and pieces of a bolt carrier group. You can find the parts and pieces here. Luckily for you, the Aero Precision BCG delivers fully assembled and ready to go!
THE AERO PRECISION BOLT CARRIER GROUP CATALOG
The Aero Precision BCG catalog has a few features that distinguishes each one from another. Here are the options to keep an eye out for:
- Platform – AR15/M4E1, AR10/M5, AR9/EPC-9
- Caliber – 5.56, 6.5 Grendel, 6mm ARC, .224 Valkyrie, 6.8 SPC, .308, 7.62, 9mm
- Logo – With or Without
- Coating – Nickel Boron, Phosphate, Nitride
- Line – Pro or Conventional
- Availability – Always In-Stock or Out-of-Stock Quick
PLATFORM
Aero Precision’s lineup for bolt carrier groups include the:
- M4E1/AR15
- M5/AR10
- EPC-9/AR9
Read: What’s the Best AR-15 Stripped Lower?
CALIBERS
Aero Precision BCG for the AR15 calibers include 5.56/.223 Remington, 6.5 Grendel, 6mm ARC, .224 Valkyrie, 6.8 SPC.
Discover the best 6.8 spc bolt carrier group and other calibers.
They also offer bolt carrier groups for the .308/7.62 caliber rounds but that’s it for the AR10. I personally use one for my 6.5 Creedmoor and haven’t had issues with it.
For the AR9/EPC-9 platform, Aero Precision offers a blowback BCG which runs great in their EPC-9 builds. These sell out though within days of hitting their website. We just happen to have some though!
WITH OR WITHOUT LOGO
Aero Precision BCG’s feature a non-logo bolt carrier group or one with the recognized Aero Precision “A” on it. Don’t worry if you don’t care whether the logo is on it or not – there’s no change in performance.
Aero Precision 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group, No Logo – Phosphate
COATINGS
What’s the difference between the different coatings with the Aero Precision BCG lineup? We distilled it to a few quick facts:
Nickel Boron – Slicker surface, shiny, easier to clean
Nitride – advanced lower friction coating that minimizes the need for lubricants and cleaning
PRO VS CONVENTIONAL DIFFERENCES
To the uneducated eye the Aero Precision Pro Series BCG isn’t any different than their conventional nitride bolt carrier group. However, there are many additional features of the pro.
See our Aero Precision Pro BCG Review
Overall, Aero Precision summarizes that the Pro Series BCG was machined and produced to meet the demands of the most extreme conditions. Its main end goal is to increase the reliable service life of the BCG and components. With its reliability gas key machined from 4140 steel, torqued with 8 hex fasteners, and properly staked to mil-spec dimensions – this BCG is built for durability and quality.
The Pro cam pin features its critical surfaces precision ground – this aids in overall fit and fluid movement. The cam pins traditionally wear – depending on how often and how hard you run your rifle.
Aero Precision AR15 5.56 PRO Series Bolt Carrier Group – Black Nitride
Don’t think this means you NEED the Pro Series BCG though. The conventional style BCG’s are still high quality and will last you through many thousands of rounds.
AVAILABILITY
The bolts for unique calibers (non-5.56 or .308/7.62) sell out quickly. This also includes the 9mm BCG’s – these are hard to find. With the last round of production, I think they stayed on the dealer site for 2 days and then sold out.
Will you ever need to replace parts in your bolt carrier groups?
You may eventually need to replace parts in your bolt carrier groups. Parts that might need replacement in a small or big bore rifle build’s BCG are:
- Firing pin
- Bolt
- Gas rings
- Bolt cam
- More
Quality Assurance Measures
Aero Precision BCG’s are high pressure tested and magnetic particle inspected. Through magnetic particle inspection, the BCG’s are tested for cracks or differences that might cause the BCG to fail during operation.
The nice part about HPT (high pressure testing) is that Aero Precision will load a “hot” round in a rifle with the bolt being tested. The “hot” round can help simulate the large differences between ammunition manufacturer specifications and what a reloader might use in their rounds.
What can cause a bolt carrier group to fail?
Sturdiness of a BCG cannot be overlooked. We feel lightweight bolt carrier groups could lead to failure more easily than one made of heavier materials.
Pew Pew Tactical did a writeup about the different lightweight bolt carrier group options. We’re not sure we’d trust lightweight bolt carrier groups in a full auto fire situation. The heat and rapid force from the adjustable gas block and gas tube would surely tear it apart.
The bolt carrier group is made of many different parts and pieces – you can replace each one separately for next to nothing though – we suggest buying a sturdy, reliable bolt carrier group and replacing BCG components as they break.
Don’t get fooled …
Some BCG’s are way overpriced for what they are. We feel the best AR BCG is one that is reliable and doesn’t cost a fortune. Sure – go phosphate over nitride, save a few bucks. But you’ll pay more (comparatively) between Aero Precision and other brands.
Who makes Aero BCG?
You can go with a manufacturer that outsources the BCG manufacturing process. However, Aero Precision produces these in-house at their manufaturing facility.
SUMMARY
The nice thing about Aero Precision is they understand you might like someone else’s handguards, barrels, bolt carrier groups or buffer tubes. Their platforms are built to accept other manufacturers’ parts.
I would love to sell you all Aero Precision components but don’t let the lack of availability for a bolt carrier group hold you back from building your ultimate Aero Precision Rifle