Bcl 102 weight break down and light weight build

Dr. Hunter

Dr. Hunter

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After making a lightweight slr build and an precision bcl 102 build, I wanted to lighten my factory bcl 102. Yesterday I essentially took it apart and rebuilt it after weighing different components. Figured I might as well share my findings and the changes I made. I have one of the first gen 2 bcl 102s and this is the following factory stuff with some changes made.

Barrel 41.8oz
Buffer and spring 7oz
Buffer tube 4.6oz
Endplate plus castlenut 1oz
Gas block and tube 2.1 oz
Bcg 19.3 oz
Lower 19.3 Oz but changed out factory stuff for Geissele ssa-e, ergo grip, phase 5 bolt catch
Stripped upper plus factory dust cover 12.5 oz
I'm missing the factory charge handle, brake and handguard since those were replaced.

My current lightweight build

15 inch slr handguard 11.1oz
Faxon 308 pencil barrel 33.12oz
V7 titanium bcg 12oz
Lantac dragon brake 2.8oz
Jp captured buffer 5oz
Milspec carbine stock 3.5oz
Debating magpul ctr with check riser and limbsaver 12.3oz
Vs mft stock 6.1oz
Slr adjustable gas block 1.3oz

With the mft stock it come out to 6.92 pounds no optic or 7.36 pounds with the ctr.

Got a 3 oz aero precision scope mount and debating using my nightforce 2.5-10x32 or my s&b 1-8 they both weigh about 18 Oz. Which will get me a little over 8 lbs with optic.

I learned from my slr build that all the small titanium safety, trigger pins, etc are a waste of cash and don't make any significant difference. Best things to change are the bcg, stock, handguard and barrel for weight savings.

20180816_191440_zpsaumvoiy0.jpg
 
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Looks nice! Have you taken it out to shoot yet? Wondering how effective the Lantac brake is. I have seen that they are pretty good. Should cut down the .308 recoil quite a bit?
 
I've used the brake on this rifle and a few others. I don't find a semi 308 to have much recoil. The brake is ok but there are that are more effective for the price but I do like the look of it and had an extra.
 
That took a lot of time out of your day.
Wanted to say thank you for the investment of your time.
I for one, do not have an infinite budget for my build. I am hoping for 2,500$ for a complete rifle to bring moose hunting through the rough. This helps me pick which upgrades will save me most weight, and keep the rest stock.

So far, I am waiting for the actual rifle, and P-series mount. I have the optic (Nikon P-308)
Once I see if the rifle is worth investing into, I wanted to switch out the handguard, and stock.
Out of the other aftermarket items, did any of them increase usability, dependability, or accuracy?
BCG must have other benefits than shine and a few ounces shaved.
How is that barrel for repeated shots? Heat, accuracy, etc. (I rarely go plinking, but I like the idea of plinking with a 308 :)
I am wondering about the difference in weight for the brakes...
Although it might not amount to much weight, its the location of the weight that might make a big difference...

Again, all my upgrades will be post testing. This is my first AR type rifle, and don't want to invest too much if it ends up not being for me... Currently still loving my 1974 Savage 308 110.

Again, thank you, seriously, this helps me a lot.

Any chances of a rough cost estimate on those parts?
Where does everyone get their handguards? 200$ US, shipped to Canada is 50$?!? Then duties?
I think either way I want the handguard. If you end up with a spare, I want to buy it :)



Dr. Hunter said:
After making a lightweight slr build and an precision bcl 102 build, I wanted to lighten my factory bcl 102. Yesterday I essentially took it apart and rebuilt it after weighing different components. Figured I might as well share my findings and the changes I made. I have one of the first gen 2 bcl 102s and this is the following factory stuff with some changes made.

Barrel 41.8oz
Buffer and spring 7oz
Buffer tube 4.6oz
Endplate plus castlenut 1oz
Gas block and tube 2.1 oz
Bcg 19.3 oz
Lower 19.3 Oz but changed out factory stuff for Geissele ssa-e, ergo grip, phase 5 bolt catch
Stripped upper plus factory dust cover 12.5 oz
I'm missing the factory charge handle, brake and handguard since those were replaced.

My current lightweight build

15 inch slr handguard 11.1oz
Faxon 308 pencil barrel 33.12oz
V7 titanium bcg 12oz
Lantac dragon brake 2.8oz
Jp captured buffer 5oz
Milspec carbine stock 3.5oz
Debating magpul ctr with check riser and limbsaver 12.3oz
Vs mft stock 6.1oz
Slr adjustable gas block 1.3oz

With the mft stock it come out to 6.92 pounds no optic or 7.36 pounds with the ctr.

Got a 3 oz aero precision scope mount and debating using my nightforce 2.5-10x32 or my s&b 1-8 they both weigh about 18 Oz. Which will get me a little over 8 lbs with optic.

I learned from my slr build that all the small titanium safety, trigger pins, etc are a waste of cash and don't make any significant difference. Best things to change are the bcg, stock, handguard and barrel for weight savings.

20180816_191440_zpsaumvoiy0.jpg
Click to expand...
 
I think if anything the aftermarket stuff might decrease reliability. The lightweight bcg needs an adjustable gas block and need to tune everything.

With the stock barrel the V7 bcg no go gauge is suggesting just slightly too much headspace. I tried a faxon bcg with the factory barrel and they did not close nicely on each other. Not sure how aftermarket bcgs work with the factory barrel. I think other than the weight saving the bcg does not add anything.

I haven't had a chance to try the new barrel yet but I also got a 20 inch bsf 308 carbon fibre barrel that I might try instead. I think the faxon or bsf should give better accuracy at a lighter weight. The factory barrel was getting me like 2 moa but I also didn't try to squeeze accuracy out of it.

I think bcl 102 comes with a flash hider now not sure of its weight. The lantac dragon weighs 2.8 Oz and titanium brakes weigh about 1.5 Oz but haven't had luck finding any in Canada.

The slr handguard is about 300 usd plus shipping and duties, they do have titanium brakes if you are interested.
I got mine straight from there.

The V7 bcg was 800 CAD from ctsc. The stock was a spare I had but can get them anywhere.

There is a bcl on the ee with the handguard and stock already changed out. Not sure if you can cancel your current bcl order?
 
Dr. Hunter said:
I've used the brake on this rifle and a few others. I don't find a semi 308 to have much recoil. The brake is ok but there are that are more effective for the price but I do like the look of it and had an extra.
Click to expand...

Which other brakes do you recommend? What do you think of the VG6 Gamma and the Maple Ridge Armory Defiant?
 
After looking at a few tests on brakes the JP and precision armament brakes are quite impressive but they are usually bigger and bulkier.
 
I’m in the process of lightening mine. Just ordered the Faxon pencil barrel and going to try it with the stock bcg first.
Not sure why mine is so much heavier...it’s tipping the scales at 10.5 lbs with optic.
I have alread swapped the stock for a fab defense one, the handguard for a lightweight MI one, put an a2 flash hider on it.
But it’s still coming in at 9.5lbs. If I swap the barrel and bcg it will maybe get me down to 8lbs with no optic.
Can’t see what else I am missing to get it down to your weight
 
I find it's best to list out all of the weights. Here is a Stag build for comparison:

STAG-10 - 31.4 oz
Faxon 20" 308 Pencil Barrel - 33.12 oz
Brownell BCG - 18.4 oz
Stag Carbine Buffer kit - 10.2 oz
SLR adjustable Gas Block - 0.8 oz
Spikes Tactical Gas Tube - 0.5 oz
Vseven Magnesium Hyper-light handguard - 6.8 oz
Radian Raptor Ambi Charging Handle - 1.2 oz
Magpul CTR stock - 8.8 oz
Maple Ridge Armory Muzzle Brake - 2.5 oz
Weight: 7lb, 2 oz (113.72 oz)

The V Seven Titanium BCG would drop another 6 ounces but would cost $400 more. Depends on how much you're willing to spend.

Mixter said:
I’m in the process of lightening mine. Just ordered the Faxon pencil barrel and going to try it with the stock bcg first.
Not sure why mine is so much heavier...it’s tipping the scales at 10.5 lbs with optic.
I have alread swapped the stock for a fab defense one, the handguard for a lightweight MI one, put an a2 flash hider on it.
But it’s still coming in at 9.5lbs. If I swap the barrel and bcg it will maybe get me down to 8lbs with no optic.
Can’t see what else I am missing to get it down to your weight
Click to expand...
 
Mixter said:
I’m in the process of lightening mine. Just ordered the Faxon pencil barrel and going to try it with the stock bcg first.
Not sure why mine is so much heavier...it’s tipping the scales at 10.5 lbs with optic.
I have alread swapped the stock for a fab defense one, the handguard for a lightweight MI one, put an a2 flash hider on it.
But it’s still coming in at 9.5lbs. If I swap the barrel and bcg it will maybe get me down to 8lbs with no optic.
Can’t see what else I am missing to get it down to your weight
Click to expand...

Maybe list all your parts? I think the fab defense stock maybe heavy?
 
DMR Hunter said:
I find it's best to list out all of the weights. Here is a Stag build for comparison:

STAG-10 - 31.4 oz
Faxon 20" 308 Pencil Barrel - 33.12 oz
Brownell BCG - 18.4 oz
Stag Carbine Buffer kit - 10.2 oz
SLR adjustable Gas Block - 0.8 oz
Spikes Tactical Gas Tube - 0.5 oz
Vseven Magnesium Hyper-light handguard - 6.8 oz
Radian Raptor Ambi Charging Handle - 1.2 oz
Magpul CTR stock - 8.8 oz
Maple Ridge Armory Muzzle Brake - 2.5 oz
Weight: 7lb, 2 oz (113.72 oz)

The V Seven Titanium BCG would drop another 6 ounces but would cost $400 more. Depends on how much you're willing to spend.
Click to expand...

Can get the Brownells titanium bcg they were on sale recently and maybe still are. Think it was about 300 usd
 
DMR Hunter said:
I already ordered too many parts and had to keep it under $500. Also I didn't see any reviews on it and was unsure how it would actually perform.
Click to expand...

Shipping is usually 9 usd and can find codes for 20 to 30 usd off so sometimes I do multiple orders to maximize the discount.

I have the Brownells titanium and it seems the same as the v7 and wouldn't be surprised if they were made by the same manufacturer.
 
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