So I got my new DD BCG in from Wolverine - very happy to receive it given the current drought of proper F/A BCGs on the market. In the past I always favoured Stag FA BCGs, but supply of Stag FA BCGs has been nil lately.
So... DD is generally respected and considered by some to be a Tier 1 manufacturer. However, the BCG seems to not have the typical Tier 1 features one would maybe expect (?)
Specs listed here:
https://danieldefense.com/components-parts/complete-bolt-carrier-group.html
The carrier is standard M16 profile with chrome lining. The bore of the chrome lining was smooth and in-spec, but the base of the BCG bore hole shows evidence of turning marks and machine chatter which is then chromed over. Not a big deal for function, but this will trap carbon residue from firing that will be difficult, if not impossible, to remove. My stag examples? Perfect with no evidence of unpolished machine marks at the base of the BCG bore.
The carrier IS properly staked, but the Stag goes the extra step of setting the BCG into wellseal jointing compound before torquing and staking the screws, while the DD does not appear to be sealant treated, only screwed on and staked. Probably not a big deal.
There are two spots on the BCG where the parkerizing did not take and shiny metal shows through. Not a big deal for function, but not as nice as my Stag BCGs which appear to be better finished when new.
Finally, the carrier has (IMHO) ugly laser etching of the DD logo right where the ejection port lines up. This is a personal preference matter, but I'm not a fan of any gaudy engraving on my AR parts.
Now we move to the bolt. Typically we expect the Tier1 manufacturer's bolts to be HPT, MPI and shot peened. According to DD, only the carrier is MPI tested and the bolt is shot peened, but NOT non-destructive tested. This is my single biggest complaint about this BCG. IMHO the rep for being "all that and a bag of chips" does not measure up if they are putting out bolts that are only shot peened and are not even batch HPT'd and are not MPI'd. I expect that from DPMS, but not DD. By comparison Stag bolts are shot peened, individually MPI'd and batch HPT'd. Superior, if not as up to spec as a Colt bolt which is individually HPT'd.
I also notice the bolt itself is sharper and more angular than my Armalite, Colt or Stag bolts. IMHO it looks like they did not tumble the part after it came off the machines. Likely not a big deal as it will smooth out in the first 200 rounds in all likelihood.
Bottom line: Kudos for Wolverine bringing in a DD product line that is in demand and has a good reputation at a time when FA BCG's are few and far between in Canada. I just could not bring myself to pay $45 more for a DPMS standard FA BCG from ATRS when these DD BCGs are only $179.99 and the Stag carriers were $175.00 when they were still in stock at Armseast.
That being said, I am disappointed in this bolt as I expected the DD product to easily outshine the Stag BCG's Armseast was selling after all the DD internet hype. My verdict? The Stag is superior in most every way and every one of their bolts is non-destructive tested, unlike this DD offering. I will keep and use the DD BCG as it will meet my needs, but next time I will buy another brand at this price point.
So... DD is generally respected and considered by some to be a Tier 1 manufacturer. However, the BCG seems to not have the typical Tier 1 features one would maybe expect (?)
Specs listed here:
https://danieldefense.com/components-parts/complete-bolt-carrier-group.html
The carrier is standard M16 profile with chrome lining. The bore of the chrome lining was smooth and in-spec, but the base of the BCG bore hole shows evidence of turning marks and machine chatter which is then chromed over. Not a big deal for function, but this will trap carbon residue from firing that will be difficult, if not impossible, to remove. My stag examples? Perfect with no evidence of unpolished machine marks at the base of the BCG bore.
The carrier IS properly staked, but the Stag goes the extra step of setting the BCG into wellseal jointing compound before torquing and staking the screws, while the DD does not appear to be sealant treated, only screwed on and staked. Probably not a big deal.
There are two spots on the BCG where the parkerizing did not take and shiny metal shows through. Not a big deal for function, but not as nice as my Stag BCGs which appear to be better finished when new.
Finally, the carrier has (IMHO) ugly laser etching of the DD logo right where the ejection port lines up. This is a personal preference matter, but I'm not a fan of any gaudy engraving on my AR parts.
Now we move to the bolt. Typically we expect the Tier1 manufacturer's bolts to be HPT, MPI and shot peened. According to DD, only the carrier is MPI tested and the bolt is shot peened, but NOT non-destructive tested. This is my single biggest complaint about this BCG. IMHO the rep for being "all that and a bag of chips" does not measure up if they are putting out bolts that are only shot peened and are not even batch HPT'd and are not MPI'd. I expect that from DPMS, but not DD. By comparison Stag bolts are shot peened, individually MPI'd and batch HPT'd. Superior, if not as up to spec as a Colt bolt which is individually HPT'd.
I also notice the bolt itself is sharper and more angular than my Armalite, Colt or Stag bolts. IMHO it looks like they did not tumble the part after it came off the machines. Likely not a big deal as it will smooth out in the first 200 rounds in all likelihood.
Bottom line: Kudos for Wolverine bringing in a DD product line that is in demand and has a good reputation at a time when FA BCG's are few and far between in Canada. I just could not bring myself to pay $45 more for a DPMS standard FA BCG from ATRS when these DD BCGs are only $179.99 and the Stag carriers were $175.00 when they were still in stock at Armseast.
That being said, I am disappointed in this bolt as I expected the DD product to easily outshine the Stag BCG's Armseast was selling after all the DD internet hype. My verdict? The Stag is superior in most every way and every one of their bolts is non-destructive tested, unlike this DD offering. I will keep and use the DD BCG as it will meet my needs, but next time I will buy another brand at this price point.
