Quick update guys, I have been a bit MIA (my fault), but I finally ordered a barrel via Jerry (Mystic Precision) and went with:
Mcgowen Stainless Steel 20" with 1-11 twist
Modified HBAR
Cerakoting Sniper Grey
Muzzle brake similar to Precision Armament M11 Severe Duty
Gas at 0.875 same as the one on stock BCL102 (as the previous owner bought a SLR adjustable, which I might as well reuse).
Now does anyone have any recommendations on Bolts and bolt parts as my NEA/BCL BCG is still giving me some issues.
I have looked at the Brownells one, but not sure if a DPMS or JP would be a better investment?
Also still unsure about the Stock options as I would like something solid, but a bit better than the existing stock. Currently the top runner is the Magpul Gen 2/3 PRS, but would like to keep the weight of this bad boy down as much as possible.
Good choice on barrel and nice to see a 1:11 instead of the 1:10 that's so common. Plus the 20" makes it easier to shoot off the shelf match ammo rather than having to reload.
You could have an issue with your gas block. The stock BCl 102 gas block I recall is
.750 not .875. .875 is for a heavier barrel.
I would avoid buying a DPMS BCG. The JP will be expensive. I liked the specs on the Brownells ones. That being said, you have an easy source right here in Canada for
$295. Go to Arms East and get a Stag 10 BCG. It's DPMS compatible and you are using a DPMS compatible barrel/extension with the new barrel so it should work just fine. Of course there are never any guarantees but that's the case with anything AR308.
The three stocks I generally use for AR308 rifles are:
1) SOPMOD B5/LMT - Lighter general duty stock that is an A frame so has a really good cheek position. It's solid and does the job. Other magpul ones are similar.
2) PRS . I have these on a couple of AR308 rifles. They are nice. Adjustable etc. But they add a fair amount of weight and aren't inexpensive. Plus with the Armalite AR10 length buffer tube on the BCL 102 you can run into fitting issues
3) A2. The good old A2 stock works well. Some of my AR10 rifles have adjustable additions for length of pull and moving the butt pad (accuracy speaks). Fairly affordable, but requires a rifle length buffer system. Works decently.
I also have a FAb defence GL-Core on a DPMS GII. But that's more a REECE style/Carbine use AR308 rifle in a much smaller form factor than the regular AR308. It's a decent stock and gives you an adjustable cheek piece. I do however still prefer the SOPMOD overall, just because of the A frame cheek rest.
Also I would change up the pistol grip to an
Ergo suregrip. I prefer the regular one over the Ergo2. The Ergo2 is standard A2 form factor and doesn't come with the bottom plug. Note: with the BCL 102 you will need some washer to get the pistol grip to fit properly. Make sure you have a bunch of washers on hand. Otherwise you can't get the grip tightened down to make it flush.
Your functioning issues
could simply be due the adjustable gas system not being set properly. I would click it all the way to the right until it's shut off. Then go left about 4 clicks and add a click until it's functioning reliable. Worth trying out before spending more money. Also for match ammo the stock BCL 102 has an 18.5" barrel with 1:10 twist. You will probably need a bit faster than the regular Federal Gold 168. However 168 may work. 175 is unlikely unless you reload it faster. 167 Lapua is probably the best bet for out of the box accuracy ammo with these rifles. With that 20" barrel it should shoot the 155 hornady steel match, the 167 Lapua, 168 Federal Gold, 175 Federal gold, 178 and reloads of those rounds. It's my favourite twist rate for 308 and the twist rate you will find on military AR308 rifles.
Hope you get your rifle up to where you want it.
Last but not least. Lube the rifle with G96 spray. Especially the inside of the upper and the entire BCG. Then add some shell roteilla 0W40 synthetic motor diesel oil to the high wear points and the BCG. This will keep everything running well and keep wear/tear down.
My last suggestion:
I would keep what you have right now in the BCL 102. I think you can get it going with what you have and not spend anymore money. I would then look at getting the
Stag 10 upper/lower and building off that with that barrel you ordered. The upper/lower Stag is $595 right now at Arms East. They have a bunch of parts for you to build it yourself right up on the webpage. Buffer/buffer tubes etc, BCG, Get a MI handguard 15" if you want the gas block covered, 12" if you want it exposed. I think you have a decent BCL 102 right now that just needs some adjusting. I wouldn't put anymore money into it. I would instead pick up the few upgrades here and there when a deal comes along and would instead put together a Stag 10 based around that barrel you just ordered. You'll need a new gas block but these parts can all be ordered. Once you get your BCL 102 working it will tie you over while working on this other project. Anyways just a thought. I have my BCL 102 setup fairly stock and am working on a Stag 10 project right now.
Here's mine. The scope mount will be different as I robbed that scope/mount from my Gii which requires the cantilever. Also the B5 sopmod stock will be going on my Stag 10 as I have a coyote brown one on the way for the BCL 102. Apparently BCL 102 FDE isn't FDE but Coyote brown/tan/taupe etc. But otherwise this is my BCL 102 in finished form.
