Top Tier ARs - How Do You Rank Them
- Thread starter DoglegArms
- Start date
What makes a $1200 BCM better than a CHF PSA AR15 for $650 other than the rollmark? As far as value goes? What am I getting for the extra $600 or so?
Well, for starters, for around $1k your BCM will have a KMR rail, upgraded stock, QD endplate. If you're going to make a comparison, be sure it's apples to apples. But if you dig a little deeper, you'll also get an improved barrel profile (ELW). A 16" ELW KMR-A upper will run you $670, complete with bcg, charging handle, 13" KMR rail and a BCM compensator. A complete BCM lower can be had for around $300. The cost difference is almost entirely in the rail, stock, QD endplate, upgraded trigger guard and Gunfighter comp.
Additionally, the gun is held to tighter tolerances from butt stock to muzzle. Gas port sizes, barrel tolerances, quality of the BCG, a true hammer extruded milspec receiver extension, etc. BCM also has a very rigorous QC system that checks all major parts BEFORE assembly. If it's not within the spec that they require, it is returned to the vendor. Assembly is done according to the technical manual. Finally, the fit and finish is much better than anything from PSA.
The truth is, some portion of the BCM price is paying for a high level of quality control. I'm not knocking PSA. For $600-650, you get a heck of a gun. But BCM guns are a cut above. If you add the parts that BCM includes, the cost gap closes considerably and the BCM gun, at its core, is of much higher quality.
Thanks for that in depth response. I actually own a DD and LaRue, and a PSA CHF. I don't mind paying extra for the name brand quality, but I also realize that my PSA is 100% reliable, great bang for your buck, and is nearly as accurate and something I would take into a battle with me. Can't really say that about their PTAC, FREEDOM, and AR10 line though. BCM is good, no doubt. But I think 90% of people looking for an AR would be better served with a PSA CHF or Spikes (which I also CHF CL)
You must mean Baltimore Creative Minds when you say BCM right? I know there is no way you just tried to compare Spikes Tactical to Bravo Company Mfg.
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PSA will serve alot of people well. But for the guy that wants a top shelf gun, BCM offers the best value in the business. And if a buyer is planning on installing a rail, adding a stock, etc, they may be better served to buy a complete BCM. IMO, they are every bit as good as some guns retailing for closer to $2k or more.
In this AR market today, there should be no $2000 AR's. Even DD are ridiculous, they actually went up in price.
The stupid part is, some are moving well North of that mark. Especially in the billet realm. No thanks. The only gun in that range that I think is worth the money is the KAC SR15. But it's getting harder to justify with BCM becoming more affordable and their innovating new in-house products.
lol, so I take it that I'm not even relativley close on my thinking?
In any event, For some reaso. was thinking they were above DPMS but below Colt
For the sake of keeping things friendly and not bashing a supporting manufacturer I will say that Spikes advertised specs put them on par with PSA's premium line.
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Great list order minus Colt. I am just not familiar enough with Sionics to add them to my list. I would not list Colt as a top tier AR any more though.
I know what you mean about Colt. But to me, they will always hold a spot near the top simply because of the materials used and because they are held to a known standard.
Sionics is a small company, building a great gun. They've actually made some Department sales here in the Atlanta area. Sandy Springs and APD, I beleive. I know their master armorer and he is one of the most knowledgeable AR guys I've ever met. The guns are solid, quality parts and well made.
Lets just skip over all of the BS; when can I get my hands on a @DarthVader -personally-built super secret squirrel ninja AR?
Release date?
I only own two factory uppers - a PSA "premium" with a CHF FN barrel and a BCM middy lightweight BFH. Both are very nice, but the BCM is maybe a notch above IMO. Also, BCM uppers have come down a bit in price so that there's really not that much a price difference when similarly spec'd against the PSA premium. I added a premium PSA BCG to my order but the BCM came complete with one of their charging handles (usually the first upgrade to any of my rifles). I've never had a problem with either but the BCM just seems to "fit" together much better...the BCG seems smoother in action. Purely subjective - I know - but I would order another in a heartbeat.
My brother in law was looking for his first AR. I told him to go with the BCM straight outta the gate vs. dropping $2500 or so on a Wilson combat. I'm sure they are nice but I don't see the need unless you're shooting competition matches at distance.
As for lowers - most anything goes. I have a natural aversion to some mfg's roll marks like the spikes double dicks and the cheesy looking Anderson horse. My SBR lower is a YHM which is fairly non-descript but gets the job done.
My brother in law was looking for his first AR. I told him to go with the BCM straight outta the gate vs. dropping $2500 or so on a Wilson combat. I'm sure they are nice but I don't see the need unless you're shooting competition matches at distance.
As for lowers - most anything goes. I have a natural aversion to some mfg's roll marks like the spikes double dicks and the cheesy looking Anderson horse. My SBR lower is a YHM which is fairly non-descript but gets the job done.