Any part of an AR-10 is indeed essential to your gun’s overall performance. However, the bolt carrier group is one of the more important parts, as it’s responsible for making the semi-automatic fire possible.
We’ve tested, reviewed, and compared the best AR-10 carrier group to give you this list below.
- Durable construction steel
- Nickel boron coating
- Resistant to wear and tear
- For experts and beginners
- Compatible with DPMS style rifles
- Finished with salt bath nitride
- Keeps heat at a minimum
- Ideal for hours of use
- Durable steel alloy
- Minimal or no lubrication
- Features forward assist notches
- Extremely durable stainless steel
- Features shot peened bolt
- Ideal for experienced shooters
- Long-term durability
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 10 Bolt Carrier Groups for AR-10
- 1.1 1. Brownells .308 AR Bolt Carrier Group
- 1.2 2. Colt Bolt Carrier Assembly
- 1.3 3. Brownells - M16 5.56 Lightweight Bolt Carrier Group
- 1.4 4. TRYBE Defense Milspec Complete AR 10 .308 BCG
- 1.5 5. JP Enterprises .308 LMOS™
- 1.6 6. Aero Precision AR 308 Black Nitride BCG
- 1.7 7. JP Enterprises Complete JPBC
- 1.8 8. Faxon Firearms .308 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete
- 1.9 9. CMC Triggers Enhanced AR Bolt Carrier Group
- 1.10 10. ODIN Works AR10 Black Nitride
- 2 What Is Included In A Bolt Carrier Group?
- 3 Exclusive Buyer’s Guide
- 4 Our Team's Selection Process
- 5 What’s Our Choice For The Best AR-10 Bolt Carrier Group?
Top 10 Bolt Carrier Groups for AR-10
1. Brownells .308 AR Bolt Carrier Group
Why We Picked It:
The Brownells .308 bolt carrier group is machined from the robust 9310 steel, and it’s heat-treated and shot-peened, which is responsible for its hardness.
The bolt carrier itself is made from hardened 8620 steel. These are magnetic particle inspected, MPI, to ensure no flaws that may lead to premature failure.
Who Should Use It:
It’s a great bolt carrier group that fits almost any purpose.
If you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter who’s looking for a reliable bolt carrier that can keep your rifle cool for long hours of shooting practice, you’ll love Brownells .308.
Summary:
The Brownells .308 bolt carrier group is a popular choice in the AR community, regardless of whether you’re a professional or an amateur who’s still learning the ropes in the shooting.
It makes sure your AR rifle is cool and lasts for many years to come with its Nickel boron coating.
PROS
- Durable construction steel
- Nickel boron coating
- Resistant to wear and tear
- For experts and beginners
- Compatible with DPMS style rifles
CONS
- Not compatible with Armalite-style rifles
2. Colt Bolt Carrier Assembly
Why We Picked It:
The Colt Bolt Carrier fits well with the 9MM AR-style pistols and carbines.
It is machined from a single piece of premium steel alloy that’s finished with a deep-penetration salt bath nitride, giving it wear resistance and lubricity.
What’s more, the bolt carrier group is ramped to accommodate the standard and dedicated 9mm hammers.
This BCG is precision-engineered to comply with quality standards for correct gun fitting.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Who Should Use It:
It’s an ideal BGC for shooters who want to maximize their AR rifle. It keeps the heat at a minimum, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who use it for long periods of hours.
Summary:
The Colt Bolt Carrier is highly resistant to wear and tear because of its steel alloy. If you plan on practicing for long hours, this bolt carrier works well in dissipating heat.
PROS
- Finished with salt bath nitride
- Keeps heat at a minimum
- Ideal for hours of use
- Durable steel alloy
- Minimal or no lubrication
CONS
- Bolt may be too tight
3. Brownells - M16 5.56 Lightweight Bolt Carrier Group
Why We Picked It:
Brownells M16 is made from high-quality steel, making it one of the durable bolt carrier groups in the market.
It is machined from hardened 8620 steel. It’s lightened by cutting out the material, and you’ll receive the M16 fully assembled with an adequately torqued and properly staked gas key.
The M16 5.56 features a black insert and an O-ring, and unlike other lightweight bolt carrier groups, this has retained its forward assist notches.
All of the components are magnetic particle inspected, and after the machining, the steel is being heat-treated, which delivers quality.
Who Should Use It:
The Brownells M16 is an ideal choice for experienced shooters who require firearms with sophisticated bolt units. It works like a charm and keeps your rifle cool during your shooting.
Summary:
The Brownells M-16 is known for its durability, and it features forward assist notches. It’s a good fit for experienced shooters.
PROS
- Features forward assist notches
- Extremely durable stainless steel
- Features shot peened bolt
- Ideal for experienced shooters
- Long-term durability
CONS
- Requires adjustable gas block
4. TRYBE Defense Milspec Complete AR 10 .308 BCG
Why We Picked It:
The TRYBE Defense AR10 .308 is one of the best bolt carrier groups for quality and price-value ratio. It’s ready assembled, meaning you can drop it into your AR10 build right away.
These are standard Mil-Spec carriers coatings that deliver high-core strength and a rugged exterior coating for wear and tear. It is 8620 steel carrier nitride treated and features an enhanced ejector and extractor pin.
Who Should Use It:
The TRYBE Defense Mil-Spec is an excellent choice for experienced shooters looking to purchase a value build.
Summary:
If you’re looking for a high-value bolt carrier group, the TRYBE Defense Mil-Spec is a good BCG to buy. It features high-core strength for durability, and it lasts for an extended period.
PROS
- Excellent price-value
- Tough exterior
- Ideal for experienced shooters
- High-core strength
- Durable construction
CONS
- Bolt cam pin not in-spec
5. JP Enterprises .308 LMOS™
Why We Picked It:
The JP Enterprises .308 is made out of sturdy stainless steel, and it comes with a polished finish for durability purposes.
The rugged, corrosion-resistant stainless steel is designed to cool down fast after extended firing sessions.
What makes JP Enterprises stand out is how lightweight it is at only nine ounces, which reduces the weight in your existing AR-10.
Who Should Use It:
It’s an ideal bolt carrier group for competitive shooting where you have to minimize the impulse of the rifle. It gives you a competitive edge.
Summary:
The JP Enterprises .308 is an excellent rifle for competitive shooting and for shooters who prefer using a lightweight rifle build.
PROS
- Superior construction
- Polished stainless LMOS carrier
- Lightweight build
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- Ideal for competitive shooting
CONS
- Only for small frames
6. Aero Precision AR 308 Black Nitride BCG
Why We Picked It:
The Aero Precision AR 308 makes a great partner for a big-bore rifle build. The bolt carrier group is HPT inspected, and it bears a laser engraved Aero Precision, which adds to its aesthetic.
It is machined from 8620 steel, and the case is hardened. What’s more, these are black nitride coated, which reduces friction when used for long-lasting performance.
The packages come with a retaining pin as well.
Who Should Use It:
If you’re a big game hunter who likes using large rifles, you’re going to love the Aero Precision AR 308.
Summary:
The Aero Precision is machined from 8620 steel, and it features a black nitride finish. It’s an ideal rifle for game hunters who like hunting for hours.
PROS
- Black nitride finish
- Forward assist serrations
- Hardened 9310 steel
- Lower friction
- Lighter recoil impulse
- High-pressure bolt
CONS
- Gas key have raised edges
7. JP Enterprises Complete JPBC
Why We Picked It:
JP Enterprises focuses on reliability with its 416 stainless steel full mass operating system. It features a forward assist serration as well as a dust cover notch.
It features extra bearing surfaces to give you a smoother operation, enhance bolt alignment, and lower wear and tear in the upper receiver. It’s an upgrade from the factory default BCG.
Compared to the other products on the list, this has a longer Mil-spec. Cooking pad for an optimal experience.
The manufacturer also improved on the felt impulse. It reduces the reciprocating mass within the operating system, so it moves less during cycling.
Who Should Use It:
It works well for police authorities who are looking to build a no-compromise rifle.
Summary:
The JP Enterprises bolt carrier group is one of the most powerful because of its 416 highly durable stainless steel full mass operating system.
It makes an excellent choice for police authorities with its enhanced bolt assembly.
PROS
- Tunable gas systems
- Enhanced bolt assembly
- Moves less during cycling
- Ideal for police officers
- Long-range precision shooting
CONS
- A bit expensive
8. Faxon Firearms .308 9310 Bolt Carrier Complete
Why We Picked It:
The Faxon Firearms .308 bolt carrier group is a high-performing bolt carrier group. It’s constructed with a 9310 tool steel that delivers durability.
In addition, the .308 bolt carrier group features chambered bolt lugs for reliability. Another thing we like about it is that it is super finished to decrease fouling and friction, which gives you a smooth performance.
Who Should Use It:
Competitive shooters looking for precision and function will find Faxon Firearms .308 bolt carrier group as an excellent pick.
Summary:
The Faxon Firearms .308 is a durable bolt carrier group that’s made from 9310 steel that makes it reliable to bring with you to the field. It has better quality than other bolt assemblies as well.
PROS
- 9310 Tool Steel Construction
- Enhanced bolt assemblies
- Features Forward Assist Serrations
- Decreases fouling and friction
- Ideal for competition firing
CONS
- It doesn’t extract
9. CMC Triggers Enhanced AR Bolt Carrier Group
Why We Picked It:
The CMC Bolt Carrier Group is created for shooters who require a bolt carrier group that demands superior performance in their line of work.
The carrier assembly is made to reduce carrier tilt during recoil. It increases reliability by relocating key bearing surfaces strategically.
It has fewer points of contact, which results in less friction. An increase in mass makes sure there’s proper gas pressures, and it escalates dwell time.
Who Should Use It:
The CMC Triggers is a versatile bolt carrier group that works well for competition, recreational, and police professionals.
Summary:
Overall, the CMC bolt carrier group reduces title recoil. It’s an all-around bolt carrier group that fits well in rifles and different application types.
PROS
- Features black nitride finish
- Hard chrome-lined coated
- Resistant to wear and tear
- Hardened 4340 pin
- Optimized for suppressor use
CONS
- Doesn’t function properly unsuppressed
10. ODIN Works AR10 Black Nitride
Why We Picked It:
The ODIN Works is made for multi-caliber use.
It works with .308, 6.5 CM, 6 CM, and other calibers that use the case head size.
It features a smaller diameter firing pin, and the pin hole helps with high in pressure cartridges.
It is MPI and HPT tested and made in specialized factories.
Who Should Use It:
ODIN Works is an excellent choice for competitive and recreational shooters.
Summary:
All in all, the bolt carrier group is made for multi-caliber use, and it works extremely well for professionals and amateurs alike.
PROS
- MPI and HPT Tested
- Multi-caliber bolt carrier group
- Durable construction
- Made in specialized factories
- Works well for DPMS styles
CONS
- A bit too pricey
What Is Included In A Bolt Carrier Group?
Bolt Carrier
The bolt carrier is responsible for housing all of the parts of a bolt carrier group. Normally, it’s made out of hardened steel, like 8620 steel and 9310 steel.
It absorbs the pressure of the gas from each of the rounds you fire.
Carrier Key
The carrier key is also referred to as the gas key, which is situated at the top of the bolt alignment as a protrusion. The carrier and gas key is hallowed out, and it absorbs the gas that travels down to the gas tube.
Without the gas key, both the extractor spring & bolt of the AR-19 are unable to rotate.
Bolt Gas Rings
The bolt gas rings are made to trap the gas of each spent round, which allows the bolt to work. Without the bolt gas rings, the gas of each round simply disperses through the rifle’s upper receiver.
Bolt and Extractor
The bolt and extractor come together as a single unit but come in dual functions. It is designed to hook onto the exterior rim of each round and keeps them in place when you’re loading them.
Firing Pin
The stainless steel firing pin strikes the primer a round every time you pull the trigger. The firing pin is situated at the bolt’s head, and without the firing pin, the rifle won’t fire. It often has a chrome-lined interior.
Cam Pin
The cam pin stops the bolt from rotating too far. You can find the pin in a hole, which is located next to the bolt.
Exclusive Buyer’s Guide
Type of BCG
There are three types of bolt carrier groups, namely semi-automatic, full-auto, and low-mass.
The semi-auto carriers are only for a semi-auto rifle, which is generally designed to MIL-SPEC, which is often standard.
The full-auto is for full-auto rifles, and these are longer and weigh more than the semi-auto. Lastly, low-mass make lightweight bolt carriers for quicker follow-up shots.
Keep in mind that lighter bolt carriers have significantly lower reciprocating mass.
Material
Steel is the most common material for bolt carrier groups because of how durable and heat-resistant it is. (1) What’s more, it isn’t expensive.
Another option is aluminum. It’s lighter than steel and is often used for low mass bolt carrier groups.
Typically, a low-mass bolt carrier group is constructed from SAE 9310 stainless steel. What’s more, a low mass bolt carrier body is typically treated with a chromium nitride finish.
Lastly, the titanium bolt carrier group is lighter, but you’ll find them much stronger. It’s heat and pressure-resistant, but it is pricier.
Finish
Phosphate finish is considered Mil-Spec, and the phosphate-coated BCG is one of the most common coatings you can find in the market. Phosphate finish is highly durable, and it’s corrosion-resistant.
Meanwhile, Nickel Boron finish is highly corrosion-resistant and almost friction-free. You’ll nickel Boron easy to clean, and it works smoothly. These are most common on regular bolt carrier groups.
Black nitride is referred to as salt bath nitride or QPQ. It’s a treatment that hardens steel, which makes it more corrosion-resistant.
Related Posts:
MPI Tested
It’s essential for a bolt carrier group as MPI tested, meaning the bolt carrier group has already been inserted into a magnetic field.
MPI wasn’t used in the earliest days where firearms were still in breech loading rifles.
What’s more, the bolt carrier group is bathed in a liquid solution of magnetic particles. It’s an effective method that reveals fissures, cracks, and other flaws that a human eye cannot detect.
By doing so, the bolt carrier group you purchase is durable and safe to use for an extended period. At the least, it should be able to last for tens of thousands of rounds without experiencing issues.
HPT Tested
HPT stands for high-pressure testing, and it means that the bolt carrier group can fire high-pressure cartridges.
If your bolt carrier group can handle high-pressure rounds without any hiccups, then it means it can handle standard cartridges without any hiccups.
Drop-In Design
A bolt carrier group with a drop-in design means that gunsmith services aren’t necessary to have it fit your AR-10.
It requires no tools to install your bolt carrier group to your rifle as well. A drop-in design means that the bolt carrier group is pre-assembled and ready to use.
Otherwise, you have to assemble each of the parts together yourself, making it a hassle. For a drop-in design, replacing your stock on an AR-10 is one of the breezier customizations.
Our Team's Selection Process
Overall Performance
We spent time testing each of these bolt carrier groups on the list. The ones who made it to our top 10 have the capability of firing pressure cartridges rated above the SAAMI specifications.
Weapon Compatibility
The bolt carrier groups on the list are compatible with the AR-10. These are easy to install, which saves you time.
Product Quality
The products on our list all have positive reviews from customers. The bolt carrier groups have proven their durability, performance, and quality through buyer feedback.
What’s Our Choice For The Best AR-10 Bolt Carrier Group?
After days of testing and comparing, we find Brownells Complete .308 as the best AR-10 bolt carrier group.
It is bolt machined from sturdy 9310 steel, which is heat-treated and shot-peened for durability. What’s more, it has been magnetic particle inspected, ensuring that there are no concealed microscopic flaws that may lead to premature failure.
You can get the Brownells Complete .308 BCG with a black nitride finish that’s resistant to wear and tear. You may also opt for a Nickel boron finish, a dull matte silver that gives you a more rigid texture.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Our #1 Recommendation
Brownells Complete .308
- Carrier with forward assist notches
- High-quality and durable steel
- Shot-peened for reliability
- Highly-resistant to wear and tear
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