Bear Creek Arsenal BC15 bolt action AR upper 6.5 Grendel

[Moondog]

Whether to create an even more accurate long-range rifle out of an existing AR15 or to comply with certain states' unfair restrictions on AR15 rifles, or just for the sheer novelty of it, you can now change any AR15 into a bolt-action rifle. Bear Creek Arsenal (BCA) debuted its BC15 bolt-action AR15 uppers at SHOT Show with an upper chambered in the straight-wall 350 Legend. Finally, they're releasing BC15's in other popular calibers. BCA sent me a BC15 chambered in 6.5 Grendel, a thicker cartridge that offers greater accuracy and long-range stopping power than NATO 5.56, while retaining the same length.


The BC15 I received for testing definitely looked budget in terms of fit and finish. The milling on the handguard felt a little sharp and unfinished. The action felt rough for a bolt-action, and this initial impression would only be reinforced with time. I mated it to a MilSpec AR15 lower and added a Discovery Optics ED-AR 5-25x56 precision long-range scope. For the 100-yard tests, I shot Hornady 123gr SSI 6.5 Grendel.


It shot a decent 2-inch group straight out of the box. I did not have a 6.5 Grendel magazine, so I tried using a 5.56 STANAG magazine, but discovered it fed unreliably, so I chambered each 6.5 Grendel round individually. Because I was running the magazine empty, I also discovered that my lower bolt catch would lock the bolt open and prevent me from closing the bolt until I depressed the paddle.


To say that my BC15 has a rough action would be a gross understatement. Often, its lugs would fail to rotate and release after a shot or require a hard slam to close the bolt. Undoubtedly, it would run better after a break-in period, but for now, it is frustrating. What the BC15 does have going for it is its ridiculously affordable price and a MilSpec design that allows for upgrades. And out of the box accuracy it printed 1.5" groups at 100 yards.

SPECS​

BC15 Bolt Action Upper


Barrel Length 20


Profile Heavy Barrel


Twist 1:8


Barrel Finish Black Nitride


Material 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium


Thread Pitch 5/8 x 24


Caliber 6.5 Grendel Type II


Feed Ramp M4


Platform AR-15


Bolt Material E9310


Receiver Material Billet


Weight 6.3 lbs

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

The two uppers I bought from them early COVID, .223/5.56 16 inch rear charging semi upper and 7.62x39 16 inch rear charging semi uppers, both needed to be sent back for them to replace. Things worked out after that. Use it just as hunting uppers though. Hopefully their QC has gotten better.