I built a nice 14.5" 556 rifle to do some classes with a buddy. I used an ADM UIC ambi lower, Vltor A5 buffer system, Vltor MUR upper, Criterion Hybrid 14.5" barrel, Geissele fixed gas block, Geissele SD-3G trigger, and Geissele MK4 13.5" handgaurd. Everything was fully functional. Shooting suppressed the bolt carrier was really slamming around. So I went with a Bootleg adjustable carrier. The rifle now will not cycle without a suppressor AT ALL. On the unsuppressed (full gas) setting it will eject the case, but will not strip a new round. Even with a suppressor, the BCG has to be on the unsuppressed setting to eject the case and load a new round. I thought perhaps the buffer was too heavy (although it functioned 100% with standard bolt carrier group). I switched from the H3 to an H1 buffer. No change. Im using a standard rifle spring with the Vltor kit. Im also using mil-spec M855 ammo. Has anyone experience this? Ive emailed Bootleg and I'm hoping to get a replacement carrier or have this one repaired. Im pretty disappointed at this point.
- Thread starter thedude824
- Start date
Not sure on the brand but I read a review the other day on an adjustable BCG and they guy said it would only reliably shoot like 40 rounds, then after that not so much. After those 40, he'd switch back to his normal BCG and have no issues. So to me, with no knowledge on the machining, engineering, etc of it, sounds like it is something that isn't fully ready to be widely used. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Bootleg sent me an RMA and asked for all the specifics of the rifle. Hopefully they get me a functional item. As of now, my example is 4x the cost of a basic adjustable gas block, yet far LESS functional being as it ONLY works with a suppressor on the unsuppressed setting. There are so many of these out there that if this was a typical issue I feel like it would be all over the place.
I ran one in a 10.3” mk18, h2 buffer, Tubb flat wire spring. Super soft shooting in the suppressed setting with a Surefire SOCOM.
With a 14.5” SOCOM barrel and the same buffer setup / suppressor it only cycles with the gas turned all the way up.
When they work, they work, but definitely seems a little fucky.
With a 14.5” SOCOM barrel and the same buffer setup / suppressor it only cycles with the gas turned all the way up.
When they work, they work, but definitely seems a little fucky.
What’s the size of your gas port on build with issue? Any thoughts it could be significantly undersized, misaligned or obstructed in some manner. Or a short gas tube not pushing enough gas to work action? Just thinking out loud. Hope they get you squared up.
Gas port I believe was 0.069 - 0.070. I use the SLR jig to dimple barrels so that the gas block is 100% aligned. I even removed the entire system and double checked. I put a couple mags threw it today with a mil-spec carrier and H3 buffer and it functioned 100%. Maybe I just got a dud. It doesn't make me confident in this being my "go-to" 556 gun.
I had a similar deal today. Brand new 16" bcm upper and aero lower with a trash panda plus the bootleg bcg. No issues with the first round but then it would miss the next one and it continued through the first mag and then everything started working fine. I'm going back to the range on Monday to see if it happens again. I'll bring another bcg with me just in case.
It was failing to load subsequent rounds? Could you share your build specs? I put a mil-spec AO Precision BCG in this exact same rifle the other day and did a run and gun course. I had the H3 back in it and it was smooth as butter. I forgot the can though. This compared to the Bootleg on the unsuppressed (full gas) setting and an H1 buffer not being able to cycle the bolt. Still haven't gotten the actual RMA from Bootleg. Perhaps I'll try an H4 buffer with the suppressor. Im not sure I will trust this at this point. Im halfway expecting them to say the Criterion port is too small or a midlength system on a 14.5" doesn't produce enough pressure. It sure produces enough with a milspec carrier.
Dude how many threads are you gonna post telling everyone about your experience with Bootleg?
As many as you are going to click on. One was my initial build thread. One was a "what is going on thread". The last is the final word from Bootleg thread. Do you understand?
Just to update. Bootleg inspected the carrier and said it functioned 100%. They still installed an adjustment knob that is 0.001" larger to ensure no gas is getting past. Theyre returning it for me to test. They said if it doesn't work they'll send a new one. Thats pretty fantastic service so I think its important to share.
I also found a local guy with a Bootleg carrier that says his works 100% in all of his platforms including several A5 systems. We're going to swap and see what happens.
I also found a local guy with a Bootleg carrier that says his works 100% in all of his platforms including several A5 systems. We're going to swap and see what happens.
Ran mine on my both my 12.5" 6.8 and 223 without issue over several years.
What buffer system and weight did you use?
Standard on both. Both are ARP barrels and I think the gas ports are .078-.080 range if I remember what he usually drilled them at.
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