To Polish or Not To Polish Nickle boron plated BCG's

[Manic Mike]

So, I am still recovering from poor purchasing decisions (yes, I have learned) and I am replacing a second BCG supplied by a sub par distributor. This time it is a 6.5 Creedmoor BCG in an Aero Precision upper receiver and barrel (Aero Precision is not the problem). The new BCG I purchased has a Nickel Boron coating and I am wondering if I should go through all the OCD style polishing that I would normally do on a Nitrided BCG. I have a thing for polishing mechanical parts form guns to super charged race car motors; it usually improves performance, reliability and promotes smooth functioning. My questions is, should I do this to a Nickle Boron coated BCG or is this coating best left alone.
I am proficient and reasonably skilled at polishing and fine tuning any mechanical equipment, but Metallurgy is one of the few areas I am not an expert in. I am a legend in my own mind, but I do know my limitations. Please educate me on the pro's and con's of polishing the coated BCG.
Manic Mike

 

[19Scout77]

Curious…did you happen to polish the ones that “failed”?

 

[OREGUN]

Just leave it alone.

 

[bfoosh006]

I would only consider polishing any " I can feel a burr with my finger nail" spots.

I do polish all my gas key entrance holes, just slightly with a conical expendable felt dremel bob.

 

[Manic Mike]

I do not polish Rifle insides unless there is an issue. I will usually inspect and do the " I can feel a burr with my finger nail" spots (thanks for the quote!). Pistols are a different matter. I polished one rifle BCG with an extractor issue and the action did work much smoother, but polishing will not fix a bad extractor. I was just looking at the new BCG and wondering about messing with it. I will listen to the advice (same stuff I give people) and won't fix something that is not broken

 

[bfoosh006]

I do not polish Rifle insides unless there is an issue. I will usually inspect and do the " I can feel a burr with my finger nail" spots (thanks for the quote!). Pistols are a different matter. I polished one rifle BCG with an extractor issue and the action did work much smoother, but polishing will not fix a bad extractor. I was just looking at the new BCG and wondering about messing with it. I will listen to the advice (same stuff I give people) and won't fix something that is not broken

You might enjoy this linked thread. It is full of good info.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/Precisi...woods-Guide-to-the-Ultimate-AR-fixed-/4-6919/

 

[msgriff]

Typically, the NiB is only 0.00035″ – 0.0005″ thick. If you have reasons to polish or deburr it, you should just return it.

 

[SBRSarge]

Leave it alone and shoot it. Any rough spots, the ones that actually matter, will likely be smoothed out within a few magazines.


ETA: I can certainly understand the OCD of wanting to, though! And it is CDO, alphabetical like it should be, damnit!

 

[Manic Mike]

I agree with all! And Hellbenders AR thread is what got me started with the polishing on the BCG, when the extractor issue reared its' ugly head. Forget the 6.5 Creedmoor, I'll assemble and shoot it-SLR Rifle Works just got the 7.5" .308 barrel in stock and it is on its way through Enemy Lines to me in the Peoples Socialist Republic of California. I forgot the forum member who brought this piece of joy to my attention (failing memory, nothing personal) but Thank You-where else could you find information on a 7.5" .308 noise maker. This will be fun!
Manic Mike

 

[rpoL98]

if you polish a NiB item, you'll remove the NiB coating.

 

[db2000]

Don’t polish NiB.
Here’s a new bolt for ya to try.

Accessories - WTS: Fail Zero .308 bolt (no carrier)

Price Reduced. New and unused. Carpenter 158 steel and EXO nickel boron coating. I’m running the carriers and they just wipe clean with a rag. .223 bolt SOLD Price Reduced .308 bolt $90 shipped

www.snipershide.com

 

[Sogan]

I don’t know of anyone who polishes a BCG. Leave it alone. It works fine how it is

 

[JohnCarter17]

There are no pros to polishing a NiB coated item, and wearing it down prematurely.