{"id":36121,"date":"2015-11-18T06:17:26","date_gmt":"2015-11-18T11:17:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/?p=36121"},"modified":"2015-11-18T06:17:26","modified_gmt":"2015-11-18T11:17:26","slug":"bravos-bcm4-short-barrel-rifle-a-very-special-sbr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/bravos-bcm4-short-barrel-rifle-a-very-special-sbr\/36121\/","title":{"rendered":"BRAVO\u2019S BCM4 Short Barrel Rifle – A Very Special SBR"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Equipped

Equipped with the Gemtech TREK-T 5.56 Suppressor and MANTA cover the BRAVO BCM4 SBR was not only effective, but also ear safe!<\/p><\/div>\n

A recent count of U.S. companies offering AR-15 type rifles was 430.\u00a0 Since the AR train has long left the station, I suspect that many of these \u201cmakers\u201d have closed their doors, and that more are trying to sell their rifles at near cost prices.\u00a0 Still, there are many such companies that remain in business leaving lots of American firearms enthusiasts at a loss when it comes to choosing one maker over another.<\/p>\n

People looking to buy an AR-15 clone include those looking for the least expensive brand they can find, as well as many who believe that the most expensive AR\u2019s are by far the best.\u00a0 While there may be some truth in the latter, \u201cpin striping\u201d may be what\u2019s driving the price up.\u00a0 Not that fancy exteriors and colors are not to be appreciated, but their utility might be questionable.\u00a0 Their high prices might also limit the amount of money left for the right accessories, ammunition and proper training one will be able to afford.<\/p>\n

A too often overlooked place to start in selecting an AR is reputation.\u00a0 Dozens of firearms companies making AR-15 type rifles have excellent and well-deserved reputations in offering a lot of rifle for the money while not breaking your bank account. One of them is the subject of this article.\u00a0 It is BRAVO Company Mfg, or BCM.<\/p>\n

\"This

This retired Captain, USASF 5th Grp., said he wished he had the BCM4 SBR in Afghanistan than his M4A1. Fast hits at 100-yards were a cinch.<\/p><\/div>\n

Being well acquainted with BCM for some years I have been duly impressed in testing the AR type rifles and the wide range of components they produce and offer.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This reputation left me excited to see and test one of BRAVO\u2019s latest models, a BCM4 Short Barreled Rifle in 5.56x45mm.<\/p>\n

Built on BRAVO\u2019s BCM4 lower receiver, the SBR I received first required a special license from the BATF&E including a one-time $200 tax to own in states allowing such arms.\u00a0\u00a0 Almost identical, however, is BRAVO\u2019s 16\u201d barrel BCM4, which may be purchased over the counter in most states.\u00a0 For short to medium range, however, the BCM4 SBR would be a real crowd pleaser.\u00a0 Let\u2019s have a close look.<\/p>\n

From the start, I must point out that this compact rifle was designed to be lightweight and it truly fills this bill.\u00a0 This \u201cfeather light\u201d feature is accomplished by using a new \u201cpencil\u201d barrel, which is further tapered from the gas block to its \u00bd\u201dX28 threaded muzzle.\u00a0 Screwed there using a crush washer is the new BCM GUNFIGHTER Compensator MOD 1-556.\u00a0 Where most muzzle devices either compensate for recoil, or mitigate muzzle flash, this one does both very well.<\/p>\n

\"As

As received the BCM4 SBR came with flip-up sights and a number of KeyMod accessories, some of which are seen here. A VORTEX Viper Red Dot sight was mounted on the BCM4 offset mount along with BCM\u2019s QD foregrip.<\/p><\/div>\n

Equally impressive is BCM\u2019s slim-line KMR KeyMod handguard.\u00a0 Made of a blend of aircraft alloy and magnesium, this handguard is lighter than standard 7075-T6 alloy while also being stronger.\u00a0 On top of the handguard is a Mil-Spec-M1913 type rail with the entire remainder of the hand guard equipped with BRAVO\u2019s popular KeyMod mounting holes introduced by the company.\u00a0 These \u201ckeyholes\u201d allow mounting a variety of accessories directly, or by attaching recoil proof rail sections first.\u00a0 This new handguard is cleverly and rigidly mounted to the special dual cross-bolt barrel nut system and is perfectly aligned with the receiver\u2019s top rail for a continuous platform.<\/p>\n

At the front of the handguard rail our sample came with a rugged flip-up front sight with protected post adjustable for elevation.\u00a0 On the barrel beneath the rail is a low profile gas block, the tube of which leads to the bolt carrier for direct gas transfer operation.\u00a0 The cocking handle is BRAVO\u2019s GUNFIGHTER Ambidextrous handle with a gas diversion for use with a sound suppressor.\u00a0 At the back is BRAVO\u2019s robust flip-up protected dual aperture rear sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation.<\/p>\n

The stock that came on the BCM4 is BCM\u2019s GUNFIGHTERSTOCK MOD 0.\u00a0 Designed to be no-snag, this stock is great for quickly exiting a patrol car or other vehicle.\u00a0 It is retractable with a comfortable, non-slip butt and accepts QD sling mounts.\u00a0 The lower receiver is likewise equipped with BCM\u2019s GUNFIGHTERGRIP, which has the angle of a 1911 pistol.\u00a0 The rifle also comes with BCM\u2019s ALG ACT fire control group, which has a trigger let-off measurably better than issue triggers.\u00a0 A QD mount is furnished at the back of the lower receiver for use with a single point sling.<\/p>\n

BCM Accessories<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since our BCM4;\u2019s hand guard was the KMR KeyMod, it required Key Mod accessories, which have become plentiful, and BCM furnished several with the SBR.\u00a0 These included both a standard vertical fore grip and BCM\u2019s QD fore grip, a QD sling mount, a side light mount, a kinesthetic grip and an angled optical mount.\u00a0 These proved to be of very high quality and they come with either KeyMod feet or with an additional locking stud for extra strength against recoil should heavy gear be attached.<\/p>\n

To install these accessories, simply loosen the hardened bolts with the wrenches supplied, insert the KeyMod feet into the holes, slice them all the way forward and hold while they are tightened.\u00a0 A thread locking solution can also be applied, but I did not find it necessary.<\/p>\n

After experimenting with several positions, I found BCM\u2019s QD foregrip worked well with the light mount on the left side.\u00a0 A SureFire light was installed in this mount to be operated by the left thumb.\u00a0 On the right rear of the handguard I attached BCM\u2019s short offset rail and mounted a Vortex Viper Red Dot on it.\u00a0 This rugged optic weighs virtually nothing and its bright, adjustable dot is super clear.<\/p>\n

MANTA RAIL \u201cPOLYTANIUM\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

A few days after using the above setup I received a sample of the new TAC WRAP Grip from MANTA.\u00a0 Introduced at the 2015 SHOT Show, this device is one of the most utilitarian AR accessories I\u2019ve seen.\u00a0\u00a0 Made from essentially the same secret material used in MANTA\u2019s suppressor, grip and rail covers, the TAC WRAP is of a slightly different consistency.\u00a0 Manta\u2019s Frank Michaels ran me through the workings and installation of the TAC WRAP where he jokingly dubbed the super strong, but flexible material as \u201cPolytanium.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Here<\/a>

Here the MANTA TAC WRAP is installed on the handguard with the offset mount at the front and BCM\u2019s Kinesthetic Grip beneath it. The QD sling mount is seen at the rear of the receiver behind the GUNFIGHTER Grip, and a 10-round Magpul P-Mag is inserted.<\/p><\/div>\n

The TAC WRAP comes with all components to mount it on virtually any of today\u2019s AR handguards by following the instruction.\u00a0 Once on it provides the most comfortable, sure hand guard grip I have ever used.\u00a0 Once the TAC WRAP was on the BCM4 SBR I had to re-evaluate where I which accessories I would mount and where.<\/p>\n

I relocated the BCM offset mount and the Vortex Viper Red Dot all the way forward on the right side of the forend and removed the light mount from the left side.\u00a0 In its place I mounted the BCM QD Sling Mount in order to use a Blue Force Gear Victory Sling mounted there and to the left side of the BCM GUNFIGHTER MOD 0 buttstock.
\nThe Vortex Viper Red Dot proved far better for me and others when it was replaced farther forward, as it was faster to get on the dot when rotating the rifle 45 degrees to the left.\u00a0 Such a set up is normally used in conjunction with a top-mounted magnified optic, which would not be my choice with an SBR.<\/p>\n

One thing I was anxious to do was to evaluate the BCM GUNFIGHTER MOD 1-556 Compensator, which both reduces recoil and dampens muzzle flash.\u00a0 It did dampen flash, especially with commercial ammunition, and it truly reduced recoil by an estimated 75%.\u00a0 However, I wanted to compare this muzzle brake with the Gamma 556 from VG6 Precision, that company\u2019s shortest muzzle brake.\u00a0 Being about the same length as the BCM MOD 1-556, the VG6 performed equally well.<\/p>\n

\u201cHush Now!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

However, as great as SBR\u2019s are for close range and tight spaces, they are LOUD and I wanted to check this BCM4 SBR out with a sound suppressor.\u00a0 Since a short rifle needs to remain as short and lightweight as feasible, I chose the TREK-T 5.56mm suppressor from GEMTECH.\u00a0 This superb titanium suppressor is not only 56% the weight of steel, but is also ear safe!<\/p>\n

\"With

With the BCM muzzle brake removed, Gemtech\u2019s small, ear safe TREK-T titanium 556mm suppressor could be mounted, followed by a MANTA Suppressor Cover. This cover will neither burn nor melt while, and will protect from injury if touched.<\/p><\/div>\n

Since there was not enough barrel exposed on the SBR, I had to first remove the SBR\u2019s BCM KMR Handguard.\u00a0 This is not difficult with minimal gunsmithing ability, but it is important to follow instructions available from BCM.\u00a0 Once the MOD 1-556 muzzle brake was removed using a padded barrel vice. I reassembled the handguard and then compared the two muzzle brakes as hand tightened.\u00a0 I then attached the TREK-T suppressor, screwing in on by hand with the help of the (sure grip) MANTA Suppressor Cover I had installed on it.<\/p>\n

After using the special barrel vice of my friend, Jim Carroll, of Carroll Targets, we stepped out onto the overlook of his private range in the half-mile canyon below his home.\u00a0\u00a0 Jim suggested that I kill two birds with one stone by shooting at one of his steel torso targets 163 yards below.\u00a0\u00a0 I had not yet fired the BCM4 SBR for accuracy and the BCM iron sights were as delivered, and had not been readjusted.\u00a0 What\u2019s more, my magazine was loaded with surplus M855 ammunition, not known for its accuracy.<\/p>\n

I had simply wanted to hear the report of the TREK-T suppressor, but I shouldered the SBR, and decided to aim chest high on the target, which was at about 30 degrees down and 163-yards out.\u00a0 I pressed the trigger and heard a soft clapping sound followed by the typical tearing, sonic sound of the bullet and a \u201cPING\u201d about two seconds later.<\/p>\n

I couldn\u2019t believe my ears, so I followed up with two more \u201cPINGS\u201d and handed the SBR to Jim, telling him where I aimed.\u00a0 He duplicated with three \u201cPINGS\u201d of his own on the same target.\u00a0\u00a0 We were both elated.\u00a0 Several law enforcement officers were also extremely pleased with the BCM4 SBR along with a friend who is a retired USASF, 5th Grp. Captain.\u00a0 After shooting the BCM4 SBR, he remarked that he wished he had had one in Afghanistan instead of his issue M4.\u00a0 This man happens to be one of the thirty-six Special Forces operators who rode borrowed Afghan horses into battle there in 2011.<\/p>\n

Lumen Aid<\/strong><\/p>\n

With not much room remaining for accessories, I removed the BCM Kinesthetic grip and replaced it with a short KeyMod section of M1913 type rail on the bottom front of the handguard.\u00a0 On this rail I attached a RailGrip from RM Equipment.\u00a0 This is the \u201cSwitch watch\u201d of vertical fore grips and it comes with its own equally fine light mount for any 1-inch diameter weapon light.\u00a0 I attached the SureFire G2 light.\u00a0 This system allows the user to hold the RailGrip and operate the light with the support thumb and NOT the index finger.\u00a0 On the grip itself I mounted a MANTA sleeve for extra hand purchase.<\/p>\n

I also removed the Vortex Viper red dot optic and replaced it with a Micro Laser module from LaserMax.\u00a0\u00a0 By mounting the front sight a little farther to the rear, the Micro Laser could also be mounted at the front of the top rail.\u00a0 Either setup would provide the ability of easily identifying a target beyond 50-yards at night and use the laser as an aiming point.\u00a0 The BCM4 SBR was now ready for the range.<\/p>\n

When I targeted the SBR from sandbags at 100-yards using a 10X scope, bullets impacted a few inches high and left on the 6-inch center, so I left the reticle there.\u00a0 Using Black Hills and Hornady .223 factory loads with bullets ranging from 55- to 65-grains, 5-shot groups ran from 1.56\u201d to 2.34\u201d with no malfunctions.\u00a0 A match trigger group might have provided better accuracy, but for most, trigger let-off on a patrol or home defense carbine should be kept no lighter than about 4- or 5-pounds.\u00a0 The issue BCM trigger on this gun was heavier than that, but I found it to be safe and fine for serious work.<\/p>\n

\"BRAVOBCM4-8\"Lucid Optics<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lastly, I obtained two additional add-ons for the BCM SBR, a M-7 Micro Red Dot Optic from Lucid Optics and a Redi-Catch\/Redi-Release from Boonie Packer Products. The Lucid M-7 is a super lightweight robust red dot sight loaded with features including an automatic shutoff after 2 hours of run tine and a common
\nAAA-battery power source.\u00a0 The Lucid standoff base put the sight at the perfect height and the SBR\u2019s BUIS co-witnessed the red dot with the LaserMax Laser remaining in front of the front sight.\u00a0 Lucid also makes a 2X screw-on and a 1-4X variable extender for the M7.<\/p>\n

\"Boonie

Boonie Packer\u2019s high quality Redi-Catch\/Redi-Release installs easily and is simple to operate. On top is Lucid Optics\u2019s M7 Micro Red Dot Sight, which is equally easy to use.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Boonie Packer Redi-Catch\/Release is a fast system offered singular or in tandem.\u00a0 The Redi-Catch allows the user to depress the magazine release to release the magazine and lock the bolt back at the same time by pulling back the charging handle while holding in the magazine release, and then releasing the charging handle.\u00a0\u00a0 Consisting of a strong alloy lever extending through the trigger guard, the Redi-Release is simply pressed down by the right index finger to release the bolt carrier to feed a new round, and the lever stays out of the way of the trigger.\u00a0 Made of the best materials, this is a fast, effective system for a speed reload.\u00a0 Whatever additional options one might prefer can be easily installed on BCM\u2019s Key-Mod hand guard.<\/p>\n

BCM offers a great selection of outstanding AR type rifles and accessories.\u00a0 Check them out for yourself.\u00a0 And remember, if you ever need a gun and don\u2019t have one, you\u2019ll probably never need one again!\u00a0 To keep your BCM4 and the rest of your guns, JOIN THE NRA\u2026 DO IT NOW!\u00a0 GPJ 1*<\/p>\n

Specifications: BCM SBR<\/em>
\nCaliber: 5.56x45mm.<\/em>
\nMuzzle Velocity: 2,800 fps (867 m\/s). \u00a0<\/em>
\nOperation: Direct gas transfer, semi-automatic.<\/em>
\nBarrel Length: 12.5 inches (317.5mm).<\/em>
\nOverall Length: 27-1\/4\u201d\u00a0 (692mm) to 30-1\/2\u201d (774.7mm).<\/em>
\nWeight: (gun alone) 6 pounds (2.7 kg).<\/em>
\nFeed Device: Any AR-15 magazine.<\/em>
\nSafety: Selector safety.<\/em>
\nSights: Flip-up\/adjustable.<\/em>
\nStock: 6-position length of pull.<\/em>
\nFinish: Mil-Std black anodize.<\/em>
\nPrice: Contact BCM.<\/em><\/p>\n

Contacts:
\nBCM<\/a><\/p>\n

Black Hills Ammunition<\/a><\/p>\n

Blue Force Gear<\/a><\/p>\n

Boonie Packer Products<\/a><\/p>\n

Gemtech<\/a><\/p>\n

Hornady Ammunition<\/a><\/p>\n

LaserMax, Inc.<\/a><\/p>\n

Lucid Optics<\/a><\/p>\n

MANTA Rails<\/a><\/p>\n

Magpul Industries<\/a><\/p>\n

RM Equipment<\/a><\/p>\n

SureFire, Inc.<\/a><\/p>\n

VG6<\/a><\/p>\n

Vortex Optics<\/a><\/p>\n

About the author:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"GaryPaulJohnstonbio\"Having fired his first shot at the age of 5 by killing a pig his uncle was going to butcher, Gary Paul Johnston began a lifelong interest in firearms, hunting and shooting. Beginning a 28-year in law enforcement in 1963, Gary worked every division, always favoring uniformed patrol where the action was. He began writing in 1976 with nearly 2,000 articles on firearms published to date, along with two books, Custer’s Horses<\/a> and co-authoring The World’s Assault Rifles<\/a>. Having attended more schools on shooting and tactics than he can count, Gary is still learning, He says that if he can pass on even a little to others of what he <\/em>has learned he will have achieved a worthy goal. Gary and his wife, Nancy, also a retired police officer, live in Colorado, are both Life Members of the NRA and strong 2nd Amendment advocates. Gary is also featured on MidwayUSA’s Gun Stories<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Gary Paul Johnston has tested one of BRAVO Company’s latest models, a BCM4 Short Barreled Rifle in 5.56x45mm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":36122,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[116,1,1894],"tags":[3635,3634,3636],"class_list":["post-36121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bloggers","category-featured","category-gary-paul-johnston","tag-bcm4","tag-bravo","tag-sbr"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36121","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36121"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36121\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.downrange.tv\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}