M16 5.56 BOLT CARRIER GROUP CHROME MP Reviews & Ratings

Classic Retro Chrome M16 Bolt Carrier Groups match the finish of the bolt found on the earliest AR-15 & M16 rifles introduced.

The Brownells M16 Chrome 5.56 Complete Bolt Carrier Group included a bolt machined from 9310 steel, which is magnetic particle inspected & finished with a matte silver chrome finish. The carrier is fabricated from 8620 hardened steel and also receives the same, durable chrome application. In addition to the bolt and carrier, the extractor, gas key and cam pin also are chromed to ensure all moving parts are corrosion resistant. The Brownells M16 5.56 Chrome Complete Bolt Carrier Group is designed to work easily and reliably in any AR-15 or M16 rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm, 300 AAC Blackout or .223 Remington.

The perfect complement to a retro build, these BCGs are available with or without forward assist serrations. The model without serrations is similar to the original BCG found on early AR-15s, such as the Air Force 601. The model with serrations could be found on early XM16E1 models in the mid-1960s.

Durable, matte silver chrome
Magnetic-particle inspected, 9310 bolt
M16 8620 steel carrier (works with standard AR-15 rifles)
Extractor includes spring and rubber insert
Includes torqued and staked gas key
Functions with any cartridge based on the 5.56 NATO cartridge case

The Brownells M16 Chrome 5.56 Complete Bolt Carrier Group comes with a bolt, bolt carrier, gas key, firing pin, cam pin and a firing pin retaining pin.

See all of our AR15s and AR15 parts here.

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Reviews Summary

The M16 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group Chrome MP has received mixed reviews. Customers praise its quality, ease of cleaning, and attractive chrome finish, ideal for retro builds. However, issues with quality control, fit, and function are prevalent, leading to dissatisfaction. While some users report reliable performance, others experienced serious malfunctions, impacting their overall perception.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Product Quality

60%

The quality of the M16 5.56 Bolt Carrier Group varies significantly among users. Many commend the build quality and design, emphasizing the ease of cleaning and appealing appearance. However, a considerable number of reviews point out manufacturing defects, including poor machining and assembly issues that detract from the overall impression.

Functionality

50%

Reviews reflect contrasting experiences regarding the functionality of the bolt carrier group. While numerous users report smooth operation and reliability, others encounter significant issues such as gas leakage, jamming, and parts not fitting correctly, which raises concerns about quality control during production.

Ease of Cleaning

40%

Many reviewers highlight the bolt carrier group's ease of cleaning as a significant advantage, noting that the chrome finish helps reduce build-up and simplifies maintenance. This feature is especially appreciated by users who often shoot their rifles, making it a favorable choice for those prioritizing upkeep.

Aesthetic Appeal

35%

The visual appeal of the matte chrome finish is frequently mentioned, with customers expressing satisfaction with its retro look and quality. Users appreciate how well it integrates with their builds, contributing to a polished and authentic appearance, particularly for retro-themed firearms.

Customer Service and Support

25%

Several reviews touch on customer service experiences, with mixed outcomes. While some customers received prompt assistance regarding their concerns and returns, others noted delays or expressed disappointment in the quality of support provided. This inconsistency affects overall customer satisfaction.

Customer Photos & Videos

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Poor craftsmanship

This appears to be very poorly made. The front angled cut was done at a completely unacceptable angle, and the BCG would not function in my rifle.

by Joe on January 25, 2024

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Decent but not great

Purchased one of these on sale. Definitely plenty of machine marks on the carrier, but its functional. The hard chrome on the bolt was terrible and it failed to headspace on two Colt barrels. There was noticeable flaking and chipping on the extractor. I chose to use a different bolt as the one included wasnt serviceable. That said it is a great price for the carrier. You wont find a non-serrated hard chrome carrier for a better price. QC needs some work. Based on this sample I wouldnt recommend it.

by JD on September 28, 2023

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Does not work

I purchased this for an M16A1 build. The angled carve on the front bottom of the carrier does not strip rounds from the magazine and jams when cycling. It is only a problem with this BCG as I have tried my PSA BCGs in the same rifle and they cycled just fine. So either the carrier I received is out of spec or the design just doesn’t function properly. Which is a shame cause I was really looking forward to using this one.

by Seth D. on September 19, 2023

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Great, but with issues.

The carrier looks great. Unfortunately mine is a dud right out of the box. I have the same issue as another. I opened it, looked it over once, then dropped it in an upper. Boom, it's stuck. Once I hammered the BCG out, I saw the firing pin retaining pin wasn't seated. The retaining pin will not come out no matter how hard I pull or pry. The material is much harder than any I've ever seen, which is why their assemblers are having issues. I would also bet the carrier is unshrouded on the opposite side. So now I have to pay a gunsmith to remove the mangled retaining pin from my now scuffed up carrier, because their assemblers improperly installed a retaining pin made out of incorrect materials. He will laugh at first, but I'm guessing it will have to be drilled out. I've been shooting AR's for decades and never even heard of one stuck like this. Of fair note: I am not contacting customer service. I will eat the extra cost as I have current concerns over postage carrier services shutting down, and me not getting it back in any sort of timely manner. I don't leave a lot of reviews, but apparently this is something people need to watch for in these carrier groups. Whether it's unshrouded or using out of spec retaining pin materials, I would not recommend this product.