By far, one of the most knowledgeable persons on KZfaq.

This series will never be out of date but I would like to see an analysis of cryptic coatings. Very little on them from someone with this much knowledge.

👍🏻🇺🇸 The bar has been set. All other comparisons will be judged upon this series. Top notch Chris. Thanks !

You claim to not be a lot....but your wisdom and experience is unmatched! No bling for me....so I am glad to here that Nitride is ranked up there in your favor....🤔 Black Nitride is my choice....😊 The best thing about SAS is I always learn something with every session.....👏👏👍✌️

I've been using the Bolt Carriers made by Sharps Rifle Company. They need very little oil and function well even when excessively dirty. They make their AR-15 BCG's out of S7 Tool Steel, and they come in a verity of finishes. They now make an AR-10 BCG's, (9310 bolt and 8620 carrier) finished in Diamond Like Carbon. Love them both!

PVD is a coating process technology, not a coating. For example, TiN can be applied with PVD. The problem I've heard with *most* PVD coatings like TiN is that they're VERY thin coatings.

8:57 according to Eugene Stoner the design specs he wanted was a Hard chrome bolt carrier (it’s impregnated into the metal) but at the time it was proprietary and colt would have to ship the bolts of someplace to do it and they didn’t want to so they chrome plated the bolts instead hence the flaking issues.

I use a Toolcraft M-16 full auto BC with the EXO NiB finish, EXO NiB cam pin, 9310 bolt, JP gas rings, and David Tubbs Silicon Extractor and Ejection springs. Works great, about $160 all in.

Thoughts on DLC coating?

I wish you would have covered the DLC coating. I think it stands for diamond like coating. The M4 style rifle I built has the nickel boron coating. The 6.5 Grendel I'm building has the nitride coating on its BCG from Oden works. I'm glad to hear that you found that coating to be pretty good. I think all of these will perform decent if you keep them lubricated. The porousness of the old phosphate finish does allow it to hold the oil really well, so it works better than you might think if you keep it lubed. As far as the new high tech finishes, I think the quality of the finish varies a lot between manufacturers. Like I don't believe all nickel boron coated bolt carriers are equal. It depends on the process. Anyone who runs their bolt carrier group dry because it has some fancy new coating is ignorant. Unless they're just doing it as some sort of test.

I really enjoyed the BCG series videos and they are so informative.

You just saved me a couple hours of searching. Excellent no frills review.

1:06 Nickel Boron (NiB, "FailZero") 4:03 NiB-X 6:30 Black Nitride 9:51 PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) 10:51 Titanium Nitride (TiN) 11:54 Manganese Phosphate 13:02 NP3 13:54 Obsidian

bit late to the party here but another company that you might consider looking at is Cryptic coatings, extremely pleased with their product.

I’m sorry, I must of blinked too fast. The answer I needed was spelled out in depth. Thank You.

Too awesome, love this series!!!! Thanks so much for all the hard work, really appreciate it. Best channel ever.

cryptic coatings Mystic Black coating is the slickest BCG made to date ...2000 rounds and it looks just like it did the day I received it, no scratches or wear marks anywhere! am just blown away by their BCG.....

Thank you for this series, it helped.

Ditto, I love this series and appreciate the time you put into it. Thank you Sir!

I have a Wilson combat black nitride bcg . I still but a few drops of hoppes 9 even though it’s already slicker than owl shit

Chris is forever 'Chrome Member' to me now. I like Chrooooome

Well now I learned the benefits of my nickel boron coated trigger. Maybe it’s better for triggers then bcg

Thank you for your work I wish i seen earlier but it help me for the future build

Excellent video with great info.

Thank you sir for your professional firearms info

You are a well of experienced information. I love it

Public Service Announcement: do NOT use Chinese sourced carrier key screws like YFS. If you clean everything thoroughly with Brake Cleaner, use Red Loctite gel on the screw threads, and torque them to 56 inch pounds you’re good to go. Do NOT stake the screws with a hammer and chisel - you’ll put stress risers in the screw cap radius. Young Mfg (and others) don’t recommend staking - but if you do, use the Brownells tool.

love your knowledge brother .ty

Good series, I have found myself consulting back to these as a reference, especially part one. There is so many it could have been 2 hrs long.

Excellent series on BCGs! Thanks so much for your info and opinion. It is helpful to have data to make a choice on the single most important component set of ay AR!

The DLC coating on my Volquartsen .22 pistols is my favorite finish. Like the chrome on my LMT bolt too.

Great review.

Love your channel!!

Basically I just want all the different kinds haha, I can't decide what one I like best. One other cool thing about nitride is that even when the black oxide finish wears off, you still retain some of the corrosion resistance. However I never thought about the high temps during the salt bath causing problems on some components, that's very interesting. Something to think about for sure.

You are one of the best

You just saved me money. Thanks

At 6:54, you can see someone didn't read the directions when assembling the bolt. You're supposed to choose between the rubber insert, or the o-ring. Using both can be really rough on brass.

Good video. Thank you

FYI, PVD is a process (physical Vapor Deposition) used to apply coatings. There can be various types of coating applied during the process. TiN (Titanium Nitride which is gold colored), TiAlN (Titanium ALuminum Nitride which is a bronze color) AlTiN (ALuminium Titanium Nitride which is blue-gray). Cant quite nail down the coating that produces the rainbow effect but all of those coating are used on metal working tools to reduce edge wear while cutting various steel alloys and super alloys.

I have a PVD bcg in chameleon and I love it. It is super wear resistant and slick AF. Chrome is always a good choice as well. Nickle Boron is a bad choice in my opinion.

Great series Chris I totally agree with you that chrome is the best bcg finish.

Thank You ...

My sharps rifle company xpb BCG has a DIAMOND LIKE CARBON (dlc) whatever that means. But Its worked well so far.

POF's carrier is NP3 coated I believe, thought you had one of those laying around.

Very informative

I have a FailZero and a Lantac EBCG. And although the Lantac was coated by FailZero, it seems to me that it's a much better coating job overall. As far as wear is concern, the Fail Zero won't hold up to the claim of being able to run dry. In fact, it appeared to wipe off after a couple of times. But the Lantac, I think it's going to take much more abuse compared to the FailZero.

Excellente!!!

I’ve noticed some nickel or chrome carriers I have used with suppressors become stained. Like the oil or froglube gets stained to the carrier. Pretty much why I prefer the black nitride now.

Excellent overview on the most popular BCG finishes in today’s AR market. I would really like to see a durability & reliability test & comparison w/ and w/o lubricant between the most popular PVD coatings used in todays AR market, since that seems to be the direction most companies are going these days. Those finishes are all incredibly hard and lubricious, but do to the PVD process are only microns thick, which helps reduce issues that can arise from tolerance stacking. That chameleon finish, TiN (gold), and DLC (diamond like carbon) all seem to be leading the way in todays market.

Thank you for sharing your experience and keen knowledge with such a succinct, clear, presentation. I Just got the LWRC DI and was impressed with the BCG. Now I know why. New to your channel but already a big fan.

I’m trying to gather some further-on research about coatings and treatments, without any biases - only based on facts/trial testing. The ones I’m currently most interested in are, coatings: Cerakote Elite and Black Nickel; and treatments: QPQ (Blacknitride+ aka [plainly] Black Nitride) and RF85 (most commonly associated with Anderson Manufacturing). From what I’ve gathered, all aforementioned have qualities of lubricity at varying levels and all have claimed lube-less functionality. I’m tending to gravitate more towards the said treatments because: one, it isn’t a coating/plating (known for flaking and/or chipping) and, two, it doesn’t change the dimensions of the original design by adding an additional thickness to any surface. However, the Cerakote Elite coating boasts a highly durable and lubricious ceramic coating but at a very minuscule addition to the surface’s overall thickness. Also, very recently, I’ve learned about Black Nickel as being QPQ treatment but with a NiB coating (please correct my knowledge at any point). I don’t know much about Black Nickel, but of the whole list, this option I’m least interested with. As for the treatments previously mentioned, I’m impressed thus far with RF85 but it is almost exclusive to Anderson. If I go straight to the company that provides the RF85 treatment to Anderson (for ferrous and non-ferrous metals), they require large batches of items for treatment at a minimum of “$5,000.” Anderson’s RF85 offerings claim to be “the world’s only lube-less rifle” with high benchmark test results for durability and reliability. I feel Anderson has a decent but limited RF85 lineup though. Lastly, QPQ - as like RF85 - is a treatment that goes through the whole thickness of the metal and not just at the surface. So if there is wear past the surface, the lubricious qualities are continuous throughout the entire thickness of the metal. Whereas, the said coatings would stop their lubricious qualities at the surface. I write all of this because I’d like to create an AR build where I can - if need be - run the rifle completely dry for a prolonged period of time but still count on it being nearly 100% reliable. Additionally, the coatings and treatments on my research list also claim to have qualities of cleaning with ease. I might catch some flack like, “just properly lube and clean your rifle.” I agree, knowing proper cleaning/lubing procedures and familiarizing with the mechanics of the rifle will always be beneficial to the owner. However, I’m on the hunt for the best possible upgrades - fitting my needs - available on the market. Thank you for reading this long winded message and for any insight that anyone can provide!

I just keep finding myself coming back to black nitride. Seems to be the most effective and cost-effective. But I also like chrome and NIBx.

Great video, would like your opinion on DLC and on the rf85 finish and rifles from anderson and specifically their claims of not needing lube on their rifles

I was the only guy button rifling m4 barrels for colt back then around 06-07 They had a contract w company i worked for. I was the 1st employee sertin up the machines and learning them. Was also drilling the bore in barrels.

A bunch of the Nickle Boron would shed I think about 10 years ago. It was more than one company and probably a contract thing. I went with a BRO-BCG and never had the issue. Yes It does change color and I believe the lubricity diminishes also. The worst was the phosphate finish...HATED it seemed to be abrasive if not lubed to an insane level.

Chris, Probably why you like Chrome plated BCGs. So do I. Obviously it’s more sophisticated than this as you said in the Colt Chrome bonding problems. Sometimes, going back to the basic physics and chemistry will give you a real good idea about what will work best. To understand your experience, Eugene Stoner’s thoughts, and why your gut feeling is to prefer Chrome. An oddball FYI. But I thought you might be interested.

Thank you for putting your info back on youtube. Yours is the most non bs information presentation bar none. Would you say that a chrome carrier with a LMT enhanced bolt would be the best of all worlds?

I went nitride because its a chemical process to the metal; and as such can not flake or chip. Even if you wear off the black oxide surface finish the nitriding is still there, as it typically goes about 0.0005" into the metal. An added bonus is the process is easier to perform then plating, more consistent, and cheaper.

I just ordered a Wilson combat nickel boron now seeing this I’m worried I made a bad decision.

Love the series

Super in depth. I’m sure you forgot yesterday more than any of us will ever know. Glad nitride is a favorite, I’ve sure had good luck with nitride. Be curious to see how dlc coatings hold up over time. It sure seems like it’s gonna be durable on these gen 5 Glocks.

Very informative. What’s the difference between a “greenish” and a black Colt bcg? Both have a C roll mark and the MPI on the bolt itself. Both in le6920. One woth greenish color acquired in 2015 and one with black acquired in 2017. Both new.

Great video. I was hoping to see Cryptic Coatings in the lineup to get your take on it.

I would love to TiN coat my 1851 Navy by Uberti I love that gun so much it's like a Swiss watch and it would be nice to have it completly coated inside and out to protect it from everything

I would really like to know what you think of the brownells chrome BCG. Does it hold up to some of the other carriers make by more expensive companies

Your POF carrier has an NP3 coating

NiBX or NP3 is where its at!

LMT , Colt , LWRCI DI , and DD Chrome Plated are the only ones I use. Mainly Colt and LMT M16 are my go to

Almost 29K view on this video. I gave it the 1,000th "like" and it's only got 8 dislikes. This'll be the 110th comment, and I'd call that pretty solid engagement on a well made video. Thanks.

Titanium Nitride is a PVD coating, applied using the physical vapor deposition process similar to the rainbow looking carrier from Faxon, except TiN is used in the machining tool industry due to it having properties of extreme hardness, durability, and lubricity. PVD coatings are not at all similar to NiB or Chrome, which are plating finishes applied through the use of electrolysis and go on much thicker than PVD finishes like TiN, DLC, and TiCn which are only microns thick.

I've fired many rounds through a mil-spec manganese phosphate finished m16 bolt carrier (m16A2 & M16A4) and nibx coated m16 bolt carrier group (20" AR-15). The only significant difference I've noticed is the nibx coating causes "slightly" smoother cycle of operation and while manipulating the charging handle other then that the ease of cleaning isn't a significant difference.

What do you think of the dlc coated bcg that are in the market now?

I have a Radical Rifle Davidson ed. 5.56/.223 and a GLF 5.556-.223 Wylde 7.5" barrel, but i can not seem to find out what bcg it is. They do not mention it on the manual nor can i seem to find any indications on the bcg for both of them. Can any one help out?

Can u make a black nitride finish into a nickle boron or chrome finish?

Thanks for this excellent video, I was wondering if you ever used the Diamond like coating and what your opion of it is.

What are your thoughts on SRC XPB? With the DLC coating?

What's your opinion on ion bonded coatings?

What would be the absolute easiest to clean? That’s all I want. Of course I want a durable BCG but the next thing I want is the absolute easiest to clean. I’m so OCD it takes me WAY to long to clean my ARs bc I want them to be really clean.

I am slowly putting TIN all my guns.

I just recently picked up a son's of liberty Gunworks bcg and it's my first phosphate bcg and the first thing I noticed was how dry it seems, even after coating the entire thing with oil. Do these things need to be ran soaking wet at all times? Do I need to keep them hydrated? My worry is when it comes to cleaning I'm back to square one.

A lot of useful information. My Favorite finish is the DLC (aka Diamond Like Coating) made by ToolCraft.Ive got it in my favorite AR15 and AR10. They run smoother with less oil and has less wear by far.

I thought was a pretty good demo of Chrome vs NiB finishes. I was only bothered why he didn’t explain the 2 stoppages. The cleaning part was very, very impressive.

How DLC in the mix?

I tried the nickel boron bcg, and upper receiver on a M4 that I was going to run suppressed. The thought being that running the gun dry will pretty much eliminate the ammonia gas caused by the hot propellant gasses that flow back down the bore vaporizing the lube which causes the ammonia gas. Running the gun dry does eliminate that problem. What I didn’t expect was the fouling that collected on the bcg, and inside of the upper receiver to take on a sticky or tacky quality. I could fire between 200 and 300 rounds through the gun, and then start to have failures to lock, or chamber due to the fouling. If you let the gun sit overnight without cleaning the bcg would be hard to unlock. I switched to a standard Rock River upper receiver, and PWS BCG and it eliminated that problem. So those of you that are running suppressed; you can learn from my mistakes. Those who use a suppressed M4 for professional reasons should always start an operation with a clean, dry gun, and end with a clean , dry gun. It’s just the price of doing business when you run suppressed. Or be a slacker like a lot of guys in my profession and pump lube in the gun, gas yourself and then bitch about it!

What do you think about NP3 BCG?

I have a question.... I recently purchased a nickel coated B.C.g. and i ran about (270 rounds)of 5.56 and it changed its color any reason why that would happen

I tested my nickel boron BCG and it did in fact run dry, i had one huge range session where i degreased it completely along with the inside of the upper and ran 800 rounds through it, it got dirty as hell but didn't have any issues whatsoever, just ran perfectly. now i don't recommend that and i always keep it oiled so that it will last longer, but in a jam it's nice to know it will run without oil. Stoner originally wanted a chrome bcg but it was probably too expensive for the military and maybe ahead of its time since the chrome would flake off with the manufacturing processes they had at the time, but that's not an issue today. chrome or nickel boron is great, and manganese phosphate is very rough and requires a good amount of oil just to run.

Good video. I enjoyed the series. I have to say, I have watched your video since the early days of your original channel that was taken down, and the quality has definitely improved over time. A question about this one. Is black nitride, "melonite", QPQ, etc essentially all different names for the same process or is there some meaningful difference between them?

Excellent Chris, thank you. I'm using the Black Failzero BCG always with G96 Military synthetic oil, will the NIB damage the gun over time?

DLC and some of the Cryptic; was looking for some information on them. Is there a difference between QPQ and nitride?

Did this predate DLC/Ionbond finish?

Now if only the HK416 and SIG MCX had as many options for their bcg

I come to You for a serious, no b.s. evaluation of products. Please don’t think I’m not showing interest if I answer with “Algorithm “. I can’t expound on Your knowledge. Thank You for sharing Your knowledge Sir. Algorithm.

I have heard rumors that bolts made of 9130 and the nitride process don't work well together. Is there any truth to those rumors? Might it be just a matter of poor raw materials or poor control of the nitride process? Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us.

Best source of information on KZfaq - love this guy. Is Rock River Chrome BCG something you would buy with your money or prefer another brand?

I've been running the standard manganese phosphate BCG on my Colt and considering upgrading my BCG. Since the parts are already broken in with the old BCG, what will happen (if anything) when I drop in a new BCG?

I wish I knew that NiB tarnishes/discolors before I bought it!

Can you get the inside of a upper chromed still? That would be cool. Give the gun a 2 tone look. Not to mention the carbon would just wipe off. Also wow man you give me so many ideas i feel like i could spec a bolt and bcg out alot better after this series. Lol if i could make one myself you gave a great list of possible improvements. Would be awesome haha. Well it would be stealing patents though so not really worth it. 😭 why cant they just put all the upgrades in one bolt!

I chrome plate for a living, it is indeed extremely expensive and also terrible for the environment, most facilities by law have to be a contained facility with its own waste water department.

Do you have any experience with Andersons "RF85" calcium diffusion process?