Originally Posted By: AMC
Stop with all this "not worth the cost" nonsense.
If you are really honest with yourself, most firearms in general are "not worth the cost".
Other than a basic carry or home defense firearm, most guns are just toys that we choose to purchase with our extra spending cash. The truly frugal folks often use this argument when they are asked why they don't own firearms. Don't take what I am saying the wrong way, I am an NRA lifetime Endowment member, I am just pointing out some reality.
Back to the original topic, NiB BCG's do significantly reduce friction in new uppers and really do require no lube, gas rings aside. The easier cleaning is just an extra benefit but who really wants the extra elbow grease when it comes time to clean your gun?
There are a few vids on youtube showing people taking their AR;s apart and blasting the entire insides with brake cleaner. They then put them back together and try to fire the rifle to see how they run totally dry. NiB bolts do very well in this test and often do not fail. Standard milspec BCG's usually start acting up in less than 10 rounds or so. Give this test a try yourself and report back to us if you are doubtful.
If these advantages are worth while to you and you feel like spending the extra cash, go for it. If not, try to keep your milspec parts lubed and you shouldn't have any problems. In the meantime, be grateful that you have enough freedoms to own an AR-15 and enough cash to buy one and even enough money to get yourself into these debacles.
Your post is spot on. A lot of the reasons for NiB bolt carrier groups will also support the piston vs. D.I. AR-15 argument. Right away the nay sayer's bring up cost, along with how the piston guns "aren't worth it", etc. Same thing with cleaning. You tell them how much easier a piston weapon is to keep clean, and right away they'll start arguing with you that a D.I. weapon isn't hard to clean. Which is why many invest in piston AR's to begin with.
Cost is irrelevant in firearms because other than a home defense weapon, or a C.C. piece, none of them are required, or even necessary. They are a hobby we as gun enthusiasts enjoy. Like dressing up a new Harley. Is anyone going to argue that is "cost effective"? It doesn't matter if it brings enjoyment into your life in any capacity. Besides, I paid $99.00 for by NiB bolt carrier group. I paid $140.00 for a BCM Phosphate coated bolt carrier group. So based on the easy cleanup of the Nib model, along with it's lower cost, it was a better buy all the way around...... And also well "worth the cost" all the way around.