BCA side charger gen 1

[Enfielder]

I got sucked into the hype and bought a side charger only to see that they came out with the gen 2 two months later. I haven't even fired it yet (it's at camp in a place where it's unencumbered by stupid laws) but I can already tell that it's going to be problematic since the charging handle loosens up (with locktite) after dry cycling. I see that BCA now offers a gen2 upgrade for $99 but I am pretty sure that I already paid good money for something that's suppose to work and not shed important pieces as it's being fired. Has anyone had any interactions with the company regarding them covering the upgrade since they obviously continued to sell an inferior product? Blue locktite be damned.
Anything good to say about the Gen 2?

 

[troy fairweather]

I'm pretty sure they were updating the handle for free on the gen 1.

 

[someguy2800]

I have 4 gen 1 BCA side chargers. I found out right away that they will come loose if you just put them on finger tight, but have never had the charging handle on any of them come loose if it is tightened with an allen wrench. I keep the appropriate size allen wrench in my grip compartment..

 

[Cemetery21]

They wouldn't do anything for me except offer the $99 upgrade. Wouldn't even sell me a spare gen 1 handle. So, I just use a standard charging handle.

 

[berettaprofessor]

I have a Gen1 BCA and emailed CS about the proper torque for the charging handle. They replied only to use a T25 or 3/8 Allen wrench. Not helpful.

 

[greyling22]

The threads on my gen 1 bolt weren't fully engaging in the carrier, so I went and bought a longer, better quality socket head bolt and cut it down to be slightly longer than the original. I bought my whole upper/bolt for $120, so I'm not going to pay $99 to upgrade. I might sell my upper for 100 and eventually buy a gen 2 for 150 or less.

 

[someguy2800]

The threads on my gen 1 bolt weren't fully engaging in the carrier, so I went and bought a longer, better quality socket head bolt and cut it down to be slightly longer than the original. I bought my whole upper/bolt for $120, so I'm not going to pay $99 to upgrade. I might sell my upper for 100 and eventually buy a gen 2 for 150 or less.

I got all of mine for about $130 complete with BCG. I was pretty stunned when I looked on the BCA site yesterday and saw they want $312 now and they don't even have the dual charging uppers anymore! I was thinking about picking up one with the Gen 2 handle to see if I like it, but not at that price.

 

[greyling22]

I got all of mine for about $130 complete with BCG. I was pretty stunned when I looked on the BCA site yesterday and saw they want $312 now and they don't even have the dual charging uppers anymore! I was thinking about picking up one with the Gen 2 handle to see if I like it, but not at that price.

give it time and things will cool down and prices will drop again. or maybe not........

 

[someguy2800]

give it time and things will cool down and prices will drop again. or maybe not........

To be honest after having both the dual charging upper and the regular side charging upper with the screw in plug in the back, I don't really want another one unless they bring back the dual charging upper. I really like that configuration a lot more.

 

[beagler]

My Gen 2 has great since I received it back from BCA for feeding issues. The handle stays put also.