Bear Creek Arsenal BC-15 Side Charging
Bear Creek Arsenal · Carbine · In Production · 2019
Also known as: BC-15 SCG2, BCA Side Charging, BC-15 Right Side Charging
Overview
The Bear Creek Arsenal BC-15 Side Charging is the company's signature variant of its AR-15 line, fitted with a patent-protected right-side reciprocating charging handle in place of the traditional rear T-handle. BCA machines two threaded holes into the side of the bolt carrier group for the handle to attach directly, and relieves a small channel in the upper receiver behind the ejection port to give the handle clearance as the bolt cycles. Because it is bolted to the carrier, the handle reciprocates when firing. Reviewers praise the more natural, ergonomic grab compared to a rear charging handle. The Gen 2 side-charging upper is offered with cold-hammer-forged, black nitride, parkerized, and stainless barrels, predominantly in 16-inch configurations with carbine-length gas systems and the Talon 15-inch M-LOK split rail. It is chambered in 5.56 NATO, 7.62x39mm, .300 Blackout, and .350 Legend, shipping as a complete rifle on a mil-spec forged BCA lower.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2835 g (100.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3405 g (120.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 825 mm (32.48") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 31 N (7.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1700 J (1254 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black Nitride |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
- .300 AAC Blackout — also known as 300 BLK, 7.62x35mm, .300 Whisper
- 7.62x39mm — also known as 7.62 Soviet, 7.62x39, M43
- .350 Legend — also known as 350 LGND, 350 Winchester Legend
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Carbine Length Gas System, Right Side Charging Handle, Reciprocating Charging Handle, Free Floating Handguard, M Lok Rail, Picatinny Rail, Flat Top Receiver, Rotating Bolt, Talon Split Rail, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel
Variants
- BC-15 Side Charging 7.62x39 — Caliber
- BC-15 Side Charging .300 Blackout — Caliber
- BC-15 Side Charging .350 Legend — Caliber
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Sport Shooters · as BC-15 SC
Production
Production years: 2019-present
Popular budget side-charging AR-15 offering
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
MSRP roughly $450-$600 complete. The reciprocating side charger is the platform's defining feature and is patent protected. Listed specs reflect a 16-inch 5.56 cold-hammer-forged configuration.
Background
Side-charging AR-15 uppers traditionally command a premium; Bear Creek Arsenal's decision to offer a patented reciprocating side charger at budget prices made the feature accessible to entry-level buyers and became one of the brand's most recognizable products.