Cleaning a Sionics NP3-coated BCG

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cmshoot

Marksman
Jul 12, 2016
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Dallas, GA
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I’ve been running a Sionics NP3-coated BCG for a little while now in my main carbine. Thought I would take some pics and show how well it cleans up.

I had approximately 500 rounds of IMI M193 ball through this M4 since the last cleaning. I usually go much longer than this before I clean, but wanted to see how well she would clean. I’ll admit, I didn’t think about taking pics until I had already started; originally I was just doing this for my own personal knowledge.

In this first pic, all I have done is wipe it down with a blue paper towel, just like the one it’s sitting on. There is absolutely no carbon fouling anywhere on the outer surfaces of the BCG; anything that looks like carbon is either a shadow or a reflection on a shiny portion. All the carbon wiped off easily with a paper towel.


C630410A-7FBA-4901-9299-3CADD51FEB9A.jpeg



Another pic, better showing the bolt and lugs. 89EAC3CA-BA81-40A3-8D64-A6DFAE2151D8.jpeg


Face of the bolt. The parts on the flat faces of the lugs that looks like carbon is actually a reflection on the shiny section.
677993A2-12CE-45B2-9A40-B3E6B7584FE0.jpeg
 
Last edited:

cmshoot

Marksman
Jul 12, 2016
1,403
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Dallas, GA
Zip code
30132
Bolt as it looked immediately upon disassembly.
77020E69-06C0-499D-9C18-D8E49D159799.jpeg



Bolt immediately after wiping down with a paper towel.
1C884704-E6B9-4F8E-A5DF-61887AFE222D.jpeg



Another view of the bolt tail after wiping down with a paper towel.
46650D1B-75A0-4FF8-9CD1-0F2241D9CB56.jpeg



Soaked for 1 hour in AC Delco Top Engine Cleaner, a couple of turns with a CAT-4 Tool, then a quick rub with a wad of 0000 steel wool. All in all, not counting the soak, I spent less than 1 minute cleaning the bolt.
3AEB3F2D-3A7B-453D-B8C9-23B6D30125BB.jpeg
 

boss_hawg

Marksman
Jul 13, 2015
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great write up!

have there been any documented failures due to a dirty bolt tail?
 

The Mechanic

Hunter
Oct 12, 2018
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acworth
Zip code
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He just does that to piss all of you off. LOL I use both I use NiB in some and then just Daniel Defense in the ones I don't. What I want to know is how many rounds he put that through before he took a notion to clean it?
 
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cmshoot

Marksman
Jul 12, 2016
1,403
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Dallas, GA
Zip code
30132
When cycling by hand, the Sionics NP3 BCG makes the action feel smoother than the previous mil-spec setup. Hasn't done anything for reliability, as the M4 was 100% reliable before. It does, however, clean up much easier.

I believe I paid $185 for it. That's $30 - $50 more than the SOLGW mil-spec carriers I usually use. So far, the price difference is definitely worth it to me, you'll have to judge that for yourself.
 

cmshoot

Marksman
Jul 12, 2016
1,403
1,710
113
Dallas, GA
Zip code
30132

The Mechanic

Hunter
Oct 12, 2018
51
53
43
acworth
Zip code
30102
Usually when I go to the range I take several rifles with me so I really don't put more than a couple hundred rounds through one gun or so ( most of the time ) then I change guns and shoot it so I might shoot 1,000 rounds just not in the same gun. So I really don't get a bolt that is that dirty. I have a few times but not often.

Nickle boron bolt carrier groups are brilliant additions to a AR that are being shot a lot. Most of it can be cleaned with a solvent moist cloth or just a paper towel in most cases. When it comes to the bolt it is just going to require a little more elbow grease. I like the Daniel Defense 6.8 Phosphate bolts and BCG's.They are harder to clean but I think they are worth it. I can say that sometimes it seems that no matter how many solvent soaked patches you use you still get a little carbon on it but eventually it comes clean.

They make a tool especially for cleaning that area of the bolt. It may help shorten the process for you. That tool is cheap and very effective for the heavier shot rifles. Those little brass brushes are very effective when dipped in solvent. I buy them by the hand full at harbor freight so I can just chuck it when it goes flat or is too soiled. The brass brushes are very effective at removing discoloration on stainless guns when dipped in solvent as well.Like on the inside of a 1911 on the frame and slide. Just don't use them on the outside where the finish is polished or brushed from the factory. They make a tool especially for cleaning that area of the bolt. It may help shorten the process for you. You know knock of some of the heavier spots.

I think this answers @BangBang question better. I was bored so I wanted to clarify this. However this does not and should not reflect any other shooters process. Each has their own and it's what ever works best for them.
 
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