How to Make AR-15 Cycle Faster
Improving the cycling speed of your AR-15 can significantly enhance your shooting experience. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a recreational hunter, or simply looking to improve your firearm’s performance, there are several methods you can employ to achieve faster cycling. In this article, we’ll explore various aspects of the AR-15 cycling process and provide you with detailed instructions on how to make it faster.
Understanding the AR-15 Cycling Process
The cycling process of an AR-15 refers to the series of actions that occur when the firearm is fired, including the extraction, ejection, feeding, and chambering of rounds. To make the cycling faster, you need to focus on optimizing each of these stages.
1. Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for ensuring smooth cycling. Over time, dirt, grime, and carbon buildup can accumulate in the firearm, leading to increased friction and slower cycling. Here’s how to clean and maintain your AR-15 for faster cycling:
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Disassemble the firearm according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Use a cleaning solvent to remove carbon buildup from the chamber, bolt carrier, and other components.
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Use a bore brush and solvent to clean the barrel.
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Apply lubricant to the bolt carrier, cam pin, and other moving parts.
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Reassemble the firearm and perform a few dry fires to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
2. Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) Upgrades
The bolt carrier group is a critical component of the AR-15 cycling process. Upgrading your BCG can significantly improve cycling speed. Here are some popular BCG upgrades:
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Lightweight BCG: A lighter BCG can reduce the amount of energy required to cycle the firearm, resulting in faster cycling.
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Stainless Steel BCG: Stainless steel BCGs are more durable and resistant to corrosion, which can improve cycling speed over time.
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BCG Extractors: Upgrading to a more aggressive extractor can improve round extraction and reduce cycling time.
3. Gas System Tuning
The gas system is responsible for controlling the amount of gas that enters the bolt carrier group. Tuning the gas system can help optimize cycling speed. Here are some gas system tuning options:
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Gas Block: Replace your factory gas block with a lightweight, high-quality gas block to improve gas flow and cycling speed.
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Gas Tube: A longer gas tube can provide more consistent gas flow, resulting in faster cycling.
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Gas Regulator: A gas regulator can help maintain consistent gas pressure, which can improve cycling speed and reduce wear on the firearm.
4. Bolt Face and Cam Pin Upgrades
The bolt face and cam pin are responsible for locking the bolt into the receiver and cycling the firearm. Upgrading these components can improve cycling speed and reduce wear:
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Bolt Face: A stiffer bolt face can reduce the amount of energy required to cycle the firearm, resulting in faster cycling.
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Cam Pin: A lightweight, high-quality cam pin can improve cycling speed and reduce wear on the bolt carrier group.
5. magazine and Feed System Upgrades
The magazine and feed system play a crucial role in the cycling process. Upgrading these components can improve feeding reliability and cycling speed:
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Magazine: A high-quality magazine with a smooth feed ramp can improve feeding reliability and cycling speed.
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Feed System: A lightweight, high-quality feed system can reduce friction and improve feeding reliability.
6. Trigger and Fire Control Group Upgrades
The trigger and fire control group are responsible for initiating the cycling process. Upgrading these components can improve cycling speed and reduce trigger pull:
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Trigger: A lightweight, high-quality trigger can reduce trigger pull and improve cycling speed.
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Fire Control Group: A lightweight, high-quality fire control group can improve cycling speed and reduce wear on the firearm
