October BCA Newsletter

Bear Creek Arsenal started life as Moore Machine in 1971. It began as a two-person operation doing repair work.

For over four decades, Moore Machine made components for other companies. Wanting to make and market their own products, Bear Creek Arsenal was created in 2013. The initial offering was a standard AR15 and related items. The line was expanded to include AR10 as well.

From the very beginning, Bear Creek Arsenal has had one primary focus: “providing the highest quality of firearms for the everyday American." Forty years in the machining business helped them produce their products efficiently, keep costs low, and pass the savings on to their customers.

Growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. The number of employees has grown from 300 in 2019 to over 700 in 2021. The number of CNC machines is now 400, up from 300 in 2020. The AR 15 platform has ten calibers and the AR10 has four. Some recent innovations include piston gas system, side charging and dual charging options, bufferless recoil system, and Cold Hammer Forged barrels.

With new products being the lifeblood of any industry, Bear Creek Arsenal is positioned to remain a leader in the industry.

BCA Foundation

The BCA Foundation was created by the Moore family of Sanford, N.C. as a way of showing support for the local community, first responders, law enforcement, and veteran/military groups. It is an outgrowth of Bear Creek Arsenal, a large manufacturing entity owned by the Moore family. Donations are in two forms: items manufactured by Bear Creek Arsenal and direct financial gifts. Recent recipients include local police, university campus security, and sheriff departments. Deserving individuals, including disabled military veterans, have also received benefits. Eugene Moore, President and CEO of Bear Creek Arsenal, was instrumental in the creation of the BCA Foundation. He is a Navy SeaBee veteran and knows firsthand the sacrifices made by veterans in protecting our country. The efforts made by first responders in serving the public, often while encountering extreme danger and risk to personal safety, are another reason for recognition by the Foundation. Continuing assistance by organizations such as the BCA Foundation play an important role in supporting those individuals and groups that protect and defend our country.

Tiered Rifle Release

These are designed to deliver exceptional performance through attention to detail and top-of-the-line components. From groundhogs to grizzlies, the PREMIER MASTER line of specialty rifles has you covered!!!

TARGETMASTER

The Targetmaster is an excellent choice for long range shooting. It begins with the .223 WYLDE caliber which shoots both 5.56 Nato and .223 Remington ammunition accurately and safely. The 20” barrel maximizes velocity and helps with down-range accuracy. In addition, the barrel is made from 416R Stainless Steel which is specifically formulated for rifle barrels to increase barrel life.

The barrel has straight flutes to decrease heat buildup. In order to shoot both lightweight and mediumweight bullets, the 1:8 twist was chosen. To protect the shooter’s hands from a hot barrel and have the options to attach accessories, a 15” MLOK free-floating rail was selected.

Since there are shooters that prefer rear charging uppers and other shooters that prefer side charging uppers, we decided to provide both options: a dual charging upper receiver! To complement the rear charging option, an ambidextrous charging handle was added.

To make sure the shooter has every advantage a 3 lb. Velocity trigger is installed. In the event an adjustment in the gas system is needed, the adjustable gas block avoids changing the buffer tube and spring. The VCG6 Epsilon Slimline Muzzle break reduces recoil providing faster target re-acquisition. To make shooting comfortable for both right-hand and left-hand shooters a Magpul ambidextrous grip is included. A Magpul PRS Lite stock completes the package.

FIELDMASTER

The Fieldmaster is another member of the PREMIER MASTER family. There are three (3) versions that differ only in barrel length and specifications:

• 16” - 1:8 twist, Stainless Steel Spiral Fluted
• 18” - 1:8 twist, Stainless Steel Melonite Bear Claw Spiral Fluted
• 20” - 1:8 twist, Stainless Steel Straight Fluted

All three barrels are made from 416R Stainless Steel which is specifically designed for long barrel life.

Other than the MFT Battlelink Stock, most of the components are the same as the Targetmaster and are the same in all three versions of the Fieldmaster:

• VELOCITY 3 lb. TRIGGER – crisp, clean release; re-set has no over-travel allowing for quicker follow-up shots
• MAGPUL AMBIDEXTROUS GRIP – comfortable for both right- hand and left-hand shooters
• DUAL CHARGING – has both side-charging and rear-charging options
• .223 WYLDE CALIBER – shoots both 5.56 Nato and .223 Remington ammo accurately and safely
• 1:8 TWIST – will shoot lightweight and medium weight bullets accurately
• 15” MLOK RAIL – slotted for attaching accessories and covers most of barrel to protect hands from heat buildup
• FLUTED BARREL - helps keep barrel cool with increased surface area to dissipate heat

HUNTMASTER

The HUNTMASTER category is still in the refinement stage. It will be a platform larger than the AR10 to accommodate the calibers .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Remington Magnum, and .300 Winchester Magnum. It will be first featured at the 2023 SHOTSHOW.

Huntmaster Breakdown

Bear Creek Arsenal is expanding its product line in a dramatic way: a totally new platform, larger than the AR10, has been created. This was necessary in order to accommodate the following calibers:  .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Remington Magnum, and .300 Winchester Magnum.

Still being in the design / testing stage, prototypes will be showcased at the 2023 SHOTSHOW.

These calibers were selected for a variety of reasons. The standard AR15 calibers, which cover a wide range of uses, lack the energy at long distances to take large game. The new calibers pack the power to safely hunt big game animals at a much further range. They can also be used for long range target shooting and competition.

Another reason these were chosen is simply ammo availability. Notwithstanding fluctuations in the market, most sporting goods stores that carry ammo normally stock these calibers.

Below are some specifications and features for each caliber.

.30-06 Springfield

The .30-06 was originally a military caliber:  .30 caliber adopted in 1906. It is the parent caliber of many variations. With a wide variety of bullet weights available, from 95 grain to 220 grain, the 30-06 remains a popular choice for hunters. Recoil is manageable for most shooters.

.270 Winchester

The .270 Winchester is quite a success story. Created by necking down the venerable .30-06, the .270 quickly became the caliber of choice for many hunters. With a lighter weight bullet, the recoil was less than the 30-06 and it came with a flatter trajectory. Even though the bullet selection is smaller, there are plenty of options for most game.

7mm Remington Magnum

The 7mm Remington Magnum is a belted magnum. The recoil is appreciably more than the likes of the .30-06. For this reason, many hunters shy away from it. Most hunters that select it are interested in the biggest game. There is a large selection of bullets available.

.300 Winchester Magnum

The .300 Win Mag is a belted magnum. The recoil is too much for most average-size hunters. Even though it uses .30 caliber bullets, most are too light to be practical. This is definitely a large game caliber.

Hunting Opinion Piece

Hunting is a tradition enjoyed by millions of Americans. Documented by earliest recorded history, hunting has been an integral part of survival for the majority of civilizations. Even after animals were domesticated, hunting continued to be a major supplemental food source.

Today, hunting is a mix of table fare and sport. Most hunters enjoy the sport of hunting and utilize what they harvest or make sure it is used by others. These include “trophy” hunters who are more interested in large antlers than tomorrow’s main course. Most states have a version of  the “Hunters For the Hungry” program which matches game processors with hunters who are willing to donate harvested game and then distributes the packaged meat to deserving families.

Whether hunting for enjoyment of the sport or putting food on the table, it is important to make sure every effort is made to quickly and cleanly dispatch the game. With guns, this includes several factors including matching the right caliber to the game and conditions, selecting the best bullet construction and weight, and developing the skill to execute accurate shot placement.

More and more Americans are using their AR platform rifles for hunting. The two biggest reasons are the accuracy in current offerings and the calibers available that are adequate for hunting. With a little tweaking, MOA groups are commonplace, which is more than required for long range shooting. Calibers up to belted magnums are the latest trend, so even the biggest North American game can be safely hunted.

Another aspect of hunting is in the meat itself. For example, whitetail deer meat is very high in healthy protein while containing virtually no fat. Like most mammals, deer store fat to survive harsh winters. The fat is stored between the body and the hide, not marbled within the meat like beef.

Venison is offered in some of the finest restaurants in the country. The animals used are required to be pen-raised on tightly monitored farms for food safety concerns. Wild-chase animals cannot be used in order to prevent poaching and over-hunting. While the taste of venison is stronger than beef, cooks can use a multitude of recipes to enhance the flavor.

Hopefully, the tradition of hunting will continue for future generations. Game laws protect the animals to ensure the health and continuity of the herds. Hunter safety courses are taught in many schools. Taking the first big game animal is still seen as a right of passage in many families.

Safety - General Topic of Safety with Firearms

Gun Safety can take many forms.  Listed below are three categories typically covered by gun safety.

Product Safety is a major focus at Bear Creek Arsenal. This is stressed in our videos and the owner’s manual provided with all firearms.

Gun Safety Practices apply to the actual use of the firearm. These are simple steps that can eliminate accidents and injuries.

Hunting Safety Practices are specific to the activity of hunting. These are designed to minimize the risk to hunters.

Another aspect of safety is the protection from intruders a gun in the home provides. With recent changes in policies in the criminal justice system, such as no bail requirements, under funding or de-funding police, releasing hardened criminals back onto the streets, and the unrestricted flow of drugs entering across the southern border, homeowners must prepare to protect themselves.

PRODUCT SAFETY

Included with each firearm is a steel cable gun lock to prevent unauthorized use.  A thumb safety on the receiver is conveniently located to secure the gun until ready to fire. There is also a last shot hold-open feature, where the bolt stays back, which allows the operator to remove the empty magazine safely and replace it with a full one with the assurance that the chamber is empty before proceeding, which comes standard on most of our firearms.

Each full firearm comes with an OWNER’S MANUAL which clearly shows the operation and provides general safety tips. We also have videos that demonstrate safe handling practices.

GENERAL GUN SAFETY PRACTICES

• The muzzle must ALWAYS be pointed in a safe direction
• Treat all firearms as if they are loaded
• Keep the trigger finger OUTSIDE the trigger guard and OFF THE TRIGGER until you are ready to fire
• Be certain of your target, your line of fire, and what lies beyond
• Always wear protective eye and ear protection when shooting and maintaining your firearm
• Unload firearms when not in use
• Firearms in the home should be LOCKED UP to keep them away from children. Trigger locks should be installed to prevent children from being able to fire, in case they access it
• Do not rely on the gun’s safety
• Make sure the ammunition you use is correct for the gun
• Do not alter or modify the gun

HUNTING SAFETY PRACTICES

• Wear hunter orange while hunting
• Clearly identify the target and know the background
• Never shoot at sounds or movement
• Make sure the bore remains free of obstructions
• Make sure your gun is properly sighted in
• Many states now require a Hunter Safety Couse before they will issue a hunting license. For example, Missouri made Hunting Education mandatory in 1987 and since then hunting accidents and deaths have DECREASED by more than 70%.

Hammer Forged Barrel - Why The Big Hype

Bear Creek Arsenal has always produced quality firearms at reasonable prices without compromising in the material used in components. The stainless steel in our barrels is 416R which is specifically designed for longer barrel life. We use 4150 Chrome Moly in standard barrels, a higher grade than most other manufacturers. Our upper and lower receivers are made from 7075 T6 aircraft aluminum for toughness and durability.

In order to give our customers additional options, we have recently acquired a machine to produce Hammer Forged Barrels and have a second one on order.

Hammer Forged barrels are also referred to as Cold Hammer Forged. The “cold” simply means the metal is not heated but machined at whatever temperature the area is at the time.

The process of hammer forging a barrel begins with a barrel blank that has been drilled through with a diameter very slightly larger than the desired bore diameter. A mandrel with reverse rifling and chambering is inserted into the barrel blank. It is then placed in the machine. There are carbide hammers that are exactly 180 degrees apart to equalize stress. The hammers rapidly pound the blank around the mandrel with tremendous force as it slowly rotates which keeps the barrel round. This forms the lands, grooves, and chamber inside the blank. Small indentations will remain on the outside of the barrel from the hammer strikes which will be machined off during the final contouring of the barrel.

The process of compressing the metal makes it more resistant to the heat which is created in rapid, sustained fire situations. This is the reason our military requires that all of their rifle barrels be Hammer Forged. It also leads to a longer barrel life and makes it less prone to throat erosion and gas port erosion.

The process also leaves the bore’s surface very smooth, having less resistance to the bullet and increasing velocity.