Inspection and Setup Guide
Inspection and Setup Guide
When your BCA package arrives, work through ten steps in order: inspect the cosmetics, check for missing parts, function check without live rounds, make sure it is well oiled, identify the correct ammunition, take it to the range, function shoot, accuracy shoot, clean it, and store it properly. This guide explains each step, summarizes them in a table, covers what to do if something looks wrong, and points you to related BCA guides.
1. What Should You Do When Your BCA Package Arrives?
Complete the checks in order. Steps 1 to 5 happen at home before any live firing, and steps 6 to 8 happen at the range. Before handling any firearm, confirm it is unloaded and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
How Should You Inspect Your Product When It Arrives?
Start with the cosmetics. Check the finish for scratches, dings, or uneven coating. Then look for missing parts by comparing the contents against your order to make sure everything is there. Report any cosmetic or missing-part issue before you modify, refinish, or fire the product.
How Do You Check That a Rifle or Upper Functions Without Live Rounds?
Cycle the action by hand with no ammunition present. The charging handle and bolt carrier group should move smoothly, and the action should lock and release as expected. A complete upper has no lower receiver of its own, so it needs a compatible lower to function check.
Should You Oil a New AR-15 Before Shooting It?
Yes. Make sure the product is well oiled before it goes to the range. Apply lubricant to the moving parts, especially the bolt carrier group and the points where the parts slide against each other.
How Do You Identify the Correct Ammunition?
Confirm the caliber your product is chambered for before buying or loading ammunition. The caliber is marked on the barrel and listed on the product page. Using the wrong ammunition is a safety risk, not just a performance problem. Our AR-15 Caliber Guide explains each caliber.
What Should You Test at the Range?
Do two separate tests. First, a function test to confirm the firearm feeds and cycles reliably. Second, an accuracy test once you know it functions. Keep them separate so a function problem isn't mistaken for an accuracy problem.
What Should You Do After Shooting?
Clean the firearm after your first range trip, then store it properly. Cleaning removes carbon and residue, and proper storage keeps the finish and parts in good condition. Store it unloaded and secured.
2. BCA Setup Checklist at a Glance
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Inspect cosmetics | Check the finish and overall condition | Catches shipping or finish issues before use |
| 2. Check for missing parts | Compare the contents against your order | Confirms you received everything |
| 3. Function check without live rounds | Cycle the action with no ammunition | Confirms basic operation safely |
| 4. Oil it | Lubricate the moving parts | Reduces wear and avoids dry-start problems |
| 5. Identify the correct ammunition | Match ammunition to the marked caliber | Prevents a dangerous mismatch |
| 6. Take it to the range | Bring correct ammunition and magazines | Sets up live-fire testing in a safe place |
| 7. Function shoot | Fire to check feeding and cycling | Confirms reliable operation with live rounds |
| 8. Accuracy shoot | Test accuracy after function is confirmed | Shows real-world performance |
| 9. Clean it | Clean after shooting | Removes residue and protects parts |
| 10. Store properly | Store unloaded and secured | Protects the firearm and prevents unauthorized access |
Steps 1 to 5 are done before any live firing. Always follow firearm safety rules and check your local laws.
3. Setup Troubleshooting Checklist
What If I Find a Cosmetic Issue?
Photograph it, stop before modifying or refinishing anything, and contact BCA customer support with your order number and the photos.
What If Something Is Missing?
Compare the contents with your order confirmation, then contact BCA customer support with your order number and what you expected to receive.
What If It Won't Cycle During the Function Check?
Stop and do not take it to the range. Confirm it is unloaded, check that the upper and lower are fitted together properly if you assembled them, and contact customer support if the issue continues.
What If It Doesn't Feed or Cycle at the Range?
Try a different magazine and different quality ammunition first, since magazines and ammunition cause many feeding issues. If the problem continues, contact BCA customer support and describe exactly what happened, including the ammunition and magazines used. Our How to Choose an AR-15 guide has a troubleshooting checklist for common AR-15 issues.
What If I'm Concerned About Accuracy?
Confirm the firearm functions reliably first. Accuracy depends on the ammunition, optic and mount, and shooter as well as the firearm, so test with consistent quality ammunition before drawing conclusions.
4. Related BCA Guides
| If You Want To... | Read This |
|---|---|
| Understand how BCA inspects products before they ship | Quality and Inspection Process |
| Match ammunition to your caliber | AR-15 Caliber Guide |
| Choose an AR-15 | How to Choose an AR-15 |