I feel that a comparison such as this has been due for quite some time. Both companies have provided me with T&E rifles, and it is only fair to my readers that I give my honest impressions of each product as they relate to one another. If you don’t have a whole lot of time, there is a summary at the bottom.
The Market
There are, of course, dozens of AR-15 manufacturers, and for the most part, the majority of them turn out decent, functional rifles. By “functional” I mean that they work, not that they are “functional” for one purpose or another. There are, of course, ammunition and magazine issues, but for the moment, I’ll focus on the weapons themselves.
Unfortunately, the percentage of nonfunctional rifles put out by some manufacturers is unacceptably high. In my opinion, this is anything over 1%. Most manufacturers seem to emphasize cost over quality (despite numerous inaccurate claims to be “mil-spec”), and even if they’ve learned by trial and error how to build a decent AR, they aren’t terribly concerned when problems arise. Generally, with these types, excuses are made, blame is shifted, etc. It all boils down to “This was a cheap AR – what’d you expect?”
Ideally, the failure rate would be statistically insignificant. Rifles put out by companies with an emphasis on quality are much closer to this goal.
What do I mean by quality? Well, building to a standard, for one thing. I like it when a company lays out a plan for a weapon and then fulfills that plan. A necessary part of this is quality control. If the company double checks all the work it has done before the product leaves the door, it is less likely for an end user to have an issue with the weapon.
The process of building an AR-15 may seem simple to those who’ve assembled one from parts, but there’s a ton of knowledge that goes in to physically creating those individual parts- companies with greater knowledge of certain processes are more likely to put out good products.
- Bravo Company MFG 14.5″ Midlength
To put it simply, I can’t think of a negative comment, thought, or drawback relating to Bravo Company products. I can say quite honestly that I have never heard a negative comment about the functionality or quality of BCM products from someone who had a reasonable basis for their opinion. Despite what I feel to be an ambitious and effective print ad campaign, I think BCM still has a way to go in terms of name recognition with the majority of firearm enthusiasts. This may lead to negative comments at the range from someone who knows only ABCD – Armalite, Bushmaster, Colt, and DPMS.
The same is true for Spike’s Tactical. Neither company has been around very long compared to Colt. However, I’m not really interested in having my rifles recognized at the range; I’m interested in having my rifles work when I want them to, and otherwise perform certain necessary tasks as I see fit, such as fit inside a certain area, accept certain accessories, hit targets at distance, remain light for use on backpacking trips, etc.
- Spike’s Tactical Midlength LE
It would be fair to say, I think, that Spike’s Tactical has enjoyed a fair amount of success recently with the introduction of the LE line of rifles and uppers. For its part, Bravo Company uppers and rifles have also been in high demand for quite some time. This is not because either one has a cool name or a cool logo – it’s because they produce a good product that the average person could reasonably afford.
Similarities/Differences
I’ll cover some similarities as they relate to carbine upper receiver assemblies:
Both have standardized on the 5.56 NATO chamber for reliability purposes.
Both offer uppers with 1/7 twist.
Both utilize M4 feedramps for barrel extensions and receivers. These ramps are machined before heat treating and/or anodizing.
Neither offers bare chrome moly barrels – Spike’s Tactical barrels are either chrome lined or nitrided, and BCM barrels are chrome lined. Nitriding vs. chrome lining is another subject, but both are far superior to bare steel for carbine purposes.
Both offer midlength gas systems, which I prefer for all-around, hard use weapons.
Both use premium barrel steels and both offer hammer forged barrels as an option.
Both use taper pins and parkerize under the front sight base.
Both properly stake their bolt carrier keys and use strong extractor springs. Both use Carpenter 158 steel for their bolts, which are also shot peened. Both use tool steel, which offers exceptional resistance to deforming, for their extractors.
Both have shown a definite interest in gas port diameter and how it affects the functionality and recoil characteristics of the rifle. I will be discussing this more in a later article.
There are other similarities in terms of features, but I will focus on the differences in the interests of time and space.
BCM bolts and barrels are individually proof tested (this is done with a single high pressure round and is called HP testing) before being magnafluxed (also known as MP testing) for surface irregularities. Spike’s Tactical has expressed intent to move to that standard, but is, to my knowledge, currently not proof testing their bolts or barrels. They do individually magnaflux bolts and barrels, however, many knowledgeable individuals have questioned the effectiveness of magnetic particle testing without prior high pressure testing. Edit: I have been informed by a reliable source that all Spike’s Tactical barrels and bolts leaving the shop will be HP/MP tested within three weeks. Testing is to be performed by independent (that is to say, outside) organizations.
BCM offers optional IonBonded bolt carrier groups, and Spike’s offers optional FailZero/nickel boron plated bolt carrier groups. Relating to lower receivers, both use top quality lower parts, with Spike’s offering nickel boron plated fire control groups. I do not know the specifics of the Spike’s Tactical receiver extension tube beyond the fact that it is mil-spec in diameter (I intend to find out and report back), but I do know that the BCM receiver extension tube is of the highest quality in terms of materials and method of fabrication.
It is, of course, hard for me to verify certain things without the assistance of an advanced testing laboratory or evidence of chain of custody for individual parts. So far, I have not been misled by either company, so if they say that they do something a certain way, I will accept that as truthful information until I am shown otherwise. There are also probably other differences that I have not been made aware of, or have not asked about. For example, I do not know what number on the Rockwell scale the barrel extensions have been surface hardened to, for either company.
Business Practices/Operations
There are other differences in the way the companies operate – for example, Spike’s Tactical seems to offer more in the way of factory customization and also offers AWB compliant weapons for those living in states that still have AWB provisions. BCM offers an exceptional variety of upper configurations, including many that Spike’s Tactical currently does not offer – such as the splendid 14.5″ midlength. However, BCM does not assemble, for example, folding front sight/gas blocks on BCM branded uppers, or fixed stocks on complete lower receivers for AWB states.
If you’re like me and place function over form, you won’t really care about minor cosmetic details. Krylon will fill in a lot of scratches. However, if you value aesthetics, you might prefer Spike’s Tactical. BCM has not expressed an interest in cosmetic appearance such as matching the anodizing of uppers and lowers, while Spike’s Tactical has at least expressed interest – second to the overall quality of the part in question. I should note that if you are unhappy with the appearance of a BCM product, you will not be denied a return for that reason. I will say that some find appearance to be an indication of quality. I have been guilty of this in the past.
One additional factor is the logo – not important to me, but some are apparently turned off by the spider logo utilized by Spike’s Tactical. I find this to be a very odd reason to not purchase a weapon, but to each their own. I don’t like spiders, but I don’t mind the logo.
Contacting BCM by phone is difficult due to the volume of business they’ve been doing since the election, though you’ll normally receive an email response to a question in a few minutes (during business hours), and you can always place an order online. Contacting Spike’s Tactical by phone is fairly easy (during business hours), so if you like talking to someone when you order a part or have a query, you might feel more comfortable with the latter company. Should you have a technical issue or problem with one of their products, both companies will do whatever they can to fix the problem in a very rapid manner.
A complete Spike’s Tactical midlength upper is approximately $115 cheaper, given the current coupon code, than a complete BCM midlength upper – excluding the buffer included with the ST product. This may will not change when HP/MP testing procedures are implemented by Spike’s Tactical, and/or when the coupon code is no longer valid. I like to tell people that the importance of a rifle’s price will not seem nearly as relevant a year or two down the road, when far more money has been spent on ammunition.
Summary
BCM has undoubtedly established itself as one of the highest quality manufacturers of AR-15 rifles for hard use. I am unaware of any fact-based reason to think otherwise. BCM products are more expensive than Spike’s Tactical products, but still represent a tremendous value compared to, say, a complete Colt carbine.
Spike’s Tactical offers a very high quality product at a price normally reserved for much lower quality products. I don’t know how they’re doing it – and yes, I’ve asked. They’re working very hard to establish themselves as a quality brand, and they’re doing a good job of it.
At the current time, I would recommend BCM for those who place quality above all other factors, or are seeking a specific configuration, and Spike’s for those who are limited by budget, but still want a high quality weapon. This is not to say that Spike’s Tactical does not put out a high quality product; only that they have not yet implemented all the testing procedures utilized by BCM, and that certain buyers might find this to be a deal breaker.
I have personally owned a considerable number of each company’s products, and have fired plenty of ammunition through said products. I have had exactly one malfunction with each, and those malfunctions can be attributed to other factors – a faulty Cammenga magazine with the Spike’s Tactical CHF upper, and faulty ammunition with a BCM midlength that I used to own. Neither malfunction would cause me to question the reliability of the weapon. Both involved external factors that I would introduce on the square range only – substandard magazines and ammunition.
- BCM 14.5″ Midlength with Spike’s Tactical M4 LE
That was a very nice review of the two companies. I’ve been a dedicated Colt man for a couple of years now but since they do not manufacture a mid-length I have been eye-balling BCM. I believe that you have helped convince me that they are the direction I need to go. Thanks again.
BCM and Spike’s are both great companies, but don’t you think you’ve been ignoring DD a little too much? They build a great weapon comparable to BCM when it comes to quality (in fact, Spike’s uses their CHF barrels for the ST-15). And they’re in the same price range.
I would even say DD is better than LMT. But either way, BCM, DD, LMT, and Spike’s are all good to go for those on a budget. A BCM or LMT will cost about $1050, a DD about $1000, and a Spike’s with the same features as the DD costs $950. The only one that does not quite fit this list is the M4-LE, which at $800 is a fine weapon.
I agree that DD makes good stuff. I also like that they are trying to manufacture as much as they can. As one might expect, there have been a few hiccups (mainly with LPKs) as they learn the process.
I have several DD CHF barrels and they do not disappoint. I have yet to thoroughly examine a complete DD rifle. I don’t think that would be disappointing either.
I’ve got a BCM 16″ middy upper. When I got it the handguard endcap was so loose that if I took off the handguard and shook the upper the cap would almost rattle. It was not clamped between the FSB and the shelf on the barrel at all and only the gas tube kept it in place.
Did that impact the performance? Of course. Depending on where I gripped or rested the handguard the POI would shift by several inches at 25 yards.
BCM offered to look t it if I wanted to ship it to them. Instead I staked the cap in place and so far it hasn’t moved. Now I can use different positions and put my hands anywhere on the handguard and the POI will shift maybe 1″ at 100 yards, which is about what I would expect with a plastic handguard instead of a FF rail. The handguard I’m using is a Cav Arms C6.
When I posted about it on arfcom I got several replies and two PMs from other people who had the same issue with their BCM middy uppers.
I have no doubt that BCM would have fixed it, but now you’ve “heard a negative comment about the functionality or quality of BCM products from someone who had a reasonable basis for their opinion.” I like BCM and I own several of their uppers. I must be in that 1% category you mentioned.
I would really liked to have seen that upper. I have had loose handguards before – to include very very loose handguard caps on issued Colt rifles – and did not encounter a large POI shift at 25 yards. I’m not saying it didn’t happen – just that I would like to figure out how it did for myself.
My BCM 14.5 midlength has a little rotation in the handguard cap, but it doesn’t rattle; it has the DD Omega handguards, so I don’t experience any POI shift. As you alluded to, in order to completely eliminate such issues, switching to an FF rail is in order.
Thanks for the review. With BCM and Spikes, I would have expected a torrent of fanboys in short order! Could you show some targets to show how they group? Maybe include a comparative one with the 5.45 AR so that S&W doesn’t feel left out.
Also, Spikes’ upper is $485 and includes bolt carrier group, charging handle, and hand guards. BCM’s is $525 and you’d need to add ~$165 for these.
Love this article, and in fact, this has caused me to chose Spike’s now simply because I can get a midlength upper WITH bcg for $10 more than the BCM counter part.
Awesome as always. Where in the world did you pick up all your knowledge, and what theme is this you are using? Very classy.
Never mind about the theme, I see it now.
Love my ST rifle and the newley aquired spikes nikel boron bcg. And my friend enjoy his bcm. I still think mines better. Lol
Thanks for the great write. I’m looking to get another AR and your articles have been a tremendous help in getting back up to speed with the latest and greatest in the AR world.
That said, BCM and Spike’s have been 2 of the brands I’ve been looking at. I appreciate the respect the BCM has earned in the AR15 community for its reliability and quality, especially with professional shooters. I do have a Spike’s complete 22LR AR15 which I have no complaints about but to be blunt, the price difference between the 2 brands makes me wonder (as you queried) how they can offer their products at the prices they do. The cynic in me thinks it might be too good to be true. As for BCM, the only things that make me hesitate in purchasing a rifle from them are I cannot get precisely what I want from them.
For example, I would like to get a Magpul ASAP, Magpul MIAD and Phantom 5C1 installed when I buy the rifle. These may seem like minor points but I figure if I’m paying around $2K for a complete rifle, I should be able to get these minor things on the rifle when I buy it.
As for doing these things myself, I could definitely install the MIAD myself, the ASAP would only be a minor inconvenience (have to deal with getting the staked castle nut off then restaking it) but the flash hider is a no-go for me because I will be getting a 14.5″ bbl (no NFA for me in Illinois). On other minor point is I want the upper and lower to fit together “well”. In other words, I don’t want them so tight that I need a tool to open her up but I don’t want a rattle trap either. I know the upper/lower fit has no bearing on functionality or accuracy but I just like the solid feel of a good fit.
Since this will be my last rifle for a while (new baby on the way), I want to do things right with this one. That overriding goal is what keeps me coming back to BCM.
Thanks again for all your work. I for one sincerely appreciate it.
Nice Pic… I can’t help but notice that the BCM rifle has a sweet handguard, an Aimpoint sight and a VLTOR stock while the Spikes rifle is plain vanilla. I almost have to wonder if your opinion is bias due to the bling?
Is this a joke?
I may be overstepping here, but I think what Fart Box is trying to convey is that one might infer that you prefer the rifle that you have put more accessory money into, specifically the stock and aimpoint being installed on the BCM rifle. I don’t feel that it biased your opinion, as you gave both high marks and the only downgrade for Spikes was due to (at the time) lack of a HP test, but I would not be surprised to find out that you do, in fact, like your BCM rifle better for whatever reason. Just my .02 on trying to interpret what he was saying.
As you can see, one of the Spikes rifles pictured has a Vltor stock, rail, light, etc on it. The BCM shown has a Vltor stock, yes…the optic is a Primary Arms Micro that would have cost $80 but was free for T&E.
I dont think it’s a joke,It’s a dumb ass.
I have a lot of love for both companies and like the way that you presented them in your compare/contrast.
I’m planning on putting a BCM upper on a Spikes Tactical lower with plenty of Magpul, Vltor, and Daniel Defense to fill in the gaps. =)
Thanks for the writeup. I have been trying to decide between these EXACT two rifles for a while. I am glad to hear somebody finally list all the things that the companies do that are the same….sounds like most things.
I am in the group of folks that needs to take price into consideration. I am a recreational shooter, and do not depend on my gun every day. That being said, I want a quality firearm that goes bang every time I pull the trigger.
So, it looks to me that Spikes can match BCM on all fronts and do it for less….they will be getting my money. (I am just glad to hear somebody really say that Spikes is not some fly by night company).
I just returned a Spikes Middy LE upper assembly because the FSB was canted several degrees to the right. Spikes tried to convince me it wasn’t an issue and ultimately offered to exchange it but by then I didn’t want a Spikes product and returned it to the vendor for a refund. And there were more issues but it’s returned and I’m glad. Definite quality control issues and then trying to convince the customer that their concern is not an issue when they’ve not even looked at the upper. Bad business.
I have a Spike’s midlength upper and it is flawless. Chrome-lined. 1/7. etc etc.
The Spike’s heavy buffer included for free was a nice touch, that with the middy really smoothed it down.
I believe I am going to purchase a Spike’s Tactical. Your extremely well written, well thought out, and non-biased article was the final piece I needed to cement my decision. It’s nice to read an article by someone who appears to have been an operator and not a paper range know-it-all. Amatuers talk hardware, professionals discuss “software” i.e. training, tactics, and business practices of the company you are purchasing from. I could care less about what looks cool, what is trendy, or even what is expensive. I need a weapon that works.
Thanks.
Would love to read a “2 year later” update to this great article… Spikes has had another 2 years to grow.
I like alot of Spikes stuff, I have the ST-T2 buffer and extention tube in my BCM 16″lite bfh,mid upper. The 2yrs later thing,It looks to me like it’s effecting Spikes.Dont get me wrong,I’m not bashing Spikes.
I dont think Spikes Q.C is as devoted as B.C.M. I’m glad I went with BCM.
I have a Spike’s Midlength LE with an approximate round count of 3500 and have not experienced a failure of any type in the 18 months I have had it. Ammo has been a mixture of IMI M855 and my pet hand loads making up half while the rest has been Wolf, Tula, or Brown Bear. Mags have been Pmags, Brownells with the new mil spec follower, D&H, and Colt 20 rounders. The rifle is box stock except for the addition of a Rainier XTC, BCM gunfighter charging handle, and Magpul furniture. it has also received generous amounts of Slip 2000 EWL before misf outings. I have owned multiple ARs and still own several. It has surpassed my 6920 as my favorite and my go to gun. Smooth, accurate enough, and reliable. It has exceeded all my expectations and I look forward to taking it to a class after the first of the year.
BTW, I’m really digging the XTC from Rainier.
Update Jan 2004 BCM They have an upper I would like to buy, however, they do not put all the info on their ad that I need to make the final decision to buy it and I am mad as hell. They don’t answer calls, and do not have working email for me on their site. I just have no way of asking important info, like what is the twist is bolt carrier group incl. Hell I like the rest of what they are saying about it, but who know when they do not post complete information.
Sorry, No buy what you have in stock.
A living in CA, I get to price gouging on everything( paying the cost for 320+days a yr sunshine and beaches) .Add to it an almost manic anti firearms view point( in a state that has the largest population of convicts, parolees, and gangmembers, as well as the most restrictive laws implemented against law enforcement), and it adds up to limited and often expenisve choices for what I see as bottom feeder companies to sell their products for AR style rifles-your lucky if you can buy a Del Ton echo 316 or new kid on the block Core 15 rifle, cause the local gun shops will gladly foist an olympic arms, dmps panther, or ATI on you for $900.00 + and claim they are just as good as a Colt or LMT!
Liked the post, and it allowed me to make a choice-I’ll be mail ordering the spikes mid length LE upper for $529.00 from a reputable online dealer rather than plunk down nearly $40.00 at a local gun store that sells only bushmaster uppers with ar semi bolt carriers and non chrome lined barrels in 1/9 twists!