Nickel Boron Coated Bolt: Worth It?

[Abraham]

Are Nickel Boron Coated Bolt (only) for use in an AR as resistant to carbon buildup as claimed?

If so, I may have to buy one, cough, cough or two...

Brand recommendations?

Thanks!

[bauerdj]

I would not exactly say they prevent buildup so much as they make it much easier to clean up the buildup that does occur. Is it worth the extra cost? That depends on how you value the time you spend cleaning. I have had good luck with Aero Precision. Others maybe as good, I just havent had the expierience with them.

[Dadtodabone]

Fail Zero EXO NiB.
Their process, specifically surface preparation, creates an Electroless Nickel plate that is the industry standard. Using a boride, sodium borohydride or dimethylaminoborane, creates a nickel alloy film that is substantially harder than NiP (phosphorus) and improves lubricity.
Someday the EN process with Silicon Carbide or Diamond as a deposition alloy will/might become more affordable, until then, for an EOTWAWKI rifle I consider NiB a must have.

[The Annoyed Man]

I have a nickel phosphate bolt group that began life as a parkerized unit which I sent out to be plated. Not only does it clean up more easily, but the metal surfaces are slippery even without oil. Natural lubricity. The first time I fired the rifle with that BCG, I ran 150-200 rounds through it on a 100° day. There was a fair amount of filth in the action, but virtually all of it wiped off spic and span with a dry rag. There was some carbon caked on to the tail end of the bolt, and that scraped off quite easily with a bronze bolt scraper, leaving a mirror finish behind.

From what I understand, nickel phosphate is even slicker than nickel boron, but even nickel boron has to be a whole lot easier to clean than plain parkerizing. My bolt was done by a guy AndyC knows who owns a NiPh plating business to the oil drilling industry. Apparently, the demands of that industry are very stringent, and the working environment is hostile. The finish on mine feels like a slick, glassy ceramic. Even when dry, it feels like it has been oiled. I still lightly lube the parts with FireClean.

But primary reason for playing isn't cleanup, but increased lubricity.

[Abraham]

Thanks all very much for helpful information.

Man, every time I think yup, no need for anything more for my AR's, they're completely good to go and then I come across something else I know I just have to have...

I suppose in a few years if I follow through with buying all the new and greater gizmos my darlings will ultimately cost me $5000.00 each.

Imelda Marcos has nothing on me...

[dryfly]

These guys are top notch. I know them from the SigForum. I've been intending to send them the BCG from my AR.

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